Page 65 of Rogue Wolf

He shook his head, but the sadness stayed, even as he smiled.

She pursed her lips, stopping herself from asking if everything was all right. After everything that had happened, Tamaska had noticed his change over the last few days. Compared to the first time she’d met him, so much pressure lived in his eyes. The same would happen to anyone who became a new pack leader under such horrific circumstances.

She wanted to ease it, not add to it. She wanted to take it on herself, show him they could share it. But she didn’t know how to say it, and she didn’t know if those words would help or hurt.

The shifters did things at times so different and to her taking on some of his burden would be a gift for him, but in his eyes it could mean disobedience or worse. What if he took it that she didn’t believe in him?

Kodiak went to her, took her hands in his and squeezed. He leaned forward and kissed her. “I’m counting on your help, you know.”

His words meant the world to her. “I’m trying.” And guilt that came with doubt about whether she was doing the right thing or not in keeping what she’d found to herself after her attempt to share went array a at her.

She wanted to help, not make things worse.

Tamaska didn’t know which way she was falling.

“The others are sleeping outside in swags, but they’ll be ready soon. We won’t have time together again for…I don’t know how long,” said Kodiak.

“I’m just glad we had this much.”

She pasted on a smile. Right now it didn’t matter. Did it? He said Ash would know she’d been on her computer and though Tamaska wasn’t looking forward that altercation, she hoped it would lead her down the path she was thinking.

Maybe then he’d listen to another shifter, one he trusted. Or…she’d have to make him.

Guilt aside, there wasn’t anything she could do. Was there?

“Let’s go figure out how to kill some vampires,” said Kodiak, taking her the hands.

Excitement rushed down her spine. “Absolutely.”

The hut door flung open, slamming into the chair before swinging back. Tamaska jumped, yelping. Kodiak stepped in front of her, the stance so protective she’d have melted had this been any other circumstances.

Ash stood in the doorway, fire in her eyes, anger radiating from her.

“She fucking used my laptop,” said Ash, pointing at Tamaska.

“Isn’t your laptop password-protected?” asked Kodiak, positioning himself more deliberately between the women.

“Yes, but…” Ash sighed heavily, but her anger didn’t dissipate. “She used my laptop. No one uses my laptop.”

“I’m sure this is a misunderstanding,” said Kodiak, his voice calm and neutral.

“Don’t go protecting her because you’re fucking her. She has to follow the pack rules like everyone else. And don’t go trying to say she doesn’t know all the rules, Kodiak. It’s common sense not to use my laptop,” growled Ash.

“I’m sorry,” Tamaska said, twisting her hands, trying to hold back her annoyace. Fine, she knew it was wrong, but she’d needed to do something and they were all more about their positions and doing things right in the pack then actually doing things for the greater good. “The password wasn’t set, and I—”

“Wanted to snoop?” Venom dripped from Ash’s voice and it took a lot for Tamaska not to step back.

“No.” She tried to step around Kodiak. “I was left behind while you all cavorted and I decided to put my time to good use.”

“By snooping?”

“No! I told you. Does anyone fucking listen here? Or are you all too self-involved? I—"

“Hey,” said Kodiak sharply. “We’ve had enough infighting, I don’t want any more.”

“Then tell her not to use my laptop again,” said Ash.

Something in Tamaska snapped. “Listen to me, damn you. All of you, that goes for you, too, Kodiak. I get it. You’re all upset and stressed and I’m not anywhere near the favorite, but I can help out. I found things about my family, me. About the opal.”

---