LERRIN

There was no Suhle for his bath that even and a small, coiled chill began in his stomach.

He got his own dinner from the cookpots, and met with the resource officers to discuss the need for extra hunting packs to travel further, now that they had cleared the immediate area of food.

He spoke with Asta—carefully—about the continued lack of discipline in the camp and asked her to gather the fist leaders in the morning.

And he went back to the tent and readied for bed, and tried to read. But he couldn't focus. Eventually he gave up and blew out the lanterns, praying she would return. That she would not put herself at risk to avoid his anger.

When high moon arrived and she still had not returned, he became truly worried. He prayed that she would come back. That she woudn't spend a night cold, or afraid, because of him.

But it was almost an hour later before the light from the other side of the tentflap flittered in and though he didn't move, he sucked in a huge sigh of relief.

Suhle tip-toed into the room, moving smoothly and quickly, yet he didn't hear a sound. She truly was a master a hiding her passage.

As she disappeared into her own space, behind the screens they'd found and erected in one corner to make a small bedroom for her.

He debated whether to speak or send to her, to see if she would respond. But he couldn't risk the Guards hearing what he had to say. And something about forcing her to speak in the dark…

Suhle, he sent. I'm sorry. I'm so glad you came back. I'm sorry. I should never have kicked you out.

She sighed audibly. The rustling sounds of her changing her clothing made his body tighten, but he ignored it. She did not need to scent desire on him after what he'd found today.

I looked at my people and I saw… too much that is not good, he sent. You were right. I should have listened. I'm sorry. I'm calm now. I will try to make sure I stay that way.

There was a hesitant moment where she did not move or speak. He closed his eyes and thanked the Creator when her voice bloomed in his head.

You have not seen all of it. I am certain.

He nodded, swallowing. I'm certain you're right. If you would tell me, I will listen.

She sighed and he wished he could pull down the screen between them, see her face and know what was painted there.

Lerrin closed his eyes and focused on her scent instead, grimacing when he found edges of fear, anger, and resignation mixed right alongside her resolve and sense of purpose. He waited to see if she would agree to speak, and was rewarded when she did.

The ill-discipline you see, the self-indulgence, that is only the beginning, she sent.

He nodded and let her feel his conviction that she was right. Tell me, he urged.

She sighed again. There is a portion of the males here—only a corner of them, but some are influential, and all are strong. They… they want only the wolves to thrive, and for themselves they want to enjoy what they call freedom, but it is in fact only self-indulgence.

What are they doing? he asked.

They are taking females. Young, strong females. Females with desirable qualities.

Lerrin felt like he'd taken a spear to the gut. But she wasn't finished.

They want to increase the wolf-population. Or so they say. But in truth, they seem merely interested in their own pleasure. And power. I believe they do it mainly because… they can.

Lerrin's breath began to tear in and out of his nose. Why didn't you tell me?

You didn't want to hear it.

He felt that like a blow as well and covered his face with his hands. I want you to know, Suhle, I will never take you. I will never ask you to give yourself. You are safe here. Always. Until your days end, you are safe you can sleep easily at night. I will offer my cover—even if I take a mate, or… or anything else. And if you're ever approached by a male who will not wait for the signals, you come to me, and I will deal with him and anyone who supports him. You will be safe. I vow it.

I believe you, she sent and he could feel the warmth in her. Gratitude. He did not deserve it. But there is a risk to you if you address this eye-to-eye, she sent.

What is that?

There's a faction in this camp that are… waiting. Waiting to see if they will follow you. They are powerful and strong. They have not thrown their lot in with you yet. But they have not abandoned you either. They wait, I believe, to see if you will give in to this… cruelty.

Lerrin felt ill. And murderously angry.

Suhle tensed, he could feel it through the link. But she did not flee.

That is why you were so angry about me leaving these doors open? he sent reluctantly.

Yes.

Lerrin suddenly felt too hot. He pushed the blankets down to his waist, pulled his hands up to his face and tried to think. Tried to breathe.

How do you know of these people? How many of them are there? he sent.

Your sister… she was sympathetic, she replied. She had told them she would bring you to it, but that they would need to wait. That you would be harder to convince.

She knew they were harming females?! He sat bolt-upright and turned toward the screen. When she didn't answer right away, he sent again. Suhle, tell me. Did Lucine know?

"I thought she didn't,

" Suhle whispered.

"When she took me in personally, I thought she was only sensing my discomfort around certain males—she… interrupted something once. But by the end… she would warn me when they were coming, and once I heard her warning them away from someone else. She knew, Lerrin. I'm sorry. She did not like it, and she tried to protect females. But she knew.

"