“Keegan, it’s time. Kalla needs you.” The female looks between us, and Keegan nods his head. Face grim and tight. He does not move at first. “She is calling out for you.” The female’s voice is urgent with concern.  “Keegan, your mate needs you. Now.” I am now regarded with her eyes. She draws her vision over Keegan again, then me. Her brows pull together.  “Your mate said if you need your brother for support, you can ask him to come.” 

Wolves that fall from the cliff can never un-fall. “I will not fall,” I tell him.  “Fall from what? There’s nothing here to fall from.” “In the caves, there is a cliff, and here, there is you.”

"Paley, I want Sayda to share our bed tonight." Ryeson found the angle with those provoking words, and I watched Paley’s hands curl into fists, his mouth opening to reveal teeth.

“I will get used to this?” I let the absolute disbelief filter through my words to leave behind a salty face.

“Keegan, you have me now.” Those silver eyes focus on my face while his lips expose a quiver.

Our eyes meet. I hold no welcome or joy in mine... He understands that I know what he has done. 

Only females understand how to weaponize a laugh. I’ve understood for a long time how laughter is used for combat without drawing blood.

The fire is burning down to red-orange coals. It’s warm against my face, but intense heat is against my back—Paley’s behind me. So close...