I might have run from the big wolf that came through it, if it hadn’t been for Rovan’s arm around my shoulders, and the three hands set squarely against my back. I might have made the mistake of meeting his eyes if it hadn’t been for twelve whispered “eyes down” and two pokes. Rovan tightened his hold.
“Very good, pup.”
I glanced up at him, and then quickly down, again. The whole time, I had the feeling of being inspected to within an inch of my life—like the approaching wolf was taking in every detail. The thought made me shiver, and I snuck a quick peek at him from under my lashes, gasping when I saw he had come to a halt a scant half meter in front of me.
“What have you brought me, Rovan?”
“The missing crew member, Hunt Leader.”
The Hunt Leader stilled, and I saw his hands, his gauntleted-in-heavy-combat-armor hands, curl.
This was so not good. I tensed, and felt the squad crowd closer. Sneaking another glance up at the Hunt Leader, I saw their movement had caught his attention.
“What have you done, Rovan?” and the pack leader’s arm tensed.
“I made her yield.”
“Truly?” and the Hunt Leader sounded so surprised I glanced up at him, again.
This time, my eyes snagged his, and I froze.
“Eyes! Down!” came from thirteen minds, and twelve snarls rippled across me.
I whimpered and crowded closer to Rovan—and the Hunt Leader laughed.
“Let me take a look at you,” he said, curling a long-clawed finger under my chin.
I flinched, and three hands patted my back, even as Rovan pushed me slightly forward, but didn’t take his arm from around me. I met the big wolf’s gaze a second time, and tried to avert my gaze. When his grip prevented me, I closed my eyes, forcing myself to stay perfectly still in his grasp.
He turned my face from one side to the other, as though inspecting the bruises under my eyes, my still slightly swollen nose and mouth. And I let him. He let go of my chin, and took a step back.
“Come here, pup.”
I shot an uncertain glance at Rovan, but did as the Hunt Master ordered, coming to a stop just in front of him, and wondering what to do next.
“Stay still,” “Eyes down,” ‘Wait,” all flitted through my skull, and I tried to obey. It was hard. The Hunt Master was bigger than the other wolves, bigger than even Rovan, and I did not know what to expect. All I wanted to do was hit him and run. For a minute, I missed Mack, and then the Hunt Master spoke.
“Do you know who I am?”
I glanced up at him.
“You are Captain Erkan.”
It had been meant to come out clear and precise, but I managed only a whisper.
What the fuck was wrong with me?
And thirteen minds projected disapproval. I flinched. Erkan noticed, and laid a hand on my shoulder.
“And I see your pack has you well in hand.”
“Yes, Hunt Master.”
Again, that ridiculous whisper, but my voice wouldn’t produce anything louder. The Hunt Master terrified me on a level I couldn’t explain, yet at the same time, I wanted to please him, wanted his approval. Was that me? Or thirteen anxious pack mates, projecting through me—and did it really matter?
“Do you understand what it is to yield?”
And I nodded.
“Explain.”
“Pack Leader Rovan is all,” I whispered, and then tried again. “I mean, he is…”
He laid a claw over my lips.
“That is all.”
And I wanted to cry, felt as though I had somehow failed my pack, and disappointed both my pack leader and my hunt master. It reminded me of Mack, and I wondered where he was, and stilled as the Hunt Master spoke, again. This time, he addressed his words to Rovan.
“Well done, Pack Leader,” and I relaxed just a little, as he continued, “and well done for bringing the Dasojin in. Those things are hard to catch unawares. I will let you escort the pup to storage and transfer custody there.”
A wave of relief washed through me. It was touched by disappointment, and a little resignation, but we all knew it couldn’t be any other way. The barracks were no place for a pup, and nor could a portion of the contract be kept, no matter how much anyone thought a mascot was good for morale.
I didn’t know how I was going to survive without them, but the captain didn’t give me any time for regrets.
“Back you go, pup. Do as you’re told.”
I almost laughed at that, wondering when I’d ever done as I was told, but I nodded, risking another glance at his face.
“Yes, Hunt Master.”
I went to turn away from him, but thirteen panicked “Nos” made me stop.
“Back away,” came from thirteen minds, and I obeyed, keeping my eyes down, and moving slowly, until I fetched up against the hard carapace of Rovan’s armor. This time the feel of his arm around my shoulders was a relief.
“Well done, Pack Leader. Take her to storage, and then stand your squad down. You have done well.”
This time, happiness surged through my head—and relief. Their gamble had paid off. They had captured the Dasojin, and brought in the last crew member. They would be the toast of the barracks.
None of this joy escaped my head, though. The squad stood perfectly still as the Hunt Master made his way back to the exit, where two more, large wolves waited. He had bodyguards? Here? Amongst his own? What did that say about his crew? About his people? His pack?
I glanced up at Rovan, but he was watching his Hunt Master, and the rest of the pack stood behind me, their minds quiet, so I had no way of knowing what they were thinking. Instead, I had
