Page 27 of Kai's Hunger

My time was running short. I could hear Trakker downstairs pacing. Our exceptional hearing had always been an asset. Now it felt more like a burden. “I need to go. My brother and I are searching the woods. We think the one who kept her might be out there.”

Her eyes widened. “So someone did take her?”

“Yes. We didn’t know that until now. We’d thought she ran off.” I stood, then cupped her cheek in my palm, enjoying the silky softness of her skin. “It’s late. You need to get some sleep, Lily.”

“I’m going to worry about you. Are you sure the authorities shouldn’t be notified? I mean, if someone is out there snatching exotic animals, then someone should be told.”

“No, we need to handle this ourselves.” I saw her concern and rushed to add, “We could get into trouble for having her.”

“I see.” She yawned and stared at the bed. “Will you at least let me know when you return?”

“It could be late.”

“I don’t care.” She pointed to her suitcase. “I have a new book I’ve been anxious to read anyway.”

“If you’re sure.”

“I know there’s more you’re not telling me.” She reached up and touched a finger to my jaw. “I won’t push, but if you truly want us to get to know each other better, then we need truth between us.”

She was right and I dreaded it. Lily was open and giving and she wore her heart on her sleeve. But when she saw my true form, that could all change. I leaned down and kissed her. “I want nothing more than to bare my soul to you. For now, rest. I’ll return as soon as I can.”

She nodded and followed me to the door.

When I turned the knob, I glanced back at her. “Lock it behind me.”

“Is that necessary?”

“Probably not, but I think you’ll feel better, yes?”

“You’re right. No offense to your brothers, but...”

“I get it.” I smiled, then thought to add, “If you need anything, Wyatt will be close by.”

“Thanks, but it’s been a long day. All I need is my comfy pj’s and my book.”

Her words brought up an adorable image. It was tempting to stay. Just slip beneath the covers and spend the night with her tucked up close. But I had duties to perform. And I couldn’t ignore them. The safety of my family—including Lily—was at stake.

I left her to it, then waited until I heard the lock slide into place before I went in search of Trakker. I found him at the refrigerator guzzling apple juice straight from the jug. “Wyatt’ll kick your ass if he sees you doing that.”

“So, don’t be a tattletale and we’re all good.” He put the jug away, then pointed toward the ceiling. “Got her all squared away?”

I nodded and led the way to the back door. “She’s staying. That’s all that matters.”

When we reached the back porch, Trakker turned to me. “All teasing aside, I hope you can make it work. She’s sweet and you’re different around her.”

My brother’s words confused me. “Different how?”

Trakker began to remove his shirt. “Less intense.”

I stiffened. “What’s that supposed to mean? I’m not intense.”

He laughed so loud that I was tempted to slug him. “Damn, the only one more intense than you is Wyatt. And I don’t mean that as a compliment either.”

“Can we focus here?” I stripped out of my clothes. I’d done it a thousand times, but this time it felt different. And I knew why. Lily. She was close and theYucilonpart of me wanted to get down on all fours and seek her out. The animalistic instinct to mate with her was already hard to resist, but in my shifted form it would become damn near impossible. Still, I couldn’t let myself think about anything except hunting. And if there was anyone on our land searching for Fostine, then the fuckers would be dealt with. Our very existence hinged on secrecy.

When I was naked, my clothes in a pile on a bench near the door, I closed my eyes and let instinct take over. Bones shifted and my claws extended. Within minutes my brother and I were off and running. Trakker was bigger, his black streaked with silver, and his eyes glowed a bright blue. I sniffed and detected the faint scent of something unfamiliar hovering in the night air. I nudged my brother with my snout to gain his attention before heading south. If Gregory Patterson’s lackeys had been foolish enough to follow Fostine, then their deaths would be on his head.

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