Page 43 of Alien Huntsman

Tessa hummed softly as she mixed fresh berries with a few spices she’d found tucked away in Korrin’s sparse pantry and spooned them into a baking dish. Sunlight streamed through the cabin’s windows, casting golden patterns across the wooden floor where the pups tumbled and played. Every few minutes, she’d glance over at them and smile.

Her body ached pleasantly, reminding her of the night before. The memory of Korrin’s hands on her skin, his mouth trailing fire across her body, sent heat flooding through her. She pressed her thighs together, biting her lip as she worked the crumble topping between her fingers.

“Behave,” she whispered to herself, but she couldn’t stop smiling.

When Korrin had mentioned going to speak with Seren about her, a flicker of anxiety had passed through her, but he’d kissed it away.

“Stay here,” he’d murmured against her lips. “Let me make sure they’re prepared to welcome you properly.”

The pups whined, sensing her distraction, and she knelt to give them a quick cuddle. “He’ll be back soon enough,” she assured them, though the words were as much for herself as for them.

Rising to her feet, she washed her hands, then slid the crumble into the small oven. The cabin felt different without Korrin—quieter, smaller somehow. But it still felt like home in a way the bakery never had, even before Lenora.

She stretched, wincing slightly at the twinge between her thighs. Worth it, she thought with a private smile. She moved to the window, gazing out at the forest. Somewhere beyond those trees was the Vultor enclave, where Korrin was telling his pack leader about her. About them.

“I wonder what they’ll think of me,” she mused aloud, not particularly worried but curious. The pups crowded around her ankles, demanding attention, and she laughed.

“You’re right. I shouldn’t worry.” She bent to pick up Storm, cradling him against her chest. “If they’re anything like your grumpy guardian, they’ll pretend not to like me at first, then won’t be able to resist.”

She was just pulling the berry crumble from the oven when the pups’ playful tumbling abruptly ceased. Their ears pricked up, bodies tensing as they crowded together near the door. A low, collective growl rose from their throats.

“What is it?” she whispered, setting the hot dish on the table.

The growling intensified. Bashful backed up against her legs, trembling but still making that threatening sound.

Something moved outside. Footsteps, heavy and unfamiliar, crashing through the woods.

Her heart jumped into her throat. It wasn’t Korrin—she’d recognize his purposeful stride anywhere. Besides, the pups would be yipping with excitement, not growling in alarm.

She grabbed the iron poker from beside the fireplace, clutching it tightly as she approached the door. The pups followed, their small bodies vibrating with tension.

“Stay behind me,” she murmured, though she wasn’t sure what protection she could offer them if danger lurked outside.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the door and stepped onto the porch, poker raised defensively.

Edgar Thornfield stumbled out of the tree line, his fine clothing snagged and dirty, face flushed with exertion. Sweat plastered his thinning hair to his forehead, and his breath came in labored gasps. When he spotted her, his irritated expression immediately transformed into what she supposed was meant to be a charming smile.

“Tessa! Thank heavens I’ve found you!” He straightened his jacket, trying to recover some dignity despite his disheveled appearance.

The poker nearly slipped from her suddenly numb fingers. “Edgar?” she managed, her voice faint. “What are you doing here?”

Behind her, the pups crowded the doorway, their growls growing louder as they sensed her distress.

His gaze flicked to them, his smile faltering for a second before he fixed it back in place. “I’ve come to rescue you, of course.” Hetook a step toward the porch, extending his hand. “The whole village has been in an uproar since you disappeared. When I heard you might be up in these mountains, I knew I had to come for you myself.”

“I don’t need rescuing. And you can stay right where you are.”

She tightened her grip on the poker as Edgar ignored her, and the pups huddled protectively around her ankles, their growls intensifying.

“How did you find me anyway?” she demanded.

Edgar smiled, the expression not quite reaching his eyes. “Your friend Scarlett’s grandmother has been telling everyone you’re alive and well, somewhere near the village.” He pressed a hand to his chest. “You can imagine my relief. I’ve been beside myself with worry.”

His concern rang hollow. There was something calculating in his gaze that made her skin crawl.

“Well, as you can see, I’m perfectly fine.” She gestured towards the place where he’d emerged from the woods. “You can head back now and let everyone know.”

Edgar’s smile faltered. His eyes swept over the rustic cabin with undisguised disdain. “Surely you don’t intend to stay in this… hovel?” He laughed as though the very idea was absurd. “Come back with me, Tessa. Lenora has been absolutely distraught.”

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