Page 54 of Secrets and S'mores
“I know this isn’t fair,” Hazel says slowly. “But we will figure something out that doesn’t include you getting hurt.”
“What can you do if you can’t send fighters?”
Slate and Hazel exchange a look before Slate answers. “We don’t know yet. Hawthorne and Jasper havebeen talking to Sienna daily. They’re working on a few ideas, but nothing has come together yet.”
“Will you tell me when that happens?” I ask.
Jasper nods. “As long as you’re being reasonable, yes.”
“I’m not the unreasonable one at the moment,” I snap. With a sigh, I try again. “Fine. Keep me updated. Am I free to just hang around like I’ve been doing? Or do you want to lock me up?” Sarcasm edges my words.
“Stick close and keep Onyx with you. Not too close to the road either. I don't want to take any chances.” Slate rubs the back of his neck.
“And you’ll stay?” Jasper asks.
“For now.” It’s the only answer I’m willing to give.
“Watch her,” Slate instructs Onyx. I want to slap him, but then I remember that Hazel was snatched from their territory once. It’s possible he’s worried about my safety instead of thinking I’m a flight risk.
“I’m going to head back to keep working on this whole disaster,” Jasper says, shaking his head as he stands and brushes off his pants. “Hopefully we will have some answers soon.”
Hazel’s concerned gaze lingers on me, and I’m grateful when Onyx drapes an arm over my shoulder.
“What are you guys gonna do tonight?” she asks.
“Dunno. Hang out,” Onyx answers for us. Stomach in knots, I’m not interested in questioning him.
Hazel and Slate excuse themselves.
“What can I do to make you feel better?” Onyx asks, turning to bump his nose into my temple.
“I just want to get away from everyone,” I answer honestly. He removes his arm. “No, from everyone else. Not you.”
His pleased smile eases some of my turmoil.
“So what should we do?” His whispered question holds innuendo that brings a blush to my cheeks.
“Want to just take a walk?” I suggest. “I know we are supposed to stay close, but maybe we can head east, further from my pack?”
“Yeah, up the creek is really nice, near our border with Raven and Ironcrest packs,” Onyx says thoughtfully.
“Two legs or four?”
His gaze turns hungry. Four legs means less clothing at the destination, but he reigns himself in. “Up to you.”
“Let’s just hike it. Slower sounds nice.” I shrug. He puts up no argument, except to make sure I change into better shoes.
Five minutes later, we are walking along a faint trail I can hardly see, heading north-east. My legs aren’t as long as Onyx’s, but he slows his pace to match mine, and I stay close behind him until the trees thin.
The light through the branches takes on a pink tinge, but I don’t fear sundown in these woods with Onyx beside me.
A squirrel scampers on an overhead branch, and a robin flits past, doubling back to check on us. Onyx smiles up at it.
“Your part of the forest feels different than ours,” I murmur.
“Oh, yeah?”
“More alive.” It hurts to admit, but I’m done holding back truths from Onyx. He’s seen the worst of me.
