Page 60 of Lion Conquers All
Naomi narrowed her eyes at the woman. “This isn’t just about the sheriff. If one person talks to one person and it somehow gets out. The government will lock us away and throw out the key.”
“Then we strategically tell enough people, so that there’s always someone in town to protect you.”
“What!” The word came out of Connie like a choked scream. Her lungs felt like bricks. Her stomach felt like a rock. “We can’t tell more people.”
Sarah nodded. “Yes, we can. You’re telling me there aren’t any otherhumansin town that either already know or are suspicious that something is up with you guys? It would be better to have them fully in the know. Then they can actively discourage anyone else from pursuing the truth.”
“You’re talking about telling more of the town. That’s risky. We don’t know how people would react. It could ruin everything.” Naomi waved her hand at the hunter laying at her feet dressed in winter-camo. “He might ruin everything all by himself. I don’t know this man. I don’t know what he saw, but he obviously shot Raj.”
Sarah straightened, refusing to cave to Naomi. “Well we can ask him. He’s waking up.”
“Fuck.” The curse came angrily from Naomi’s lips. “Ryder, come carry this man inside so we can try to talk to him away from Raj and Magick-Benders. How is Raj?” She focused on the two women chanting to themselves over the body of the lion.
“He will recover. The bullet missed his heart but damaged his lung significantly. We need time to heal him, but he will be well soon.”
“Thank you.”
Ryder jogged over and lifted the man from the ground. “Mahadhri?”
“Inside, please. We’ll see what he has to say.”
Sarah trailed after Naomi and Ryder toward the cabin and Connie followed a few paces behind them. She looked back at the mountain again before stepping inside out of the snow and wind. Her brain still wasn’t processing normally yet.
The warmth of the inside of the cabin was a welcome change. She rubbed her hands together and dropped her bag inside to the right of the door near a pile of boots. She hadn’t realized how cold she’d gotten out there.
“Katherine, would you make us some coffee.”
“Of course.” Katherine’s familiar voice called back from the kitchen. Connie couldn’t see her yet.
Ryder flopped the man onto the couch. “He’s starting to rouse. His heartbeat is rising slightly.”
Connie went to the man’s side to check on him. “You didn’t have to throw him.”
“He shot, Raj. He’s lucky all I did was drop him on the couch.” Ryder’s eyes flashed at Connie. He curled his lip like he was going to growl, but he didn’t scare her. She knew he was upset and worried about Raj. And he hadn’t meant to hurt the man, he just hadn’t been careful with him.
“Thank you, Ryder,” Naomi said, halting their confrontation.
“I’ll stay close?” He asked her, looking away from Connie.
“No, he’ll be less intimidated by women, I’m sure. We’ll call you if we need you.”
“Yes,Mahadhri.” Ryder left the living room and went back to helping the others carry bags out to the trucks.
“He threw him.”
Naomi face split into a small grin. “He’s fine and you know it. He isn’t injured. The couch is soft. Ryder used the circumstances to his advantage to get a little bit of frustration out. Can you blame him?”
“No. Not really.”
“Do you know this guy? I don’t recognize him. He has to be new in town.”
Connie stared at the man’s sleeping face. A little tanned. Scruffy salt and pepper hair and beard. Obviously an avid hunter since he was wearing winter-camo clothing. His boots were worn in too, so he was outside a lot. His hair was pulled back into a short ponytail.
“Maybe Liam or Harrison know him? He looks closer to Liam’s age.”
“Katherine?” Naomi looked toward the kitchen.
“On it. Just wanted to finish up these coffees for you first. I think they are over at Penny’s. I’ll go find them.” Katherine set down two mugs on the coffee table and then peered down at the man sprawled on the couch. “He does look familiar, but I can’t place him. If he’s been in the Watering Hole, Liam will know who he is for sure. Be right back.”
