“Nayla.” Her name was a rough whisper, thick with emotion.
Her heart fluttered. He was such a fierce man, so strong and powerful, but unlike the stoic pack, he felt. Intensely. And though it might lead to loud words on occasion, it was exactly what she wanted. What she was strong enough and wild enough to handle—and give in return.
Leaving her friend’s side, she moved to stand in front of him.
She rose to her tiptoes, cupping his jaw, the rough stubble beneath her palm so familiar and so beloved. “I cannot say what the future holds, but I realize now what you need from me. I will not risk myself again without good reason.”
“Nayla.” Her name was a plea and a blessing. Solid arms wrapped around her, hauling her up against his hard chest as a shudder ran through him. “Loving you isn’t a choice for me, it’s a necessity. I know I’ve got some control stuff to wrestle with, but I’ll do better. There is no life for me without you in it.”
She didn’t know why the Ancients had proven so kind to her in the end, but she would be grateful to them until her last breath for bringing this extraordinary male to her.
“I am yours, Grif. Always. No matter what comes next. Our bond is forever.” She held him tighter. “Now, tell me what is wrong.”
“Bain came back.” He pressed a kiss to her temple and held her tighter. “Maddox and Nash had a run-in with the ghost, though he got away.”
“Are you they okay?”
“Bruised egos, and even more actual bruises, but they managed to confirm that the ghost was indeed the one who left us the spears. They found even more by his hideout. Whoever he is, he’s very good at making weapons. They also confirmed he was human, not pack.”
Nayla nodded without surprise. She’d known it.
“Malin did not like hearing the news. He kept right on railing, insisting there was some kind of connection between you and the ghost, demanding we use you for a trade. He and I had words. He stepped outside to cool off, but never came back. I’m concerned he intends to take you on his own.”
Nerves whispered through her. What had seemed a good idea a little while ago did not seem as wise now. Especially with Grif’s arm a tight band around her, as if he held onto her for his survival as much as her own.
“I’m not sure what the hells is going on,” he continued, “but we’re gathering everyone in the main tent, and I’m glued to your side until we figure it out.”
A rustle at the tent flap.
Grif shoved her behind him, ax raised. Lana crowded closer.
“Cam,” his voice was rough with relief, and admonishment, “all crew are to gather in the tent erected for the missing females. We’re headed there now to make final preparations. Until Malin is found, I don’t want anyone out alone.”
She nodded, her dark eyes worried, her arms clasped behind her back, her body curled in on itself. “I know. I’m sorry. I just… I went to check on Sharluff, and he’s gone, too.”
“No!” Nayla’s heart contracted.
Strong arms held her tighter. “It could be a trap. We need to stay smart, Nayla.”
She nodded. “No unnecessary risks. I understand. I will not do that to you again.” Raising to her tiptoes, she cradled his jaw in her hands. “I love you.”
His gaze caught fire. “Say it again.”
“I love you, Grif. Every part of you, the strong and the broken, the good and the monster. I will always give you what you need.”
Lana sighed. “You two give me hope. Maybe it’s not so much where you start out, but where you go from there that matters most. Plus, I’m beginning to think gentle may be overrated.”
Nayla was too busy staring up at Grif to tell her new friend she’d finally gotten it right.
Especially when he pressed his forehead to hers and the power and heat of him shimmered through her, making her burn. “There is nothing in this universe more precious to me, Nayla. You are my home and my heart.” He cleared his throat. “Once this is over, I want to give you everything, wild thing. A home, a family, even more little Sharluffs, if that’s what you want.”
Joy slammed through her. All she’d ever wanted. Finally.
“W-what are you doing?” The shock in Lana’s voice jerked Nayla from her state of bliss. She started to turn, but it was too late.
The tip of something golden slammed down on Grif’s head. He crumpled.
Nayla was left staring into the eyes of madness.
45
Grif woke with a start.
He was in the dirt. Malin loomed above.
With a roar, Grif launched himself upward. “Where is she?”
The other male toppled back, slamming into the ground, the forearm across his throat making his words come out in a hiss. “Get…off.”
Grif pressed harder.
“Grif, calm down.” The sharp crack of Lana’s voice penetrated his rage. “Malin is not the danger. It’s Cam.”
“Cam?” He released his hold and turned.
Lana was tied in the corner. A gag rested on her chin, red marks around her mouth and cheeks, her legs and wrists lashed with sagging ties she’d almost made her way out of.
“Hells.” Shoving off his teammate, he hurried to help her.
Malin was right on his heels.
“Are you hurt? Did Cam really do this to you? Is your head okay?” His teammate’s questions to the poor female came so fast, there was no time for her to answer even a single one. “I was down by the river edge near Sharluff’s pen when Cam came by. She said she was looking for you. That you’d gone missing. I, ah, got worried, dropped my guard, and she must have zapped me. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Give her a sec.” Grif really did feel sorry for the male. Especially now that he knew exactly how crazy love could make a person behave.
At the thought of Nayla, panic threatened to drag him down. He fought it. If ever there was a time for control, it was now. “What happened here?”
Lana rubbed at her wrists. “One moment Cam was just standing there watching you, like me. The next, she pulled something from behind her back. She moved so fast.” Lana shook her head, tears gathering. “Sh-she knocked you out. Just a single tap from the glowing spear. I thought for sure you were dead. Nayla screamed and attacked.”
Grif’s pulse thrummed with pride and fury.
“Sh-she tried to protect you and me. But Cam was ready for her. She…” Lana’s voice broke, “she hit her too.”
Grif was glad he was already on his knees. Nayla was so much smaller.
Malin asked the question he couldn’t. “Was she okay?”
“I don’t know. She was still breathing, but she didn’t move.”
Thank the goddess they had not figured out how to get the stones working at full capacity. It had likely saved her life.
“I-I was so afraid.” Lana’s terrified voice jerked Grif from his thoughts. “Cam said she would kill me. Or she would tie me up and gag me if I didn’t fight.” She sobbed. “I-I froze.”
“Good” barked Malin.
“No.” Pain darkened Lana’s gaze. “I froze. Like always.” Shaking, she wrapped her arms around herself and rocked back and forth. Grif stepped aside so Malin could step in. “I-I shouldn’t have just let Cam take her.”