was done deliberately.”
“Enough.” Grif’s command allowed for no argument. “We’ll keep Sharluff farther from the tents from now on, and use extra care when leashing him for the night. What matters most is that we’re all okay.”
Relieved, Nayla nodded, but something in Grif’s gaze worried her all the same.
She followed his line of sight. He was staring at the others, studying each person with the same intensity he’d used when she was in his ropes.
Was he concerned they would believe Malin’s suggestion that she had purposely freed Sharluff? Or did Grif worry she had done something before she had gone off to try and sleep separately?
“We’ve wasted enough time,” Grif told the others. “Let’s clean up and clear out. Nothing is going to delay this mission.”
She had no idea what had prompted Sharluff’s wild dash. She’d thought he’d begun to grow used to the strange scents and sounds of the Others, but he could have scented another beast and gotten spooked. Or simply wanted to see her. He didn’t like to be separated. Either way, she’d have to be more careful.
She waited until the others departed. “Grif,” too nervous to lay a hand on him, she settled for wringing her hands in front of her, “what Malin suggest not true.”
“I know, wild thing.” Closing his hands around hers, he pulled her to him. “I checked that damn leash before I followed you and it was more than secure. Maybe Sharluff got himself out anyway. He’s definitely wily enough.” He squeezed her tighter. “Or…maybe someone else is up to something.”
39
Two rotations later, Nayla picked her way carefully to where Sharluff was tied, working the stiffness out of her arms and legs. Since his breakout, she’d been instructed to place his sleeping area a good deal farther from the sleeping tents.
She didn’t mind though. It was nice to have the time alone. After so much time wishing otherwise, she was finding being around others more challenging than expected.
Especially when there was a chance one of them was trying to cause problems for her or the mission.
It was hard to believe, but Grif was watchful all the same.
Grif.
Being with him was like riding the fastest, most exciting, seething current. Every rotation better than the last. Her heart slammed inside her chest each moment she was with him, her blood running hot. Carried along by his will and strength, her joy was close to effortless. She could have spent all her rotations by his side, all her nights in his arms.
But with every step deeper into pack territory the rest of her new life seemed to grow only more complicated.
“You need help?” Zale passed her, heading away from the water back to the campsite, a few dofels slung over his back.
True to his word, Grif had figured out a way to catch them and chalky rations were a thing of the past. Even her belly, once hollow, was now as full as her heart.
“No. I am good. Thank you.” Thankfully, while a few of the crew remained standoffish after the incident with Sharluff, most were just as friendly as they’d been before.
It meant a lot.
“Any luck with the spear?” He turned around to ask, walking backward, his small braids swinging in time with the evening’s dinner.
“A little.” The whole crew was interested in such developments—and asked her about it. It was another wonderful change from her past.
She’d left Grif with Bain and Quil. The three of them huddled over the danashe crystals and red powder, trying to get her spear to light. She’d never been privy to the pack hunters’ secrets about the balance needed, but she had been able to offer some basic suggestions based on what she’d observed. She wasn’t sure, though, that any of the crystals they were using were the right size and weight, but none of them had yet to come across anything better.
“So far, they get one flicker,” she reported.
“Hah.” White flat teeth flashed as he smiled. “Must be driving Bain crazy. Still, not to worry, those three will figure it out. Then, before long, we’ll have a whole slew of glowing spears ready to go.” With a final salute, he disappeared around the bend.
A familiar wave of nerves passed through her. Grif assured her more spears was for the best. That having the same weapon capabilities would make Talg more inclined to find a solution. She hoped it was the case.
She hoped, too, it gave Grif a little peace.
Since Sharluff’s escape, she had sensed the tension inside