Chapter 16

16

I t was the longest night of my life. After we’d all claimed our sleeping spaces, Calum proceeded to ask Jack about the various beasties he’d encountered over the years, and knowing there were rooms where shadow snakes dangled from tree branches while they waited to wrap around your neck and choke you to death was more than a little unsettling. Add in the constant scritch-scratch of wings scraping the sides of the shelter and the knowledge that Jack was sleeping mere feet away from where I lay curled up, and it was ages before I was able to drift off.

And yet I still found my eyes popping open at the first streak of light.

Tip-toeing around the three men slouched about the cramped space—and smothering a laugh at the sight of Tenebris snuggled so tightly to Calum’s side he was all but in his lap—I made my way outside. Stretching my arms overhead, I breathed in the sweet, fresh air, but it did little to ease the tension that’d been building all night.

I can’t believe I agreed to spend the entire day alone with Jack.

I pulled my shirt over my head and tossed it to the side.

I can’t believe Jack is here to spend the day with.

The pants came next, followed by a pair of black panties. I paused, letting the early morning sun wash over my bare skin before allowing the wolf to claw her way to the surface. My paws hit the soft grass at a sprint, and I dashed across the lawn toward the streambed. Fish scattered in every direction as I splashed through the warm water. The stress from the previous evening melted away while I ran, leaping from rock to rock while I worked my way toward the trees. When I ran out of water, I took to the woods, careening around the peeling birch trees until they, too, came to an end and I was forced to pivot beside a swirling blue wall.

I put it to my left and ran some more, following the glimmering perimeter of the room’s boundary. The faint hum of magic vibrated from the wall, soothing the remaining wrinkles of tension as I trotted back toward the cabin. Jack stood outside with his hands stuffed in his pockets, watching me with the faint hint of a smile on his otherwise guarded face.

“I forgot how beautiful your wolf was,” he said when I approached.

I side-eyed him as I headed for my discarded clothing, drawing the wolf back inside while I did. Jack’s gulp was audible when I passed him, nonchalantly picking up my discarded clothes.

“And this,” he said, his voice coming out a touch strangled. “I definitely forgot how amazing this form was.”

I slid my underwear on before glancing over my shoulder. The bulge in his pants was impossible to miss, and I couldn’t help but wonder what he looked like beneath the layers of protective clothing he’d outfitted himself in. Would it be the same as I remembered? Or had that changed along with everything else?

His eyes flashed with an invitation to find out, and I whipped my head back around while I fumbled with my tunic. Embarrassment heated my neck when I realized just how flustered I’d become. I’m supposed to make people nervous, not the other way around.

“So…” I jammed my legs into my leather pants as I avoided looking at him. “Tell me about this sentient instrument we’re going to see today. What’s she like?”

“Harp?” His voice softened on her name, and I couldn’t help but glance up at him. A fond smile curved his lips. “She’s sweet and kind, an exceptional listener. Reminds me a bit of a mother the way she’s constantly trying to take care of me.” He rubbed the back of his neck, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. “To be honest, she’s kind of my best friend.”

I blinked. Harp was his best friend? He used to say that about me. Apparently I wasn’t the only one who moved on. You should be happy he had someone to talk to all these years, even if it was only an enchanted instrument. And I was, truly. But also just a teeny bit jealous? Gods help me, I’m pathetic.

“Awesome. Let’s hope she can help us.” I forced a smile before yanking the cabin door open and yelling inside. “Wake up you lazy bums, the day’s a-wasting. And Calum, get your hairy ass off my rucksack. I need my shit.”

The boys grumbled sleepily while they stirred, and I gave Calum a little shove as I pulled my bag out from behind his back. The light dimmed when Jack stepped inside the doorway, but I kept my focus strictly on the contents of my rucksack while I pulled out a utility belt and knives, as well as some potions and brushes. I could feel his gaze burning a hole in my back, but I refused to look back and meet it.

Because there was no telling what he’d see reflected in my eyes if I did.