Leap of the Lion (The Wild Hunt Legacy #4)(68)

“Do you remember how Breanne ran off to Seattle to rescue her human neighbors?” Owen took a coffee cup from the stack on the table and poured himself a cup. “At least Darcy was trying to save other Daonain.”

Vicki’s hand was over her mouth, and her eyes were laughing.

The Cosantir wasn’t amused. When his…black…gaze focused on her, the bottom of her stomach dropped out. “How badly were the Daonain exposed?” Calum’s quiet voice reminded her of how soft a cougar’s paws could be…until the claws appeared.

“I was careful and stayed in cat form the entire time. I avoided humans, roads, and camping areas. No one saw me.”

“Cosantir.” Owen’s voice was rough. “She’s scraped, bruised, starving, and footsore from staying shifted. It’s not her fault she didn’t learn the Law or about possible problems. That’s on me for not teaching her better.”

“I do realize that,” Calum said. “However—”

“There should be consequences, aye.” Gawain ran his hand down her arm in a comforting move. “However, I might note she’s already suffered for her less-than-wise choice. Her first Gathering…as a virgin…was not in a comfortable, warm room with soft cushions and a fireplace, but isolated on a freezing mountain with four males she barely knows.”

Virgin. Oh, he just had to put that in, didn’t he? Darcy glared at him.

“Jesus fucking Christ,” Vicki muttered. “And I thought I had problems on my first.” She turned to her mate. “I know this isn’t a democracy, oh guardian of the territory, but I’m all for mercy in this case.”

Calum’s lips twitched, and the darkness in his gaze lightened. “You would be.”

When his attention returned to Darcy, she fought not to shrink down in the chair. In the prìosan, Director had ruled with promises of pain. Calum needed no words, no actions. The power was simply his.

“Do you realize how lucky you are in your advocates?” he asked. “It appears you’ve made friends here—even with the cahir who avoids females. You’re finding your place within the Daonain, Darcy, and I’m pleased to see it.”

Darcy blinked. Friends? “I…” She had friends?

Yes. Yes, she did.

She looked up at Gawain who smiled, at Owen who didn’t, and Vicki who gave her a laughing look. “Thank you all.”

“Do you realize the dangers of leaving Cold Creek?” Calum asked. “And will you stay until your control is adequate?”

“Yes, sir.” The answer was automatic.

Vicki grinned. “Give me a few months, and I could make a Marine out of her.”

The sound Calum made was exasperated, but his arm went around his mate, pulling her closer. “Thank you, no. One of you in this territory is enough for the Gods to handle.”

Gawain chuckled, and then his smile fell away. “Darcy found a trace of a scent on a trail near the Twin Sisters, so we’ll concentrate around there. Has there been any news of the Scythe?”

“Tynan said someone requisitioned the traffic cameras records from around Seward Park. It’s good you two were careful when you entered the park.” Calum shook his head. “With no luck in Seattle, they are searching farther afield. They’re working their way through the forest towns.”

“I’ll die first.” Darcy heard the quiver in her voice. “I’ll make them kill me before I let them take me back.”

Owen closed his hand over hers. “They’d have to go through me first.” His voice was steady, calm.

“And me.” With an arm over her shoulders, Gawain leaned her against his muscular frame. “Relax, catling. You’re safe here.”

“This isn’t a tiny village like Dogwood. Our town has some serious resources,” Vicki said. “Speaking of which, my old boss is in Alec’s office,” Vicki said. “The minute we told Wells about the Scythe, he went into investigation mode. He wants to talk if you’re up to it.”

“Of course.” Wells was the big shot human spy. That was fighting fire with fire. “I’ll tell him everything I know.”

“Very good.” Calum tapped his fingers on his coffee mug. “While the search continues for your Dogwood people, please continue to work with your mentors. Learn to survive in animal form and how to live as a Daonain. As soon as we find out anything about the Scythe or your villagers, I’ll let you know.”

It wasn’t enough—and yet it had to be.

Darcy sighed. If it hadn’t been for the need to find her brothers and save her friends, this would have been the most wonderful time of her life. She glanced up at Gawain and met his concerned gaze.

Owen’s expression was worried, along with a stubborn expression she was beginning to know. He’d make sure she obeyed the Cosantir. His hand was still over hers—as if he had the right to touch her. Because last night, he had. He’d…known…her. Been inside her, bit her, tasted her.

Her shoulders straightened, and she pulled her hand away, moved away from Gawain. She mustn’t let herself fall for these males. If the Scythe came for her, they’d be killed—because they’d try to protect her.

She sighed, knowing there was no choice but to let others search for the prìosan and shifter-soldier camp. Experienced shifters could look for the Dogwood captives far more unobtrusively than she could.