Leap of the Lion (The Wild Hunt Legacy #4)(84)

Slinking slow, Darcy slid out from the underbrush. Such a small panther. Her fur was several shades darker than his, and she could fade nicely into the shadows.

He indicated the pine in front of him. “A werebear marked this tree. Do you recognize the scent?”

Ears up in excitement, she trotted over to the tree. After a sniff, she shifted. “Yes. I didn’t know him well, but he’s three or four years younger than me and my brothers.” She bounced once. “Oh my Gods, they’re here. Somewhere close.”

Gawain eyed the claw marks. The young male was nowhere as tall as Ben. Probably a black bear. “Tell me how old the scent is.”

“I don’t have time for lessons. We found them. Let’s—”

“How old?”

Her brows pulled together, but she obediently sniffed, backed up, and sniffed again. “I…I’m not sure. The weather is chilly, so the scent would linger for maybe a couple of weeks?”

“Aye.” He ran his hand down her arm. “I’d guess over a week, and the smell of his passage is gone. You’re not going to track them by scent now.”

“Oh.” Her shoulders slumped.

Unable to help himself, he slung his arm over her bare shoulders and drew her close. When she sighed and cuddled against him, his heart leaped with pleasure.

“I want to find them so bad.”

“I know, cariad.” He pulled her closer, trying not to notice how very good she felt against him. If she needed comfort, that’s what he’d give her, no matter what his body wanted.

After a minute, she tensed, as if recalling her state of undress. Yet, rather than stepping back, she softened against him.

He caught the scent of interested female. Mmm.

“Darcy.” Her head lifted, her dark eyes met his, and he lowered his head slowly, giving her time to retreat.

She met his lips with hers.

By the God, she tasted like the tart huckleberries from the undergrowth, and he took the kiss deeper, exploring, and letting her explore in return. He filled his hands with her softly curved ass and pulled her up, rubbing his erection against her, smelling her arousal.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t the place to take matters further. He pressed light kisses over her cheek and jaw before releasing her. His cock was so hard his jeans felt as if they’d shrunk at least two sizes. “Let’s go fetch Owen.”

Her eyes were dazed. “Owen?”

Yeah, his mind jumped all over the image of sharing her with his brother. Stay focused, mage. “We’ll get my littermate, take animal form, and check this path the rest of the way.”

“Oh. Of course.” She huffed a laugh. “I can’t believe the way you make my head go mindless.” Forehead against his chest, she nodded. “Let’s go get Owen.”

She stepped away, prepared to shift back to cougar.

“Want to walk with me on the trail?” he asked.

“Yes, please.”

He’d come prepared. Pulling off the daypack, he took out her clothes.

“You are so smart.” She took the bundle and…still modest, turned away to change.

The thin sunlight coming through the canopy bathed her shoulders…and highlighted the thin shiny white scars on her back.

Anger surged. Someday, he’d meet the Scythe who’d hurt her…and they would die.

After she dressed, they retraced their steps, moving at a good pace. As they neared the camp, she kept giving him small glances.

His lips twitched. “Ask, Darcy. I won’t claw your ears off.”

Her lovely eyes were uncommonly serious. “About your mother. She…I know she’s your mother, but she was awful. Why did you stay in her town so long? Why didn’t you come to Cold Creek sooner and be with Owen and Bonnie?”

He halted as her unanticipated questions hit him like an attacking eagle’s talons. He could almost feel his spine snap.

Her gaze fell. “I’m sorry. It’s not any of my business.”

But if he wanted more from her than a single night, his past would be her business. He’d built this trap of ugly memories; it was time to chew himself free. “I didn’t stay in Pine Knoll because I wanted to be around her. My mother isn’t a likable woman; in fact, if there were shifter vultures, she’d be one. She expects everything to be handed to her, doesn’t want to work, and will manipulate, whine, cry, yell, and blackmail to get what she thinks she deserves. Edwyn had the same attitude.” Gawain heard a branch snap nearby and started to turn.

“Were you living with her?”

“No, Owen and I moved out at fifteen. He apprenticed to a carver, me to a smith, and Bonnie was safely away in Cold Creek. Edwyn didn’t want to learn a trade and so he stayed with Mother and provided the fawning attention she required. He didn’t do anything else, so when she was between males, she’d call me and demand money or help with stuff at home. I protested, but”—he hated admitting this—“I always caved in.”

“At fifteen.” Darcy’s expression was thoughtful. “You were way too young to stand up to her.”

“Maybe. Owen did all his life, though.”

“I get the impression he didn’t have much choice.”

Gawain shook his head. “I wanted to love her—but I hated her. And I still feel guilty for hating a female.”