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But Kaiya was gripping her abdomen more tightly, bending over. "It hurts!! Please — I need food or I think I might die."

The wolf howled and lunged against the cage of tattoos, and I could barely hold the idiot back.

"Did you hear? We have fresh fruits and vegetables today! There's even poppin berries! I've never seen one, let alone tasted the rare fruit, and they said everybody gets a berry or two!" one passing prisoner whispered to another. "They're saying it's a miracle — seeds planted yesterday somehow turned into a lush garden overnight."

Their words trailed off as they approached the tent, and I turned to stare down at Kaiya.

"Hells," she continued, voice rough. "If only there was a place around here with food for us to eat." She not-so-subtly nodded towards the mess hall tent a few dozen yards away.

Lying woman thought she —

The wolf howled and lunged for control, breaking through my barriers like a fucking stampede!

My body staggered forward and scooped Kaiya up into my arms.

Then I broke into a run — a fuckingrun— for the nearby mess tent.

"No! Stupid … wolf … don't …" I ground out.

But the damn wolf wouldn't listen to anyone but his mate.

"Uh, Tye." Kaiya looked up at me, eyes wide. "It's not actually that urgent. I can walk."

"Too fucking late," I ground out.

See, you stupid animal. She was lying to you!

The wolf let out an unperturbed huff, but backed down enough for me to get some modicum of control back.

Clenching my jaw, I forced the wolf to the edge of my mind once more, then sat Kaiya down.

She stumbled back a few steps, looking around awkwardly. A few people passed us with raised eyebrows.

Feed our mate!The wolf demanded.

No!I sent back.She's not even hungry!

The wolf snarled and continued to prowl at the edge of my mind as I turned to reprimand Kaiya about her little stunt. But she was already gone.

"Witch!" I yelled as she jogged up to the tent entrance. "Get back here right now!"

Ignoring me, she slipped inside.

"I know you can hear me," I yelled. "We are not eating here!"

Chapter 37

Tye

Igritted my teeth as the Witch and I settled atop some wooden boxes, blasted bowls of food in our hands.

Nearby, the old man Kaiya had hugged earlier was recounting a story to those who sat and ate — something about a dragon rider and a god beast.

Kaiya leaned closer, listening with rapt attention as she popped a plump red berry between her lips and smiled blissfully.

The wolf hummed with contentment.

But we weren't there for a story. I'd given in and let her get food. Now she needed to eat, so I could confirm my suspicion that she'd found people but was going to try to lie about it.