Page 20 of Howling Love (Hunter’s Moon Ritual #1)

“I’ve only seen a little, but it does seem unreal,” I agreed. “I’m glad you made it out, though. I feel bad for the ones who didn’t.” So much so that I felt like I couldn’t breathe for a minute. Who’d been left behind? Had any of the children made it out?

Ravina’s face filled with a flash of regret. “Only some of us escaped…but maybe with the information we’ve given them, they’ll be able to save others.” It was a very optimistic tone for her, but I appreciated it. I wanted that to be the case.

The silence between us grew as I considered the implications of everything that had happened. Of how unlucky others had been.

“I’m surprised the three of them even let you out of their sight,” Ravina commented, trying to break the somber mood. “They’ve been guarding you religiously. The Eight would be impressed.”

“Really?” I asked. “I’ve only seen Basir so far. He’s getting me food.”

Before she could respond, her spine straightened as she looked toward the door. I was confused for only a moment before a large man came striding in, his icy blue gaze darting around the room…before landing on Ravina.

“Shit,” she murmured, offering me an eye roll. “While I would love to chat more, three-one-four, I have a feeling Zev is about to interrupt us.”

Zev was huge, and as he made his way toward us, he seemed to only get larger—like the size of Ravik. His white-blonde hair was messy, and he looked rumpled, as if he’d just rolled out of bed. Ravina stood in a rush, looking flustered.

“You left bed.” His words were filled with concern, and my brows went straight up.

“Hey.” Ravina scowled at me, blushing bright pink. “It’s not what you think. He just won’t let me stay anywhere else. Don’t judge.”

The unexpected vulnerability that tinged her voice had me immediately assuring her. “I wasn’t,” I promised. “I was just surprised by how upset he seemed.”

“Of course I’m upset,” Zev said before offering me a nod in greeting. “Gracie, it’s nice to finally meet you. Now come on, baby. Back to the room.”

Wait…how did he know my name? Ravina sighed and shook her head at the man, though she wasn’t really bothered by his statement as she took his offered hand. Before the two of them left, she offered me a small nod

“Glad you’re awake and safe, three-fourteen. I’m sure I’ll see you soon.”

And then they were gone.

Warmth filled my chest as I stared at their retreating forms. Ravina was safe and seemingly happy.

But the warmth faded as I thought about others who deserved the same.

Others who’d been left behind. The guilt of being one of the few who’d escaped started to grow and feel more oppressive.

I tightened my hands on my lap, staring at the wood table in front of me.

All of those children, left to Ivan and his cruel punishments. They were surely suffering because of what happened that night. Frustrated tears welled in my eyes because there was nothing I could do about it. It was like losing Owen all over again, that sense of helplessness.

Maybe I could talk to Ravik or Thornar about it…or Basir. Where was he? I thought he’d have been back by now. My head moved up as I realized the man was nowhere in sight.

In fact, I was completely alone. I was surrounded by strangers, completely alone. My throat started to tighten and I sank further into my chair, feeling the intense need to disappear. Especially when I noticed others looking my way, as if my distress was obvious. It probably was.

“Lil flame, I don’t like that look on your face.”

Relief cascaded through me. Thornar was right behind me, staring down at me in concern.

His large, rough hand smoothed up my throat in a hold that made me melt as his warm brown and golden gaze ran over my expression.

His levity was gone, replaced with concern over me.

I inhaled his intoxicating scent, and I had to force myself to stay in my seat, to not stand and throw myself into his arms.

“What’s wrong?” he asked seriously, his gaze darting up and looking around the room. “And where’s Basir?”

“He went to get me food,” I explained softly.

Thornar leaned down and brushed his nose against mine, sending a shiver across my skin.

My eyes closed as I imagined him leaning down closer and brushing his lips against my cheek—or even my lips.

My hand smoothed up his arm and onto his large hand at my throat.

I would have happily stayed like that forever, and my wolf was thrilled—jumping around playfully with shadows, as if interacting with Thornar’s wolf.

My anxiety faded into nothing in his presence. Warmth. Safety. Affection. Thornar evoked that and so much more.

“Where were you?” Thornar asked suddenly. His voice held a note I’d never heard before—a dominance and authority that had me feeling almost…defensive for Basir.

“What happened?” Basir asked, concerned and confused, as he set a plate in front of me. My stomach tightened at the sight, my mouth practically watering.

“He was getting me food,” I reminded Thornar.

“She shouldn’t be alone,” Thornar told Basir before sitting next to me.

Basir frowned before tapping my plate. “Eat up, glow. I’m sorry I took so long. One of the captains approached me about a behavioral issue, so I had to direct him down the chain.”

“Ah.” Thornar sighed and shook his head. “We have a chain of command for a reason. Eat up, Gracie.” The second reminder finally spurred me into action.

“What happened?” Basir asked again, directing the question to me. After four or so bites, I finally found it in me to pause and give them the best answer I could manage.

“I was thinking about all of the kids left behind with Ivan. Everyone, really. I can only imagine what he’s doing to punish them. I was thinking how lucky I am that you three decided to help some of us, even if it was just for intel on your end.”

Thornar broke into a chuckle. “Is that what Basir told you? That it was for intel?”

“I mean, not exactly…”

“We came to get you, lil flame. The intel is just a bonus.”

Basir stayed silent, but Thornar’s declaration brought a blush to my cheeks as his eyes sparkled with warmth. “Oh. I didn’t know that…but why?”

Thornar’s expression morphed into something more serious as he tilted my chin up. After a long moment, he spoke in a gentle tone that felt reserved for me. “A conversation to have with all of us present. But trust me, Gracie, that mission had little to do with intel and everything to do with you.”

Those words meant the world to me. I didn’t know how Basir felt about the statement, though, because Thornar began asking him about the behavioral issue he’d had to handle with his soldiers.

Still, for the moment, my heart felt less heavy.

The anxiety weighing on my chest had eased, and I allowed myself to eat in peace, enjoying the comfort of these two perfect men.

I didn’t know why they’d wanted to save me, but I was thankful for it.

Even if I had nothing else—even if they didn’t return my affection—the fact that they’d thought I was worth saving would have to be enough.

I couldn’t let my stronger emotions cloud the gratitude I should feel…

even if every moment around them made my head spin and heart beat in a way I’d never experienced before.

“When you’re done eating, I want to give you a tour of this place,” Thornar said as I put down my fork, nodding eagerly.

I wanted to ask them where Ravik was, but I wasn’t brave enough.

I longed for him to show up soon. The last memory I had of him was his arms wrapped around me as he carried me out of the compound…

I wanted to know and see that he was okay.

Once I was finished eating, the three of us stood and made our way toward the door of the dining hall. The fresh air felt good against my skin as Thornar wrapped his massive arm around my shoulder, Basir walking beside us.

“Thornar!” a feminine voice called. My wolf stood defensively, letting out a low rumble. Moving further into Thornar, it only took a moment to see who had called his name—a gorgeous woman standing at the bottom of the next set of stairs.

Who was that? And more importantly, who was she to Thornar?