Page 19 of Night’s Bride (Ragoru Origins #3)

Every day was fraught with tension to the point that it felt as if they were walking on ice, every sound outside or even within their den a source of suspicion that had to be investigated. It was making them all paranoid. Even though the weather remained unusually clear despite the threat of snow in the gathering clouds, what should have been a time to enjoy breaking free from the confines of the house was overshadowed by a potential threat that had yet to be located by the clan. All triads were advised to remain close to their dens and protect themselves and their mates while those unmated formed hunting parties scouting the woods.

Emily was a little surprised that the clan hadn’t called on Nash to help, since he was technically still unmated. Exactly the opposite happened. Upon word getting out of the huntsman, Sabol had made a point to stop by and suggest that the male remain where he was to protect them. It was put a little more delicately than that, so not to offend Vikt and Vrel by suggesting they were incapable of protecting Emily or their den, but the meaning had been understood. And it was perhaps that kindness in handling it, as well as her own mates’ ability to accept the additional help and their own acceptance of Nash, that had helped keep feelings from getting ruffled as they settled in to keep watch and wait.

The only truly frustrating thing was that their home was far enough on the outskirts of the denning territory that they rarely saw other Ragoru from whom to get updates or any news that they might have to share. Hazhel, whose den was more at the central part of the territory, stopped by a few times to check in on them. Emily wasn’t sure if that was out of a sense of concern or if Trish stubbornly insisted on it, but she was grateful as it gave them bits of news. Each time he arrived it was with Trish and his triad brothers Vlok and Grund accompanying him, which spoke of just how careful everyone was being that the alpha insisted his family always be within his sight.

Emily shivered as she stared out the windows. The beauty of the forest seemed almost lost beneath the weight of danger. She had grown up idolizing the huntsmen as heroes who tamed the deadliest parts of the world, but she hadn’t seen the sickness within the system and the dangers of their authority within the capital and citadels until more recently with the appearance of Ragoru. Yes, the alien species was frightening and strange, and the agreement that the capital had entered into had been new and frightening to say the least, but the bloodthirstiness of the huntsmen quickly became apparent in their ramping rhetoric. At that time it had still seemed something more like just a bunch of hot air among men who liked to talk, deserving nothing short of laughter and contempt, but she hadn’t taken it seriously. But now, experiencing the reality of it, she was terrified.

She dragged the blanket higher around her as darkness began to settle in, obscuring trees and snow except that which was illuminated faintly with the light from the house. Large hands settled on her shoulders and waist as a comforting warmth seeped into her from the male standing behind her.

“Do not be afraid, Emily,” Nash quietly rumbled. “I will not let any harm come to you or your mates.”

Her heart clenched at his words even as she felt a wave of gratitude for his strength. He would protect them, perhaps even at great cost to himself, and asked for nothing in return. She turned slowly and his hands slid over to settle on her back as she rested head against his torso. Her head barely grazed his chest due to his massive size. It should have felt awkward, but the way he folded her into his arms made her feel cherished.

She was terrified—but she trusted Nash to help them get through it. Perhaps she could trust him with everything and more. She hated her uncertainty more than anything, but suddenly she was also very afraid that there was a chance that she would never get to know what could be between them if the huntsman had his way. She was tempted to take the chance and just leap as her heart was directing, but she was also very afraid of handling things in a way that would have lasting consequences if she did not proceed carefully and thoughtfully.

Truth be told, she did not know what to do. And sadly, there was no one orchestrating her life this time. Even the males were leaving things entirely in her hands without any pressure or suggestions from them. It was her decision and never had she hated it more. Whatever happened, good or bad, she was responsible.

Nash’s hand skimmed over her back comfortingly. “I would take the weight of your every burden if I could,” he rasped. “As would Vikt and Vrel.”

“I know,” she mumbled. “But it would not be fair to you either to just dump it all on you. You cannot be responsible for every decision.”

His hand stilled against her shoulders, holding her tightly to him. “Try me,” he rumbled.

Her lips tipped in a smile at the heartfelt offer. “Thank you,” she whispered into his fur. “I will consider your offer.”

She wasn’t sure if she could take it, but how she wished she could just hand it over to them.