Luca was no longer in sight, but Reese visually tracked the path he’d taken toward the woods.
Had run toward the woods.
“Dr. Dante?” Seung stepped in front of Reese, and he had the insane urge to push her aside.
Then what?
Seung glanced past Reese. “Johnathan, take them inside.”
Them?
The Sarvari.
And who was Seung to tell them what to do?
Reese’s pulse jumped and his legs trembled.
“Don’t run.” Seung took him by the arm.
“Why would I…” But that’s exactly what Reese wanted to do. Run. But not just run. He wanted to be chased.
“Look at me.” She cupped his face. “I need you to concentrate on me. It will pass. I promise. Just breathe.”
“What are you talking about?”
Cool wind carrying the scent of rich earth tossed Reese’s bangs. What might have been leaves whispered close to his ear along with the echo of starlings.
“Dr. Dante?”
He opened his eyes and had no idea when he’d closed them.
“You’re picking up on Luca’s emotions. Don’t let it set you off. You can ignore it. I know you can.”
Reese shook his head because he didn’t understand.
Fire seared under the scar on his shoulder.
It wasn’t so much a sound that seized Reese’s attention as it was a feeling. Invisible strings forcing Reese to turn his head.
Three Mah stood near the house. The tallest of them, Jonathan.
Was he strong enough? Fast enough?
Was he worthy?
Seung said Reese’s name, and he jerked his gaze away.
“Me, not them. Look at me.” Seung put a hand on the side of Reese’s neck, and that wonderful calm blanketed Reese. He didn’t resist leaning into her touch.
“Why does that make me feel better?”
“I’m an egg-bearer. Touching me makes it more difficult for their wolves to hear you.”
Reese furrowed his brow. “Hear me what?”
“You’re an Urja, Dr. Dante, and they respond to the wolves and the wolves respond to you. The more there are, the harder it will be for you to go unnoticed.”
Reese shivered. “And that… that…” More wolves. More to run.