“Holy shit.”
Nico stilled, noting her side profile. He gawked as the woman disappeared with the other campers and wondered what she was up to this time. When she didn’t return, he texted a clan member.
Go to the Alama Campsite. Blend in with the campers and watch out for trouble.
The reply was quick.Trouble?
Just a feeling. I’m watching North Bear.
Gotcha. I’m on it.
But he stayed where he was. Within an hour, he had set his traps and was on the wait—and waiting alone was never good for anybody, not when it plucked at nerves and played with impatience. He ended up outside the cottage for the better part of the evening, then dozed off when sleep couldn’t be delayed anymore. Nico awoke to the feeling that he had missed something, sending him flying out and relieved when the traps were untouched. Around midnight, his phone buzzed, and he eagerly read the report.
Nothing’s going on. Just a bunch of campers with tents, sitting around a campfire. Some are asleep already.
His fingers flew.Can you stay the night?
Sure. You owe me a full meal.
Cheeseburger, fries, milkshake. Tickets to a basketball game.
Awesome. For that, I will stay two nights. Plenty of chicks to flirt with here.
He rolled his eyes before they landed on the following message.
Nico, we need to talk. Why are you sending Oscar out on errands? Are you in trouble?
“It’s none of your business, Michael.”
But he replied, not about to send his brother running here.
I’m fine. Everything’s fine.
That’s good.
Peachy was here.
Michael didn’t reply and left him scowling. He set aside his phone and watched the moonlight from his tree perch, enjoying the peaceful night until the first stir in the grass came. Nico stretched his body and flattened against his branch, ready for it. It trailed from the forest camp path to the one she often frequented, where her shadow stopped below him. He could jump her now but called to whatever patience he had left, claws resting on wood as she resumed her walk.
Something snapped, and a muffled sound came after. He leaped out of the branch and was on the struggling form in no time, catching the net before it could move away and dragging her with him. Within seconds, he had four edges staked on the ground and the top part tied to a tree within his territory, his claws between the net holes digging at her neck. She stopped struggling.
“That’s right. You are trapped, and moving will just hurt you. I suggest you keep still.”
Her gaze darted up, locking with his. Green irises glinted with trepidation, but also a glint of stubbornness as she pressed her lips together. His other hand moved inside the net, and she jumped back and rocked it.
“Keep still,” he growled in warning. Then he gripped the bag. He yanked it out but was stuck when her hands clutched the other end. “Let go.”
She didn’t let go and didn’t move again. A silent tug-of-war ensued until the bag ripped apart and items fell to the ground. He let the bag go and crouched, snatching the jacket and hat, sniffing whatever he could. No blood. Something crinkled underneath, so he shook it hard until more items fell out, and he could only stare in disbelief.
“Food.” Cupcakes, dried fruits, cans of soda, and rice. Nothing else. “You are taking food from them. You didn’t attack anyone.”
Defiant silence met his statement. Confusion hit him hard. But it disappeared when she fluttered her lashes, a move so familiar. This time, he was ready for that, too, rushing in her face and jerking the net up as her eyes widened.
“That’s not going to work on me anymore, sweetheart.” He leaned close. He locked his claws in place once more, digging into clothes and skin until her helpless expression dropped.
“Let me repeat my question before. Who are you and what are you doing staking a claim near my territory?”
Chapter 4