Jacob shook his head. “No.”
“That there’s still a chance you can find yours.”
She watched a light of hope spark in his eyes, making him look more human.
“Go. I’ll come to you soon,” Blake said.
Jacob nodded, took one more look at her, turned into a wolf, and took off.
Blake faced her and grabbed her shoulders.
“Blake, I’m so sor—”
“Not now, mate. I still have to deal with the search party because I can’t hide our scents or footprints.”
She knew he was mad at her, but he was still gentle and pulled her into his arms to comfort her. She just wished they were back in their cave.
Chapter Eight
Blake turned and pushed her behind him when two men came through around the trees. They both stopped when they saw him.
“Blake, fuck, is that really you?” one of the men asked.
Blake nodded. “Hello, Hunter and Rafe.”
“What the fuck is going on?” Hunter asked. “I’m guessing that’s the woman we’ve been looking for the last few days.”
Blake nodded. “Yes. She’s my mate.”
Both men looked surprised for a moment.
“I thought I caught your scent on her. Damn, man, congratulations,” Hunter said and smiled. “Now, tell me why you haven’t gotten word to us that she was okay? Her friends are frantic with worry. You might like to know one of her friends, Brenna, is the Alpha’s mate.”
She grasped his hand when he reached back.
“I couldn’t let her go yet when I’d just found her.”
“You don’t have to let her go, man. All you have to do is let her talk to her friends.”
He relaxed a bit. “Yes, I know that would have been the smart thing to do, but you must remember, I’ve been out here for six years and was already half-feral. It was my instinct to hide her away from people.”
“I get that,” Hunter said. “How about I loan you my phone, and she can call them and talk? Then you guys can take whatever time you need to figure out what you want to do. I don’t care if you stay where you live now or come to town, friend. Just let her talk to them.”
“I’d appreciate it. I’ll have the phone back to you in a few days.”
“Take it for however long you need it.” Hunter turned to Rafe. “Let’s head back and call everyone in. They’ll be happy that she’s well.”
Rafe nodded. “Yes. A lot of people will be relieved.”
“I’d hug you, but I know you probably don’t want us too close to your mate.”
Blake relaxed some more. “You’re right about that. I’m hoping the jealousy will calm down after a while.”
“From what I understand, it’s like the mating heat. You learn to live with it.”
Blake nodded. “Okay. I’ll talk to you soon.”
Both men walked off before he turned and looked down at her. Pain poked his heart at the misery and tears on her face.