Chapter 24: Chapter 24: Niceties

Blacktooth Camp

Cas held Mingan’s hand not only to comfort but to hold her back lest her emotions get the better of her. Danior’s comments were inexcusable. It took every ounce of self-control not to act out himself. Not only on Mingan’s behalf but Shani’s as well.

She was a wolf in sheep’s wool. In her surprising defense of Mingan she had grown sharper teeth and a stronger growl. Now she was letting Danior keep her close as they were led to Blacktooth camp. His Epsilon was herding them from behind and breathing down Cas’s neck and huffing with soft laughter as if enjoying the balance of power in their favor.

Shani tried to look over her shoulder but Danior gripped her elbow to draw her back. His anger roiled off him like a stench. “Dad,” she said quickly and quietly to make the conversation as private as possible, “I’m sorry—”