He left the cave with a fresh spring in his step, taking the stairs to his room two at a time. Susan should be well rested. He had plans that would require lots of energy.
Inside his apartment, nothing appeared touched. No sign of Susan anywhere, not even her scent. The blankets remained smooth over his pallet. He scratched his chin. Maybe she went to help with making more medicine?
He returned to the den’s main corridor and jogged toward the kitchen. His instincts tingled—something was wrong. He quickened his pace.
Searching the small knots of pack members, he didn’t spot her or catch even the faintest scent. Had she changed her mind? Had he pushed her too fast? His heart stung that she wouldn’t have confided in him.
He halted as soon as he entered the kitchen.
Lailanie stood by the table; her chin dipped to her chest upon his arrival.
His bubble of happiness popped. “Do you know where Susan is?”
She set a bottle of penicillin on a shelf, not making eye contact. “She was sitting on the steps leading to your rooms, last I saw her.”
“She’s not there anymore, and my rooms are empty. I can’t find her.” Pain in his throat made his voice sound strained.
“Maybe she’s bathing.”
“She already bathed today.” His heart drummed at an aching rate. “Lanie, did you hurt her?”
She lifted her chin; tears stained her cheeks. “Not the way you’re thinking.”
“What did you do?” The shout echoed out into the corridor.
Lailanie dropped to the ground on her belly in submission. “I-I explained some facts about the pack to her.” She sobbed. “Things neither of you are considering.”
“What?” He threw his hands out and paced the kitchen.
“An alpha can’t mate out of his race, Sorin.” She still kept her gaze to the ground, but her words struck out.
“Mate? I never even had a chance to know her before you chased her away.” He slammed his fist onto the table, rattling bottles and bowls. “Where is she?”
“I don’t know.” She sobbed between words. “She was sitting by the gate when I left. I didn’t touch her. I swear.”
“The gate…” She wouldn’t.
He hurried outside. The sun showed high over the canyon, past midday. His heartbeat drummed, and it called to his inner beast. Did she leave for his sake? There was only one place she would head toward, and she’d never make it to the Temple before dark.
Out in the wild, a delicate creature like Susan was prey. He raced toward the gate, his people scattering out of his way. How long had she been gone? What if he was too late?
He shifted through his clothes. Leather and wool tore, fluttering to the ground as he hauled off past the gate and into the forest to find his female.
Chapter Twenty-Five
No one noticed Kele as she carried a tray filled with food and drink from the kitchen. Most of the Payami pack had eaten their midday meal and were busy with private endeavors or chores.
Even if someone had seen, she wouldn’t have been questioned. Who would suspect poor little Kele of anything as sly as hiding a handsome omega from another pack in their den?
Her heart skipped along with her hurried steps. She’d never found a chance to bring food to him until now. He must be starved.
She set the tray on the ground by the door and pulled the key from her pocket. So far the guards had kept their word and not told anyone of Peder. Their fear of Ahote helped, and she hoped the extra wine she’d sent over with some of the omega females kept their lips sealed.
“Feeding your pet?” Ahote stepped out of the dark.
The key clattered to the floor. She just about turned inside out at the sound of his voice. “Are you trying to stop my heart?”
He grinned but she didn’t see any amusement in it.
“What are you doing here?”
“Guarding the intruder you’ve invited into our home.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “Your parents are going to beat the hides off us when they find out.”
“If.”
“When.”
She sighed and retrieved the key. “It’s only until tomorrow.” She unlocked the door. “Go away. I’ll watch Peder.”
“I’m sure you will, but I’m not leaving.”
“What do you mean?”
“You’ve tangled me in this mess, and if you’re hurt, my hide will be tanned and worn by your father.” He pointed to the door. “Get your pleasure and get out.”
“But”—she shook her head—“I don’t—”
“Please, Kele. He’s a pretty omega. I’m not the smartest male in the den but I’m not the dumbest. Don’t take all night—that’s all I ask.”
Shocked, she grabbed the tray and entered the room then stumbled to a stop.
Peder lay in bed perched on an elbow and blinked his sleepy eyes. The fur cover slipped off his chest and gathered low on his lap.
She swallowed, unable to pull her gaze away from his bare hip. Palpitations assaulted her chest. Viewing nude males after shifting never affected her the way Peder’s small show of flesh did. And all that lovely, sleep-tousled hair. She pictured running her fingers through it and—
“Kele?”
She snapped out of her fantasy. “I brought you food.” Taking measured steps, she made sure not to rush to him like an over-eager pup. The tray settled over his lap and hid temptation.
“Thank you.” He picked at his plate.
She sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers knotted on her lap. “Is it not to your liking? I can find something else.”
“No.” He shoved a big spoonful of stew in his mouth. “It’s very good.” Then he continued fiddling with his spoon. “I’m not used to being served.” He held out his utensil. “Would you like some?”
“I’ve already eaten.”
He nodded and ate with a voracious appetite until the plate was empty.
She should have brought more.
Peder set the tray on the floor. “Thank you, Kele.”
The whispered sound of her name off his lips sent a shiver over her spine. “You’re welcome.” She reached for the tray.
“Will you leave me so soon?”
From her bent position, she met his welcoming gaze as he lay on his side. She let the tray go.
Peder shifted over on the pallet to give her more room. “I’m not used to such comforts.” He ran his hand over the worn fur and leaned into the pile of thin pillows.
She turned away. “This room hasn’t been used in ages. It’ll have to do.” Her parents’ treatment, if they caught him, would be much worse than an old room. He should be grateful.
He chuckled. The easy laugh made her reexamine the omega.
His chin rested on his hand now, his sparkling green eyes full of mirth, not insult. “You have better? These are very fine, Kele. The rugs the Apisi own are all kept in the gathering room, never in private apartments, let alone abandoned ones.” He kept running his fingers through the fur. “It’s so soft. Bear?”
She tilted her head. “Yes.” She knew not all packs were as wealthy as the Payami, and her heart went out to Peder.
“You’re very lucky,” he whispered.
Being privileged, she couldn’t imagine what Peder lacked in his den. These things weren’t even of good quality. Didn’t the Apisi trade with the vampire merchants? She flipped her hair over her shoulder. “I could bring you some books in the evening. It should help pass the time. What do you like to read?”
He swallowed visibly, and the mirth vanished from his eyes. “I-I can’t read.” His gaze slid from hers and she mourned its loss. “Sorin’s sire burned what little books we owned when I was a pup. Those who tried to teach us were punished.” He fiddled with the blanket. “Severely.”