Bearclaw Valley they are the force between

Why had she brought them into their lives? Things had been perfect with the three of them. Merrick, too, though he existed in a different category in Aventus’ mind. More of a god, less of a parent. There was no room in their family for two snivelling weaklings except as prey for two growing pups.

Aventus meant to hone his skills on them and taste their flesh.

Astara’s body language conveyed to Aventus that she knew she was wrong. She knew she’d done a wrong thing by bringing those whelps home. There was still time for her to correct that. Aventus could wait for proof that she still loved them, and hadn’t replaced them, and there was a real reason for this upheaval.

Her fathomless eyes communicated hostility, which seeped into his veins, infectious. Aventus loped immediately after her, curious and drawn as ever to his dam. Maybe she was taking him to kill one of the worms. He lapped saliva from his lips and let his tail wag slowly, anticipating.