Swiftcurrent Creek blank open eyes watch the moonflower bloom

Finally, a name to the red-eyed man.

She spoke of him—nothing that drew his suspicions besides merely having been in the company of the man. That—and apparently Colt had informed her there were some kind wolves in the Rising Sun Valley, and it drew a derisive snort from the man.

“Kind, huh?” He stole a glance to Arric then, wondering if the Beta felt almost as perplexed as he did. Then, careful eyes upon her, he exhaled sharply. “Colt and his crew came here and tried to usurp our claim from us. We left them a mess. He chose not to withdraw, and none of  his wolves would go against his word.”

The red yearling had perhaps been the worst—or the older she-wolf he had fought. He wasn’t sure any of them had survived—and the woman before them didn’t mention any of his companions. Hardened—as if he could push away gnawing guilt at the red-headed girl once more, he was direct at the stranger on their border. “Did he tell you I threw his sorry ass in the creek?”

Had allowed mother nature to deal with him. Apparently, he had a second chance at life. Hell, for all Akavir knew, the man had nine lives like a cat. Or he really was almost un-killable, just like a cockroach.

“And you’re looking to settle down. Here in the valley?” Just to make things painfully clear.