Blackfoot Forest [m] only devils left

Cole watched the stranger disappear into the treeline, his reptilian smirk lingering in the cold air like a sour scent. The man’s parting words, laced with arrogance, left a bitter taste in his mouth. His jaw tightened, but he refrained from growling or saying anything further to the rogue.

When the wolf was finally out of sight, Cole exhaled a sharp breath and turned his attention to Tvar. His eyes narrowed briefly, and then he shifted his gaze toward Towhee Jr., still in the shallows.

Keep an eye on your woman, Cole said bluntly, his tone cool but pointed. Without waiting for a response, he stepped back, giving the two space, but not before his watchful eyes lingered a moment longer on the treeline where the rogue had vanished. The situation might be resolved for now, but Cole knew the season’s fire wasn’t done drawing trouble yet.