Page 53 of The Hunter

Before she could reply, Telok turned and walked over to the thornskulls. He leaned down next to Garahk and said something she couldn’t hear before striding off into the jungle alone.

Lacey frowned as she watched him go. Was he scouting ahead?

An unsettling feeling crept into her chest the instant he was out of sight. Since they’d begun this journey, Telok had been a steady, constant presence. He’d been near her every moment, even when she’d gone to relieve herself, much to her embarrassment.

But now, she felt his absence immediately and intensely, like a physical part of her was missing.

She stretched out her legs, grimacing at the stinging, burning pain shooting through her as her pants brushed the inflamed scars on her thighs. Standing up was going to be torture.

Cole plopped down beside her on a low, flat rock, dropping his bag next to himself. “Look at you getting the princess treatment.”

Lacey snorted. “Hardly.”

He gave her a droll look. “The dude just called a break for you, carried you into the shade, and handed you a drink and a snack.”

“For one, it’s about time we all took a break. Telok just happened to call it. And two, this is my own drink.”

Cole pointed to the white fruit. “And the snack?”

“Um…” She had no real answer for that.

“See? He’s basically treating you like you’re his mate.”

“We all share food all the time. It’s not that deep.” Yet something warm spread through her chest as she stared down at the moonblossom fruit, and she couldn’t help but smile.

Like I’m his mate?

Was that why Telok was acting differently? Was he…courting her?

Cole held out his hands, palms upturned. “So you going to share with me since he didn’t?”

Lacey pulled the fruit to her chest protectively and twisted away. “Get your own.”

“Wow. I see how it is.” He pouted and lowered his hands.

“I’m kidding!” she laughed. Plugging the waterskin, she set it aside and held her hand out. “Can I borrow your knife?”

He drew his blade from his belt and passed it to Lacey. Carefully, she sliced into the hard, thin outer rind and peeled it off, revealing the bright red inner flesh. Once she was done, she split the fruit and handed Cole half of it along with his knife.

Tearing off a wedge, he tossed it into his mouth. “You’re the best.”

“You should thank Telok,” she said, licking the sweet red juice from her fingers.

“Why? He didn’t give me any.”

No… Telok gave it to me, and only me.

Smiling at the fluttery feeling in her belly brought on by the simple yet thoughtful gift, Lacey raised a wedge of fruit to her lips and took a bite. Was it possible that the fruit tasted sweeter because of who had given it to her?

She listened to the jungle sounds and the thornskulls’ conversations, picking up a few words here and there but not paying them any heed. She was simply enjoying this moment of rest. In this humidity, the shade didn’t really provide much relief from the heat, but it was still a respite from walking, and the boulder behind her at least cooled her back.

But Lacey wasn’t able to fully relax. Anxious for Telok’s return, she continuously scanned the area. She knew he was strong and could take care of himself, but she also knew the jungle was unforgiving and brimming with danger.

Cole finished off his share of fruit and wiped his hands on his pants. Settling down on the ground, he sat back, folded his arms, and closed his eyes. “Wake me when he gets back.”

“I’ll be sure to give you a nice swift kick.”

“Har har. You’re so cruel. But better you than Telok, I guess.”