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I wrapped my arms around his waist, warm inside his denim jacket. Sniffling, I whispered, “I can’t do this. I can’t cry. I have to be strong for them.”
“Darlin’.” Cold, rough fingers lifted my chin. “It’s okay to cry.” His dark eyes were soft as he smoothed the tears away with his thumb. “Sheddin’ tears for our dead is not a weakness, Des.”
“Tears? Tears are for the weak.”
My throat tightened as my past threatened to swamp me.
Backing away a step, I grabbed onto Seff’s forearms.
“Seff,” I said in a raspy whisper. “I’m not weak.”
“No, you’re not weak, and if anyone says you are, I’ll slug ’em in the face.”
A little laugh squeaked out of me as my tension eased.
“There it is,” he said.
I sniffled again. “There is what?”
“That killer smile.”
His return smile was so perfect, so honest. I nearly broke down again. Then, his lips touched my forehead.
“Listen, Deck and I are gonna take turns on watch.”
“I can take a watch, too.”
“Nah, we’re not doing this because we think those bastards will come back.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “Predators can smell death, and with all the bears around here...”
I let out a shuddering breath and nodded my understanding. “I shut down the rocket stove in Coleman’s yurt. Without the heat, the temperature will drop below freezing by morning.”
Seff nodded. “Good thinking. Still, I’m goin’ first while Deck gets a few hours shut-eye.” He pulled me to him, wrapped his arms around me, and murmured in my ear, “When I’m done, I’ll come back and sleep here, if you want.”
I snuggled my cheek against his hard chest and breathed him in deep. I could have stood wrapped in him forever. Then, his deep voice echoed through his chest when he spoke.
“Des?”
“Yes, please.”
––––––––
The thick blanket offalling snow had silenced all sound from outside. Three hours had passed. It had seemed much longer. Each time I closed my eyes, I saw fear, blood, and death. I stared out into the familiar darkness of my room. My only escape was counting down the minutes until Seff returned.
An almost silent click came from the front door. I slid from my bed and stepped over to the doorway. Seff shrugged out of his jacket, then grabbed one of the many crocheted afghans I had out and spread it the length of the futon. He fluffed a pillow, then tossed it to one side. I stood there without speaking, just watching his big body move with quiet grace. One hand reached behind his head and yanked his T-shirt up and off. Combing his fingers through that beautiful, thick, wavy hair, he shook out the snow that had collected in it while he’d been out on watch. I wanted to do that for him. My fingers tingled at the thought of sifting through those dark locks while he gazed into my eyes.
Before I realized it, I had reached out.
His head turned in my direction as if my slight movement had stirred the warm air and alerted him to my presence. His eyes sparkled, then roamed over my body.
Gods, the way he looked at me.
My entire body seemed to flush with the heat of his gaze.
A deep, heavy fragrance of fresh-cut pine mixed with my green apple filled the room. The smell wasn’t just the combination of our two scents. It was a perfect blending. He had taken on my most dominate scent and was now broadcasting it like a signal. Other wolves would respect the change and understand Seff had met his mate. Hissakana.
We had the worst timing, ever.
“Seff, I...” I tipped my head to the side and found a job for my outstretched hand, tucking my bangs back behind my ear.
