East

"Not battle. There is some strife among the clans allied to my uncle. I go to speak to them and ensure they remain loyal."

"The uncle who wanted us dead?"

He nodded.

"Hmm. That's nice of you, considering he tried to kill us both."

Batu shrugged. "Loyalty, goddess. It is important."

Not to that asshole.

"We can talk about what is between us when I return, ugly one." The tease took the intensity out of his words.

Initially worried about him leaving, his declaration replaced concern with a surge of other emotions I didn't want to acknowledge. "When I'm ready," I reminded him. "Not that there is anything."

I didn't want there to be.

Batu ignored me. He read me too well. "Stay with the wolves, little lamb," he reminded me.

I really hate that tone.

I watched him leave, dreading and thrilled about the idea he, too, sensed something between us. He was too candid to let it fester, but I didn't feel anywhere near capable of discussing something so serious when my world was still so fragile.