Free Opening the Cage by B. A. Tortuga Page A

knew Canyon and Mesa had been talking about how to find Riana. He’d heard them.
    Hurting her. Mate. Mate, please.
    I know, love. I know. Canyon nipped his neck, just to stop his movements. It made him pause long enough to think. He stomped, nudged Canyon with his nose, and Canyon chuffed. We need to concentrate. We can find her.
    Where? She didn’t want them to come. It would hurt them. He growled deep in his chest. He was tired of being scared, tired of this constant game.
    Yes. No more. We go after him. Canyon was ready. Determined.
    The Alpha that smelled like home, but not, came out, teeth bared, and he backed up. Canyon turned, tail curled up over his back, head bobbing. Oh, they looked so much alike, those two. They chest bumped each other, vocalizing. Canyon was always between them, always protecting him.
    The big male gnawed at Canyon’s ear for a moment, but it looked friendly, so Wend let it go.
    Everyone started moving toward the shelter again, inside, but he hesitated. Riana was out there.
    Canyon turned, calling to him, the little howl enough to make Wend’s ears twitch. He followed; he had to. That call was huge. Wend stumbled forward, close enough that Canyon’s scent flooded him. It made things better for a moment, made him easier, quieter.
    I promise you, Mate. We will find her. Canyon sounded so sure.
    I know. He was lying, but Canyon needed to hear it.
    In. Canyon herded him in, nipping at his heels, driving him past the others, who were in a pile, grooming and vocalizing. Resting.
    There was no rest for Riana. He could feel her pain, gnawing at him.
    Canyon’s teeth landed on his ruff, shaking him, bringing his focus back. We need to focus, love.
    Canyon pulled him down, curling around him.
    I miss her. He hadn’t spent a day without her in years.
    Oh, love. Canyon licked his muzzle. Think hard. Can you see anything? Hear anything where she is?
    In a cave. She’s cold. Hurt. Dying. He reached out to her, but she was too hurt, too tired, too far away. She’s in a cage. She can’t see outside.
    That’s good, love. That’s good. Canyon’s nose touched his, and he felt stronger. Look deeper.
    He pushed harder, but it was like she was hiding from everything, slipping away. He growled softly. His girl.
    Riana. Canyon growled, too. Show us.
    Go away. Go away. Go away. Her voice was everywhere, like a whispered song.
    His head hurt from it, constant whines coming from his throat. Canyon, though, he seemed focused. Alert. Strong.
    Wend didn’t understand.
    He didn’t understand any of it.
    Pack. I guard the Pack.
    He looked at Canyon, whose sight was somewhere else, in the trees. We’re not your Pack. The Alpha said. I… It was all so wrong.
    Y ou are. You’re my pack. I protect what’s mine. Canyon turned back to him, tongue lolling. Then he barked sharply, and the other three took notice. They came closer, the little male bowing to them both.
    Canyon just circled them, like he was gathering them to run on a full moon, and then started to lead the way.
    Canyon? It’s snowing.
    So it is. I know which way they went.
    How? He followed closely, nostrils trying to scent something—anything—different.
    She was hiding from you, but she was showing me.
    Wend didn’t know what that meant. How could she do that?
    Canyon looked confident, sure, stunning in the moonlight. This Alpha-wolf couldn’t be his pack. He was worthless. The others had said so.
    Riana was dying. He was different. They were Not Pack.
    Canyon turned to look at him, waiting for him. Mine .
    He danced a bit, head ducking, but then went to Canyon. He had to; it was pure instinct. Yours?
    Mine. You belong with me now. I know what you’re worth, even if I'm not an Alpha.
    The words made him whine with a dark pleasure, the possession in Canyon’s words making him want to bow and pant. He’d always wanted to belong somewhere. To know it was Canyon who had claimed him. Them. It was heady.
    If Riana was here, it would be perfect.
    At