Free Deep Wolves by Rhea Wilde Page B

was large and extended almost as high as the trees surrounding us. Next to it in the clearing was a body of water. The clear water of the lake reflected the stars above. It was an oasis in the middle of the forest.
    As we made our way into the clearing, the members of the Doras started to occupy every spot of the camp they’d made for themselves. Some of them fought over food and other various scraps of meat. Others lied around lazily and passed the time away by simply doing nothing at all.
    Irvine, Vaughn and I followed Cyrus through the camp.
    “This is our home,” he said, holding his arms out. “It isn’t much but it’s more than enough. We are a small clan. We do not invade other territories. We have what we need to survive and prosper. You bring us news that threatens this livelihood. I will not allow you to simply put our lives at risk based on speculation.”
    “The Nakas are spreading,” Vaughn said to him. “When they run out of room, they’ll come here.”
    “Them,” Cyrus said as he pointed at me and Irvine. “Was it necessary to bring them along?”
    “I have all of the information you need,” Irvine explained. “The Agency provided me with—”
    “The Agency. Of course. Humans managing to stick their noses into our business.”
    “The Nakas are killing humans. This is our business.”
    “And what about the female? I suppose she’s someone hired from your precious Agency as well?”
    He eyeballed me with a skeptical look in his eyes. The woman he was with did the same, except I could feel the disdain emanating from her. It was obvious she didn’t like me and I was doing everything I could to avoid looking back at her.
    “She is with me,” Vaughn said. “She is my Alpha.”
    “What?” Cyrus scoffed. “You’re joking.”
    “Indeed,” the woman said. “For a wolf to be mating with a human… Such a shame. Such a waste. You have no place here, woman.”
    “Enough,” Vaughn stopped her from continuing. “This has nothing to do with the issue at hand.”
    “Still, she taints our camp,” the woman said. “This hunter you’ve brought with you has earned the respect of wolves because of his reputation. I can smell the death of our brethren upon the blade he carries. But her… She is vile.”
    “I said enough!” Vaughn growled. “She is of no importance to you. Pay her no mind. If the members of your clan are intrigued by her, then they will have to go through me.”
    “Yes, leave her be, Shiva,” Cyrus said to her. “She is not a problem. If Shadow wishes to lower himself, then that’s his business. Bring us something to eat while we discuss what must be done with the Nakas.”
    The woman he called Shiva continued to glare at me before she disappeared into the cabin. Even though she was gone, the image of her cold glare was still in my mind. Red eyes burning and peering into my soul.
    I wrapped my arms around myself to try and shield myself from the cold. When I did, Irvine noticed it and removed his jacket to put it around me.
    “Come,” he said. “This business isn’t of your concern, Ms. Everhart. You will be safe here.”
    I looked at Vaughn and he nodded to me. Irvine escorted me to the side of the camp where he started to gather twigs and sticks scattered across the ground. I looked at Vaughn in the distance as he began a discussion with the blonde Cyrus.
    “Do you think they’ll listen?” I asked Irvine.
    “Cyrus seems reasonable enough. If they can’t see that same reason, the Nakas will show it to them.”
    Irvine built a fire next to me and I took a seat on the ground next to it. I watched as all of the Doras perked their heads up and turned in my direction.
    “It must be weird for them,” I said. “Having someone like me out here.”
    “They are intrigued, yes. But you are safe and that’s the most important thing. I will leave you here for the moment. I need to speak with them and—”
    “I’ll be fine. Thank you, Irvine.”
    He nodded to me and