Page 93 of Moon Craving

realize Talorc was nearby.

His wolf wanted to make himself known, to rub up against his angel and allow his

full wolf senses the opportunity to take her presence in. He had revealed himself only to

discover that Abigail was terrified of his beast. His presence had brought tears to her

eyes, and not the good kind.

He'd forced his wolf to run away rather than risk frightening her further, or worse,

making himself known to her. He could not afford to share the secrets of his people with

Abigail.

Besides, he was supposed to be hunting. Not that they needed the meat; they

could make his keep by nightfall. If they rode out, but they weren't riding today.

His gentle bride needed time to heal before getting back on a horse. She had

soaked in the restorative waters of the hot springs last night. And he had left instructions

with Niall to make sure she did the same today, but Talorc could not be sure that would be

enough.

If the choice was between reaching home tonight but having a wife too sore to

mate with and staying an extra day in the hot springs cave, he would choose the extra

time away from his clan.

The only other time he had voluntarily spent time away from the people he was

responsible to lead was when he had followed his sister and Emily to Balmoral Island.

Caitriona's safety had taken precedence at that time. He had no such considerations now,

but that hadn't stopped him from dictating a second night spent at the caves.

He refused to consider how aberrant that choice was for him to make. Nor did he

have any interest in contemplating why he would make such a decision.

He only knew his wolf was in complete agreement and that was enough for him.

Thinking he should at least make some effort to hunt, he leaned forward and

sniffed at a small pile of leaves. There was definitely something there, but it wasn't prey.

Not of the animal variety anyway.

The smell was not that of his warriors and certainly not the enticing fragrance of his

new wife. It was too fresh to be more than an hour old. Which meant someone who wasn't

supposed to be here, had been.