“What is it, Dad?”
Velder paused. “There’s a blood trail and two sets of prints. It looks as if an enforcer returned for him.” He started walking again and then bent, lifting something from the ground.
“What is that? I can’t make it out.” Dusti hated being at a disadvantage.
“Clothing,” Drantos whispered. “Someone shifted.” He sniffed the air. “Not Decker’s scent.”
“I shot him six damn times.” Dusti refused to believe he might be alive. “Six! He wasn’t breathing.”
“We’re hard to kill.” Drantos tugged her closer.
“It’s possible he died and they just took his body. Get her out of here, Drantos.” Velder fell to his knees. “Shift back, Red. Help me track them to be certain. Let’s end this.”#p#分页标题#e#
Drantos let go of Dusti’s hand and gripped her hips, lifting her. He flung her over his shoulder and proceeded to carry her back into the trees.
She placed her hands just above his ass to brace her body so her face didn’t slam into his back. “I can walk.”
“Shut up. I’m angry right now.” He stopped. “Find my gun. It’s around here.”
“I can’t see a damn thing,” Dusti admitted.
“I wasn’t talking to you, mate. More of our clan just arrived. Be silent.”
She tried to hold back her irritation as Drantos gave orders to people around them that she couldn’t see. He had a right to be upset with her but he was taking it to the extreme. He told some of them to go help his father, others to spread out and search the area for any of Decker’s enforcers. Then he marched through the woods with her. His mind was closed off when she tried to sense what he was thinking or feeling.
“I really hate when you carry me like this,” she finally sighed.
“You’re lucky I don’t spank your ass. What were you thinking? You could have died.”
“I told you I could play Bat. I totally faked him out and he didn’t even know it was me until I threw it in his face. I sounded just like her when she’s pissed off. I have it down pat. Can you please put me down? I hate feeling like a sack of laundry.”
“Goddamn it.” Drantos snarled. “Take this seriously. Do you understand that he could have killed you?”
“I knew that but I’m not useless.”
He came to a jarring halt. “I never thought you were.”
“They do,” she whispered. “I needed to show them I’m a part of your clan, Drantos. Tell me one woman who wouldn’t have willingly done what I did if they’d been in my shoes. I know you’re mad but you wouldn’t even listen to reason.”
He growled and began walking again.
“I’m okay. Lake got his niece back. That’s all that matters, right?”
“Damn it, Dusti.”
She heard his tone soften, some of the anger fading. It encouraged her to try to lighten his mood more. “Think I’ll get that official clan title after this stunt? Dusti, the Master Bullshitter.”
He snorted. It almost sounded like a harsh laugh. “Shut up.”
She closed her mouth. He took her home, slammed the front door after entering, and then eased her onto her feet. She couldn’t help but stare at his naked body. A smile played at her lips.
He reached out and clasped her jaw, lifting it. “Don’t you dare try to distract me. Sex isn’t going to calm me down.”
“I wasn’t going to do that. I was just admiring the view.”
“You shouldn’t have left our home.” He eased his hold and caressed her cheek. “You drive me crazy.”
“It’s more human nature and I am mainly that.”
He frowned.
“We generally have this overriding desire to help someone, Drantos. My grandfather kidnapped a little girl. The easiest way to get her back was to give him what he wanted.”
His lips pressed into a firm line, relaying his displeasure.
She studied his eyes. They were beautiful and dark blue at that moment. “Don’t be mad. It did work out. That little girl is safe and so am I. Look on the bright side.”
“I’m afraid to ask what you think that is.”
“I shot him. Bat and Kraven can come home. She’s safe now.”
“You could have been killed. That’s all I can think about. Do you know what that would have done to me? You’re my life, Dusti. My mate.” His voice deepened. “It’s my job to protect you. I can’t do that if you defy me and put yourself at risk.”#p#分页标题#e#
“Do you want a mate or a trained pet?”