CHAPTER SEVEN
Vincent slept most of the days away. He rarely moved from his and Little One's nest. She would try to rouse him, but he just snarled and rolled over. Silly females wasting energy on games. He needed to rest. They were coming and he needed to be ready. He knew he wasn't. He knew he would fail. But he couldn't let her down. He had to protect her. He had always protected her.
Little One hated that her mate did nothing now. She would hunt to feed him but if he didn't start cleaning himself she was leaving the den. He was beginning to smell dreadful. Even for a hunter, he was being repulsive. They would arrive soon and he was a mess. Shame shame shame. What would they think? They would think they were unworthy. Weak. She was not weak! She was strong! She would prove to them. She would prove this was her place. Her territory. She was dominant. Second only to her mate!
He opened one eye when he heard her gurgling and snarling quietly. She paced back and forth, snapping her jaws, looking agitated. He listened as she made angry mumbles. He saw no reason for her to be angry. They were warm and dry, her stomach didn't make the angry cry for food and he kept her satisfied with his affections. Stupid females. Never content. He rolled over and made a low rumbling noise. She stopped her mumbles short and trotted to him eagerly. She nuzzled his neck and licked his face eagerly.
He was leaving the den! Her mate wished to play and leap and jump and hunt! He wanted to go out and about with her! She was overjoyed and made happy high pitched yelps, leaping around excitedly. He hated when she acted this way but this time he responded in turn. He leapt with her, and jumped at her playfully. They rolled around together, yowling like cubs. She was so overjoyed she stopped in the road and howled in pure delight. He stiffened and stood stock still. She immediately crouched, fearing she had angered him.
Little One was so beautiful. He watched her play and jump. He needed to protect her. When she howled happily he just stared in amazement. He had made her so happy? She was amazing. Foolish and headstrong, he had chosen her above all the rest for the joy he saw in her. When he had nightmares, hearing the screams and images that he didn't understand, Little One would snuggle closer and remind him he wasn't alone. Silly female didn't think. He needed her to be safe.
He continued to stare and she was afraid. Had she angered him? Would he return to the den now? He approached her and clumsily wrapped his arms around her. She stiffened, waiting to see what this new behavior would bring. He had never touched her like this and she was somewhat afraid. The last couple weeks he had been acting oddly and she knew he overpowered her in every way. She was pleasantly surprised when she realized this was an affectionate embrace.
He nuzzled her neck, feeling her relax. He had scared her. He had just wanted to be close to her. This behavior felt right. Familiar somehow. He needed her to know how important she was. In case he failed her. He needed her to know he wanted to protect her always and he would die trying if that's what it took.
Violet was changing an especially pungent diaper when she froze. An unearthly howl split the air and she was certain she had never heard that particular noise before. She made her way to the sanctuary door and looked out cautiously. She was amazed to see Vincent and the smaller hunter outside. He looked as if he were pinning her down until Violet looked closer and realized he was hugging her. This surprised Violet. The infected were capable of showing affection now? The world really was going to hell in a hand basket. What was next? They'd take picnics to the park and offer her tea and crumpets? She shook her head as she went to engage Estelle in a joyful game of peekaboo.
Vincent was splashing in a pool with Little One when he smelled them. They had arrived. Little One stopped splashing happily and shivered. He let out a low warning growl but it wasn't necessary. Within seconds he and Little One were surrounded by hunters of all shapes and sizes. The pack had arrived.
