“T hat’s the only way this can happen,” I say.
“Then we need another plan,” Joel says. “And we better make it quick before Clarissa gets back.”
“If you want to protect her during this war, then you have to find a place off-site to keep her. We have to assume that with the way the scouts have plotted out the land that they know where you guys are.”
“They don’t.”
“Really? Because I came into contact with a trap that almost took me down less than a mile outside of camp. If they came in that far to set a trap, they know where you are. What with all the damn smoke and the smell of fucking food for miles,” I say.
“Giving up this hideaway isn’t a choice. This is our home, and I’m not going to let you or any other Primal decimate it for your own battle purposes.”
“Then you can’t keep Clarissa safe.”
“Yes, we can. You know we can. She might have Primal traits, but she’s still human.”
“You aren’t even willing to give up your home for her, Joel. We’ve given up everything. Our livelihoods. Our own homes. Our futures to make sure this takes place. And you can’t even give up a cottage?”
“This place isn’t just home, Wolf. It’s triage for the wounded and a place for the women who aren’t training to fight to keep the children of our village safe.”
“What did you call me?” I growl.
“Leaving the village vulnerable isn’t an option. Period. Clarissa can stay back with us, and we will keep her in the centermost part of it and surround her, but we aren’t giving this over to anyone. Especially you.”
“This place is easily defendable,” I say. “If we lure them onto the turf me and the guys know best, we can take them down. They might have the edge of it plotted, but not the inner workings of it. We can win this if we fight them on ground we’re familiar with.”
“Then you better find somewhere else to familiarize yourself with, and quick. Because we aren’t going anywhere, and you aren’t taking this village.”
“I’ve got ways of taking what I need,” I say.
“And I’m sure that’s why Clarissa claims you as her boyfriend, right?” he asks.
I take a step toward him and ready myself for a fight. Her name doesn’t get to fall from his face any longer. But I feel a strong hand plant squarely into my chest, stopping me in my tracks. It’s Theo, and his eyes are prying and full of warning.
“Tone it down. Clarissa could come back at any second, and we need to have this figured out,” he says.
“Fine,” I snarl. “But keep that asshole away from me.”
“Don’t worry. Not a problem,” Joel says.
“They still fighting?” Toshi asks.
“Aren’t they always?” Theo asks.
“We need to talk about this since Joel won’t give up the village,” I say.
“You’re still on that?” Theo asks. “I told you it wouldn’t work.”
“Wolves don’t listen,” Toshi says. “Unlike their domesticated counterparts.”
“Say that again and watch what happens,” I say growling.
“Calm down,” Theo says. “Let’s get another plan in motion.”
“Fine. Since the human here doesn’t want to do whatever it takes to protect Clarissa, we need another plan,” I say. “A plan that doesn't include luring them into the village.”
“What about traveling to another side of the forest?” Theo asks. “In theory, if they are still looking for Clarissa, then they’ll follow her trail.”
“She isn’t coming with us. She isn’t fighting,” I say.