Dennis strolled into the clearing. "It takes you five minutes? Wow. That explains why she ran away from you."
Lucas gave him a withering glare. "Dickhead."
But the sting didn't last long. The truth was, Lucas had missed this; the banter, the teasing, the joy that came from not being weighed down by secrets and responsibility. He had his brother back. He was on the verge of reclaiming his woman.
Dennis, unfazed by his brother's death-glare, waved him over. "Come on, I need you to see someone. There's something strange about her."
Lucas stood up, his protective instincts kicking in. "Something strange, and you let her in? I gave specific instructions, Dennis."
Dennis snorted. "You're not the alpha of my land. You don't get to give out instructions."
Lucas sighed, but followed, casting one last look at Ava over his shoulder. He winked at her, a silent promise in his eyes. She offered a small smile in return, though it was tinged with sadness.
And that smile gutted him.
