Dominick was too crafty for his own good, Joel said. He was an excellent tracker, mainly because he knew how to cover his own tracks so well. It wasn't uncommon for Dominick to get away with something and then brag about it, because no one would know otherwise. Even if it meant punishment, he was proud of his accomplishments.

While I had been communicating with my mate, Maryellen had been accusing Dominick of all manner of things. He just stood and smiled while she ranted. Dominick watched her flushed cheeks with pride.

"If you're good," he whispered when she stopped for a breath, "I'll give you back the knife I...