“He’s not going to do anything.” She hikes her chin and glares at me for a full three seconds before she slides her gaze to the side. My quiet lion.

“Not true. I’m gonna have a guard posted across the path from here, and if he doesn’t scent three females at all times, I’m gonna move all of y’all into the basement of the lodge.”

Mari’s hand flies to her mouth, a sob escaping. Annie whimpers. Now I feel like an asshole. What’s wrong with the lodge basement? It’s finished. There’s a pool table down there.

Nuria winds her arm around Mari’s waist, tucking the younger female under her arm,...