Ace's POV
Khaleed's pupils dilated like a cornered animal's when our eyes met. The scent of his sweat—sharp with adrenaline and something sour, like guilt—hit my nostrils.
"What are you doing here?" I kept my voice level, but my wolf stirred beneath my skin, sensing deception in the way Khaleed's pulse jumped at his throat.
"Ahhmm, I—" He wiped his palms on his trousers, leaving damp streaks on the fabric. "Just need to speak with Chief." He sidestepped me with the awkward haste of someone hiding something, his shoulder brushing the doorframe as he slipped inside.
The firelight revealed every microexpression as Khaleed delivered his report. "Chief, we've... removed the two bodies from the road." A muscle in his jaw twitched. "Villagers have been told... told everything's safe now."
"Thank you, Khaleed." Chief Gareth's response carried the warmth of long familiarity, but I didn't miss how his eyes lingered on his subordinate's fidgeting hands.
