26

CALIFF

“What is it?” I stopped dead in my tracks. I sensed the anxiousness coming from Shadow.

“I smell blood.”

We began sniffling the air. The metallic scent became more pungent.

“It’s animal blood.” She was right.

“Yeah.”

“I’ll go check it,” Kairo volunteered himself, but Lyon stopped him.

“You don’t go alone. That could be a trap. For a smart guy, sometimes, you’re an idiot.”

“Okay, big guy,” Kairo said, but without flaring his nose at Lyon. “What’s the plan, Alpha?”

“Lyon and Kairo, go check if it’s an animal attack or killed by some animal hunters. Tor, stay behind them. Be the lookout.”

“Right, because it did not die naturally,” Shadow said. “Just look out for traps, and—”

“And be vigilant. Got it.”

Zack groaned, pissed off at how Kairo replied to his Luna. “Show some respect, Kairo.”

Kairo slightly bowed his head at me and Shadow. “I’m sorry. I mean no disrespect, Alpha, Luna. I was just excited. That’s all.”

“Are you done?” Lyon waited impatiently for him.

“Righ