The smell of cooking coaxes me from the bed of furs I’ve been lounging under since I heard Leo and the others ride away. I’m still pissed at being left behind. It stings all the more because I know he’s right. I’m pregnant. Even though every one of my instincts screams the opposite I know in my heart sitting this out is the right thing to do.

Caressing a palm over my bulge, I feel the baby move in response.

“I guess you’re hungry too, huh?”

My question is answered with another kick. Flicking the material flap aside, I glance up at the bleak sky and thick grey clouds. Judging by the weather we’re in for more snow. How long now have they been without the fires of Hell burning? Do they even remember what it felt like?

Steps slow, I trudge through the snow towards the campfire. Clothes crumpled, I’m more than aware I’m still wearing day old things. Not nice, but nothing I haven’t been forced to endure on other missions. In conditions like this I’m thankful for what we have.

Heads raising, the men gathered around the heat for warmth size up my mood. Sombre features crease into smiles as a few beckon me to join them.

“If you value your balls you’ll bring me some roasted rat.” I practically snarl, flopping down into the space provided.

They laugh, but soon swallow it when they see my serious expression. I’m being a bitch. They don’t deserve my rage, but thanks to their arrogant leader they’re going to be on the receiving end until he gets back. The only thing my mood will get one of them is a knife in the guts as my irritation builds.

“Trust me, she’s done it before and it gets really messy.” Snatch tells them, draping a fur lined cloak over my shoulders. I have no idea where he got it from, but I’m grateful for the added protection against the cold crisp air.

A few of them shift uneasily. I guess pregnant females who aren’t docile and submissive aren’t their thing after all. Stonily, I watch one of them carve up more meat from the carcasses roasting on the spit before giving me the portion. Taking a bite of the food, its juices trickle down, dripping off my chin. Trying to appease the hunger in my belly, I chew quickly. I savour the flavour. Giant rodent or not, it’s the best thing I’ve tasted in a long time. Licking my lips, I wipe the grease from my mouth with the back of my hand.

“I found out the beads they wear have a meaning.” Snatch speaks up from his seat to my right, eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. “Each colour represents something.”

“And why should I be interested in this?”

“I know you’re still upset they left you behind, but you have more than yourself to think of and you know it.”

Huffing out a breath, I tighten my grip on my bowl until my knuckles turn white with the force.

“I don’t like being treated like an inferior fragile female.”

With a bark of laughter, he shoots me a look as if I’ve gone crazy. “Christ, Mavi, you could never be that even if you tried. You’re the most bad arse chick I know and that’s never going to change. You have no idea how much I’ve missed you.”

Fucking hormones crash through me and suddenly I’m fighting tears. Fuck a duck, I’m not the weepy kind. I really need to get a grip.

Blinking furiously with a sniff, my eyes pinch shut while I regain control.

“So what do these beads mean?” I ask gruffly.

“Those with a lot of blue mean they’re in the market for a mate.”

“And most of the ones trying to catch my eye are wearing that colour.”

I hear the smile in his voice even if I don’t see it.

“See. It came in handy.”

At least now I know to stay away from the fuckers who view me as a potential mate. The sound of thundering hooves breaks the conversation. A horse comes into view, racing up the incline towards the camp. I’m not sure what’s more disturbing; the fact it’s rider less or that it’s frothing at the mouth with fear. We watch the advancing mare in silence.

We all recognise it as one of theirs. Powerful sleek muscles lathered in sweat, it rears up. Legs kicking wildly, she tears up the snow in a panicked frenzy. Two of the demons intercept the beast. Hands out, they soothe her with their calming voices. Eyes rolling in her head, she huffs and puffs, ears pricking in their direction. It takes a while, but they manage to reassure her.

Once she’s reined in, I move closer. Red smears the saddle. Running a finger through the sticky half dried liquid, I rub it between my fingers. Blood. It’s fresh.

“They’re in trouble. We have to go after them.”

One of the men shakes his head. “Our orders were to keep you here.”

So, this is the one who’s been left in charge? I contain my glee. He’s made it easy for me. Now I know who I have to bring down in a pissing contest. If that’s what they want, I’ll give them one.

“You really think you’re capable of stopping me?”

His laugh is confident, tinged with smugness. “Come on now, little one, we don’t want to cause you any harm.” Reaching out, he places a hand on my shoulder.

Big mistake.

“Oh, I’m not the one you should be worried about.”

Bringing a knee up, it connects with his groin. Not as hard as I would’ve liked, but enough to make him think twice about touching me again. As he hunches, body taut with pain, I plough a fist into his cheek, sending him sideways. Breathing heavily, curling into a foetal position, he guards his internal organs from any more blows.

Clever boy.

Roping in the urge to kick him a few times to make him bleed, I hold my head up high. Stepping over him, I head for a mount. I loathe the thought of scrambling up alone. It’s going to be awkward and embarrassing, but fuck it, I refuse to wait around anymore.

Giving the nearest male a glare, I cock my eyebrow. He complies quickly to my silent command, lifting me up so I can swing my leg over the saddle. Settled comfortably, I clutch the reins.

“Are you warriors or pussies, because I already have one and I don’t need more.”

Swinging my horse around, I don’t wait for their reply. Kicking my heels into its flanks, I urge the horse into a gallop.