Through the mindlink, Julian discovered roughly twenty Arkonis warriors had infiltrated the pack house. After issuing commands to his own warriors, he turned his attention back to Lily, who watched him with curious eyes.
"Are you using that mindlink thing?" she asked.
"Yes." Julian scooped Lily into his arms. Her slight weight surprised him—the little girl felt almost fragile, and he frowned at how thin she seemed. "Where's your mother? I'll take you back to her."
Julian couldn't abandon Lily when enemies lurked nearby. Though he doubted they'd bother capturing a small child, the mere possibility of her being in danger unsettled him.
"Momma's in the greenhouse," Lily said, pointing toward the structure.
"Alright, I'll get you there," Julian replied, carrying the little girl in that direction. But soon he sensed something wrong. Someone was watching them.
His instincts proved correct when two beasts burst from the bushes, lunging straight at him and Lily.
