17. Farrow

I barely made it out of the camp before Nicolette murmured next to my ear, “Do you think they know we’re here?”

At the question, I closed my eyes and let out a silent groan.

Of course. She had followed me. I mean, why ever would she remain behind after I’d specifically asked her to stay put? For her own safety.

Women, I swear.

At least she was quiet, though. Easing up to my side without making a sound, she waited for my response.

Grasping her hand to keep her at my side, since she obviously insisted on coming along, I shook my head and spoke just as softly. “Anything’s possible, so it’s hard to tell.”

In all actuality, it sounded merely like a group of people who were passing by. If their intent had been to sneak in for an attack, one would think they’d be quieter than they were currently being.

But with the slim chance I was wrong, I began to edge backward toward camp, returning to the pair of trees I had Mint and Caramel tied to, drawing Nicolette with me.

She went willingly,