“For the love of all gods, don’t kill him!” Hauk snapped at Thia. “His mom would really miss him. And I might, too. Maybe. Just… grab some water and bring it in for our guest. I’ll help clean up the mess in a second.” He growled low in his throat before he returned to his plate and held it out to Sumi.

Stunned by his kindness, she stared at it.

“Go on,” he said with a tenderness that shocked her even more. “I ate earlier today and you need your strength to heal.”

As she took it, Thia came in with the water. She was still highly agitated as she faced her uncle. “Can I please make him lick up the mess?”

“I’d rather you not since I’d have to listen to him bitch about it all night.”

“Then can I kill him?”

“Please don’t. I want to do it myself. I think I’ve earned it more since I’ve had to tolerate him longer.”

Finally laughing, Thia handed the water to Sumi.

When Hauk started to leave, he tugged gently at Thia’s arm. “C’mon, sweetie. Let’s give her time to rest.” He held the tent open for Thia, who quickly made her exit.

He hesitated as he pinned a sharp glare on Sumi. “Do we need to move camp tonight?”

She shook her head. “I’m here alone. I told you. I’m on the run from The League. Unless someone hunting me stumbles on us, we’re safe.”

Suspicion darkened his glower. “Truth?”

“I swear. Had someone else been with me, I wouldn’t have been left for dead out there, and you’d be dead already.”

That finally succeeded in getting him to relax. “All right. Just remember, whatever your intentions, Thia and Darice both have parents who love them as much as you love your daughter.”

And then he was gone.

Sumi didn’t miss the fact that he said nothing of his own parents and how they’d feel about losing their son. Both of whom, she knew from her research, were very much alive.

Fascinating…

Nor had anyone ever attempted to surrender to her before. In the past, her targets had gone out kicking and screaming, trying to take her with them.

Hauk’s actions were more akin to a parent guarding his young than an uncle. And it said a lot about the male’s integrity and decency.

How can I convict him now?

What choice do I have?

Sickened by her cowardly assignment, she dropped her gaze to the plate and water. How long had it been since anyone had been nice to her, never mind kind?

Honestly, she couldn’t remember.

No, that wasn’t true. Her sister had always been kind to her. But Omira had died a long time ago.