He deliberately positioned his large body slightly ahead of hers. He acted as a physical shield against the staring crowds. The tribe members paused their work, their eyes tracking Cadence's every move.

They walked toward the communal water source. A clear, bubbling stream ran through the center of the camp. Cadence observed the tribal women washing hides on the flat rocks. She noted the complete lack of soap, buckets, or basic sanitation. The water ran murky further downstream.

A loud, excited squeal suddenly interrupted her mental notes on tribal infrastructure.

A small, black cat-shifter cub barreled out of nowhere. Jaiden crashed happily into Harlan's solid legs, wrapping her small arms around his knee.

Harlan laughed heartily. He scooped his little sister up with one hand. He rested her easily on his broad shoulder.

Jaiden stared down at Cadence with wide, curious green eyes. Her small black nose twitched as she took in Cadence's unique scent.

Cadence smiled warmly. She reached out and gently scratched the cub right behind her fuzzy cat ears.

Jaiden purred loudly. A deep, rumbling sound vibrated in her small chest. She instantly melted into Cadence's soft touch, completely won over by the gentle affection.

Harlan watched the interaction. His chest swelled with profound affection. He was looking at the two most important females in his life getting along perfectly.

A sharp, mocking female voice cut harshly through the sweet, domestic moment.

Briar Locke strode over. The tall Tiger-Shifter female placed her hands on her hips. She glared daggers at Cadence, her eyes filled with venom.

Briar loudly questioned Harlan's choice. "Look at her. She is skinny. She is weak. She will be useless for surviving the upcoming winter. She will just eat our food and die."

Cadence felt a sharp sting of insecurity. Her stomach tightened. She was painfully aware that she lacked any primal strength or survival skills. Briar's words hit a raw nerve.

Harlan stepped directly in front of Cadence. His warm, domestic aura instantly turned cold and deeply threatening. His muscles coiled tight.

He publicly and loudly declared his stance. "Cadence is my prospective mate. You will show her absolute respect, Briar, or you will answer to my claws."

Briar flinched violently at his harsh, uncompromising tone. Her face flushed dark red with a mix of public humiliation and fierce jealousy.

Unable to counter his physical authority, Briar stomped her foot. She turned and stormed away toward the hunting grounds, kicking up dirt in her wake.

The surrounding tribe members whispered among themselves. They were clearly shocked that Harlan so firmly rejected a strong, native female for a weak outsider.

Cadence tugged gently on Harlan's muscular arm. She felt a pang of guilt for causing a public scene on her very first day.

Harlan turned back to her. His cold expression softened instantly into a reassuring smile.

He leaned down. He assured her softly, "Briar means nothing to me. You are my only priority. Never doubt that."

Cadence felt a distinct flutter in her chest. Her heart skipped a beat. She was deeply moved by his unwavering public defense and loyalty.

Jaiden jumped down from Harlan's shoulder. She grabbed Cadence's hand with her small paws. The cub eagerly pulled Cadence toward the den area. She was desperate to show off her pretty new friend to the other children.

Cadence allowed herself to be led. She felt a tentative, warming sense of belonging taking root in her chest.

She spent the afternoon sitting in the dirt. She taught the fascinated cubs a simple modern hand-clapping game. Their laughter filled the air.

Harlan sat a few yards away. He sharpened his bone knife against a rock. His protective, intense gaze never left Cadence's smiling face.

As the sun began to set and the air cooled, Cadence wiped her brow. She realized her skin felt sticky with sweat and dirt. She desperately needed a bath.

Chapter 5

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