Page 97 of Beasts of Mine

The field platform appeared with enough time left that I didn’t need to hurry. Seeing it brought a different kind of relief after hours of impossible information. My damp shirt still hung beneath the shelter where I’d left it. The water container sat beside the steps, and my equipment remained arranged across the worktable beneath the roof. After hidden ruins, magic, and three men who had spent most of the week covered in fur, the ordinary clutter of my temporary camp felt almost comforting.

“See? Alive, early, all limbs attached.” Tavian spread one hand toward the platform as though he’d personally delivered me safely to it.

“You’re setting a remarkably low standard for yourself.” I climbed the steps and slipped the camera strap from my shoulder.

“Still met it.” Tavian stopped near the edge of the platform, looking entirely too pleased with himself.

I secured my camera and memory card, checked the lens for moisture, and set everything where it belonged while the men settled around the edges of camp. Tavian claimed one of the shelter posts, leaning his shoulder against the wood. Luca sat on the lowest step and watched the forest beyond the clearing. Malek remained near the outer edge, close to the same place his leopard body had stretched out each night.

When I reached for my notebook, Malek glanced toward the camera.

“What are you going to tell Mara about the ruins?” Malek asked, the guarded set of his shoulders making it clear what he was really worried about.

“Enough to keep my field records honest.” I rested the notebook against the table. “I found old stonework. I’m not going to mention shifters or give anyone directions to your home.”

“And the location?” Malek’s jaw tightened slightly as he looked toward the forest beyond camp.

“She already has my general route from this morning.” I met his eyes. “I’m not falsifying where I worked today, but I’m also not mapping your sanctuary for her. If there’s something I need to understand about the protections before I talk to her tomorrow, tell me.”

“Fair.” Malek gave a small nod after considering the answer, and some of the tension left his shoulders.

By the time six approached, I’d changed a battery, washed the mud from my hands, and confirmed the radio signal. The forest beyond the shelter had already begun moving toward evening, insects growing louder as the brighter patches between the trees faded. Something small rustled through the damp leaves beyond the clearing but never came close enough for me to see it.

I lifted the handset.

“Mara, this is Evie. Evening check-in.” I pressed the transmit button while three Alpha leopard shifters listened from around the platform.

Static washed briefly through the speaker.

“Evie, I have you. Back at camp?” Mara’s familiar voice cut through the interference, practical as ever.

“Back at camp. Everything’s fine.” I leaned one hip against the worktable and glanced toward the fading light beyond the shelter.

“Good. Eastern ridge worth it?” Mara shifted immediately toward work now that she knew I was safe.

“Very. Scarlet macaws at a mineral seep. I should have several strong frames.” I glanced toward the secured memory card beside my camera. “I also found some old worked stone farther east and photographed it without touching anything.”

“Don’t start playing archaeologist.” Mara’s interest sharpened through the radio, though the dry edge of her voice remained. “We’ll look at it when you get back.”

“Wasn’t planning to.” I smiled despite myself as I rested my free hand against the table.

“You’re still returning tomorrow?” Mara asked, moving on to the part of my schedule that actually affected her.

“Yes. No changes. I’ll check in before I start back.” I glanced toward the gear I’d repack after breakfast.

“Good. Enjoy your last night, and don’t make me come looking for you.” Mara’s usual dryness returned beneath a small burst of static.

“I won’t. Evie clear.” I pressed the button one final time before lowering the handset.

“Mara clear.” Mara’s voice disappeared into static as the connection ended. I returned the handset beside the charger. Wildlife photographs reported. Unexpected field observation recorded. Tomorrow’s return confirmed.

Normal.

Or at least as close as I was getting tonight.

When I looked toward Malek standing near the place Cat usually slept, something else finally registered.

The camp smelled like them.