Jayden scoffed. "Family? Beasts can't procreate, Tasha. It doesn't have a family."
"Maybe not a family," Tasha countered, "But a pack. A pack that depends on it. A pack it protects and cares for... like a family."
She crouched and touched its fur. Jayden stiffened, half a step forward. "Tasha, don't..."
But she ignored him. Her hand extended, gently brushing against the creature's blood-soaked fur. Sparks still danced faintly on her skin, but they didn't burn. Her touch was warm. Soothing.
"You don't have to worry," she whispered softly, her words almost melodic. "I'm not gonna kill you. Get up. Go back to your pack. Go back to your family."
Jayden crossed his arms, amused despite himself. Watching her cradle a creature that had nearly torn her head off was beyond irony.
