The rest of the afternoon and early evening had been spent leisurely making their way further from the capital.They had passed through several larger towns and villages that sat on the outskirts of the city’s influence, but now, all that surrounded them was rolling farmland with large patches of woodland.The occasional traveller joined them on the road, mostly people on foot with their belongings on their back, but a few farming wagons ambled along as well. The sun had set and was nearly hidden from view while the last oranges and reds streaked the darkening sky.Skye was relieved that they would finally stop for the day. His entire body ached, his muscles not used to the odd gait of the horse protested being forced to ride for so long.Top that off with tiredness from healing Trace and Urkane earlier and he was ready to just fall into bed.Except that he had to brush down his horse first.Then move all his gear so his mount could enjoy a night free of the saddle. Moya had earned he

Linus was steadily knocking back drink after drink and Skye was beginning to worry for his mate.Half the band had left following Brite who had dragged Dyllen away to go ‘wenching’, although he had overheard Brite asking the other alpha if he was looking for a ‘lad or a lass’.He wondered if it was still called wenching if you were picking up a male partner.The ones he had been left with were all quiet and while everyone else seemed content to sit and relax quietly together, Skye was feeling rather awkward.Mainly because he honestly didn’t understand why his alpha was so intent on getting drunk.Linus hadn’t said a word to anyone beyond ordering each drink so it was hard to tell how far gone he was but he noticed the other three who stayed behind all watch their leader with wary looks.Skye cleared his throat and finally ventured to ask one the questions that had been on his mind the last few days.“What do you all dream of?” He flushed when four pairs of eyes turned to look at him

Linus stared at his mate from the corner of his eye.The omega had been difficult to wake that morning and even as they left Athelney behind; Skye seemed more asleep than awake.They had spent two full days in the bustling town and left at first light on the third morning.Skye swayed almost drunkenly in his own saddle and even the ever grouchy Dyllen looked concerned. Each of the band seemed to be keeping an eye on the sleepy omega and no one was surprised when Linus abandoned point to fall back beside his mate.The alpha suspected it had something to do with two full days of healing the townsfolk. It probably didn’t help matters that he healed his own injuries, and Linus’s, in his sleep.It was certainly a nice change to not wake up saddle sore after a morning on the road or cramp-less after sleeping on the cold, hard ground but he wished the omega could turn it off.Clearly, it was affecting himself. There was no other reason he could think of for Skye to be struggling to stay awak

 Skye groaned as he was shaken awake.A hand clamped over his mouth and lips brushed against his ear as his mate shushed him. He froze, his sleepiness gone in the blink of an eye as alarm flashed through him.Linus pulled away just enough to reach above their heads to where their bags sat, pulling out his scabbarded sword. A glance around in the dim moonlight showed the rest of the band doing the same thing.Skye sat up slowly, unsure what he should do or how to react to the sharp tenseness of the group.Linus unsheathed his sword and crouched next to him, eyes darting around the darkness. Long, tense minutes drew out as they sat there, the moon providing only enough light to make out vague shapes and outlines.The camp lay oddly quiet and still, the embers from the campfire sat low, no longer burning enough to provide light or heat.Trees rustled in the gentle breeze as Skye strained to hear something,

 They travelled non stop until it was late afternoon, eating in the saddle, to put as much distance between them and the corpses of the fools who tried to off them in the night.They found a good clearing just off the road near a small stream and dismounted.Dyllen snapped out commands and Linus noted with amusement that instead of giving Skye the usual shitty tasks, the alpha ignored the raven haired omega completely.The omega stood next to his own horse after sliding off less than gracefully, although at least he didn’t fall anymore, looking bewildered.“Looks like it’s your turn for a free night, Cherub,” Linus called, a smile hovering around his lips.Stubborn old Dyllen might have listened after all.He wasn’t sure if it was a peace offering or if Dyllen just didn’t want to deal with the omega while he thinks but either way, they usually rotat