Of course, it’s at this moment that Uda, his mule, and Blackwatch all collectively stiffen up. Jesse blinks, feeling his mare shift uneasily under him even as she continues walking, but the other man pulls his mule to a stop, his head lifted and dark eyes narrowed. Jesse obligingly guides Blackwatch to halt, as well, frowning at Uda curiously.
Jesse watches his jaw clench and tighten, working like he’s grinding his teeth. The hunter clears his throat, figuring speaking would break the careful truce they’ve been holding. Uda glances at him for the first time all day, nostrils flaring a little as he inhales.
“Smoke,” he growls after a moment, looking irritated that he even has to say anything. Jesse’s frown deepens.
“Could just be a campsite up ahead,” Jesse says, though his heart sinks with the news. He’s already got a bad feeling about this.
Chapter Five of Bad Moon is up!
