Ann Gimpel by Earth's Requiem (Earth Reclaimed) Page A

the remains of the marmot and suspended it between four of them. Burdened by the dead animal, they flew low, but at least they left. She waited before she risked sending magic skyward to make certain they were gone.
    Inhaling a steadying breath, letting it out, and pulling in another, Aislinn thanked the tree for helping shield her, shouldered her rucksack, and loped to the lake. Her wolf paddled in slow circles, wearing an annoyed expression.
    “Come on. Let’s get moving while we can.” She smiled at him. He looked like a large drowned rat.
    Rune made the shore far faster than she expected. The second he hauled his body out of the water, he stalked over to her and shook himself, spraying her with droplets. “You will never order me away from you again when there is danger.”
    “I’m just glad you listened. Don’t you see? This was better than having to fight. Neither one of us are hurt—”
    “We must be equal partners.” He growled low in the back of his throat, hackles at half-mast. “The bond means I obey you, whether or not it’s what I want. I loved Marta, but she forced her will on me. In the end, it meant her death.”
    She looked at Rune and extended compassion through their bond, hoping it would soothe his obvious pain. “I did not know. Truly. Remember, I am not trained as a Hunter.” She sank a tentative hand into his wet ruff. “When there is little time to discuss strategy, what would you have us do?”
    “I had a plan—” he began and then snapped off the next words so hard, his teeth clacked together.
    “And it may well have worked.” She stroked his head and shoulders. Water squeaked beneath her fingers. “Rune, we are newly met. It will take time for me to discover your strengths and for you to appreciate mine.”
    “I am sorry.” He really did look contrite. “Wanting you to do my bidding was not any different than you ordering me about.” He nuzzled her side.
    Except you’re bound to obey me. Wish I’d known that…
    The tang of magic zinged through the air. Rune’s tail swished. Aislinn sent power in a protective arc over them both.
    “Sister Hunter!” a decidedly masculine voice boomed from behind them. With barely a rustle, a tall blond man stepped out of a thick pine grove. The biggest raven she’d ever seen rode on his shoulder, its curved beak open in greeting.

Chapter Six
    A islinn took him in as he strode toward them. He moved with an understated grace that hinted at barely suppressed power. A tattered corduroy jacket hung off impossibly broad shoulders. It was open, showing a well-muscled chest covered with golden hair that glistened in the sun. The day wasn’t really all that warm. She wondered why he wasn’t wearing more. A flat, hard stomach disappeared into faded dungarees that hugged narrow hips. His hair had been hacked off to shoulder length. She supposed it helped keep the bird’s claws from tangling in it. Bright blue eyes gleamed at her. He was smiling, and it made the corners of his eyes crinkle into happy little creases. A scraggly beard covered cheeks and chin. He had very straight, white teeth nested in a strong jaw.
    What a gorgeous man.
    “I’m Fionn.” He extended a hand. “And this is Nevermore.” He glanced at the raven.
    “That is not my name, and you know it.” The raven sounded pissed. She trained beady, avian eyes at Aislinn. “My true name is Bella.”
    Realizing she’d been gawking, Aislinn took Fionn’s hand, gave it a firm shake, and pulled hers back. She felt color stain her cheeks and hoped it wasn’t too noticeable. “I am Aislinn, and this is Rune.”
    Wolf and raven stared at one another. Something passed between them, but she wasn’t quite sure what. With a little hop, the bird fluttered from Fionn’s shoulder to land atop Rune. More of the silent energy flowed.
    Aislinn furled her eyebrows. “So, are they talking?”
    Fionn drew back a couple of paces and stared hard at her. Feeling him gather power, she held up