| Frisson Of Apprehension

Ava couldn't help but puzzle over Father Maski. 'Maski's Native Crossia, isn't it? What a poser. Bet his real name's Cigel or something.'

'Too much schooling in you, Miss,' Patience said disapprovingly. 'You're plenty smart. But man smart, not wolf smart.'

'I read it in a book tracing the history of silver blood in wolf communities if you must know,' Ava replied. The look on Patience's face was an indication she was in the right direction. The answer was coming to her. 'Yes. The Maskipa were a Cavajo tribe, right? They worshipped the wolf. And your Father's one of their descendants, I suppose?'

'Suppose he is,' Patience sneered. 'And they didn't just worship the wolf. You may know the tribe's name, but I wonder if your little sweetheart boy-wolf knows its meaning.'

Ava's body stiffened at the mention of Jack.

Patience licked her lips as she leaned towards Ava as smirked. 'It means "Devourers of Men", sugar. And your little boyfriend is a man.'

*****