By the time Ronan and Vivian returned to the makeshift camp outside the cave entrance, Avery seemed to be soundly asleep, curled up on the boulder.
The Lycan Alpha continued to observe Vivian; his gaze narrowed upon watching the she-wolf gather her niece up into her arms.
That wouldn't do.
It didn't matter whether Avery was practically featherweight. By his call, Vivian was forbidden to bear any sort of weight on herself that would cause exertion.
Ronan approached them, stepping in front of Vivian.
"I'll carry her," the Lycan Alpha offered, waiting a moment as he sought permission from Vivian. "I don't want your wounds to worsen."
The she-wolf withdrew from the idea of lifting her niece's weight and nodded solemnly. Ronan gathered the child effortlessly into his arms, carrying her inside the cave to lay her down on a sheet.
