Storm cleared his throat. "One hour. I'll be over there—" he pointed twenty feet away "—giving what privacy pack law allows. I can still see and hear you. Don't try anything stupid."
He moved to his spot, facing away but alert.
Alex turned to his mates in the morning light.
Naga's eyes were bloodshot, scales patchy from stress. Leo's fur was matted with frost and dirt, golden eyes ringed with exhaustion.
"You two look like disasters," Alex said, aiming for stern but landing fond.
"We missed you," they said together.
"It's been twelve hours."
"Longest twelve hours ever," Naga muttered.
He loosened his grip slightly, hands cupping Alex's face, thumbs tracing cheekbones like memorizing them. "Did they hurt you? Threaten you? Make you uncomfortable?"
"No. They've been… accommodating. Good food, warm lodge. Healer Moss checked the babies—they're fine, just stressed from separation."
