Текст книги "Shadow"
Автор книги: Laurann Dohner
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Текущая страница: 4 (всего у книги 17 страниц)
Shadow staggered a little. “What? Give me to her? No!”
Fury had the audacity to laugh. “True. It’s just a little knot at the waist.” He ran his fingers through his hair and his expression changed to a grim one as he watched Breeze. “Is that what you suggest? We send him to her to appease her curiosity? I think we should find a male who has a lot of experience with human females. They are vastly different from Species and so are Gifts. He might scare her, and hell, maybe we should consider one of the task force members. Maybe a human would be better in this case. I know a few of them very well and I’ll consult with Tiger and Brass. We could find a very mild one whom we could trust to back off if she changes her mind.”
The idea of someone from the task force touching Beauty sent anger coursing through Shadow. “Humans abused her and you want to send one to her bed? No!”
“Fury has a good point though,” Breeze sighed. “Our males are aggressive. It’s not as if we have any Gift males. We could send Smiley to her. He’s primate and very mellow. He’s also smaller than toga boy and won’t crush her. Primates like sex face-to-face too. I’m sure she’d appreciate that over being mounted from behind. I can’t see her taking the swelling and locking together afterward very well either. She’s little.”
“So is my Ellie and she handles me fine.” Fury glared.
“I’m not dogging on canine males. Hello! I’m canine too.” Breeze rolled her eyes. “I’m just saying she’s Gift. She might not appreciate a fully turned-on Species with the canine traits.” She glanced at Shadow. “Toga boy is canine. I’d suggest a feline but again—the aggressive traits.”
“I said, stop calling me that,” Shadow growled, losing his temper. “Are you certain she wants to share sex? She didn’t give me that impression and I slept with her on my chest all night.”
“Maybe he’s right. We might be reading too much into this. Talk to her, Breeze. Maybe she’s just confused or it’s a passing thing.” Fury sounded hopeful. “We should investigate this more but if that’s the case, I insist on it being a Species male. Shadow has a point. Humans abused her.”
“You do that. It’s my job to protect my females and see to their needs.” Breeze glared at him. “She feels enslaved by our rules regarding Gift Females. She said so. I’ll go over your head if I have to and Justice owes me big-time. I refuse to back down.”
Fury regarded her warily. “What do you have in mind?”
Breeze turned her head to narrow her gaze at Shadow. He could almost see her mind working, plotting something.
“No.” He vehemently shook his head. “I’m not the male you want to use as some experiment to see if she wants to share sex.” The idea sent him into a panic. “I was abused too and it’s been too long since I shared sex with a female. I avoid it.”
“Even better.” Breeze smiled. “You won’t initiate it and you’d be sensitive to her trauma.” She glanced at Fury. “Are you thinking what I am?”
“Shit,” Fury groaned. “I think so.”
“What?” Shadow glanced between the two Species staring at him with calculated looks. “No. Whatever you are thinking, no!”
Chapter Four
“I refuse.” Shadow glared at Brass.
The male watched him silently for long seconds. “Fine. The Gift Female showed an interest in you and you’re the only male she’s had contact with but I’m sure she’ll do fine with a stranger. Is that the stance you’re taking? Think about it long and hard.”
“Haven’t I been used as an experiment enough?”
“She’s Gift. Wouldn’t you lay down your life to protect her? They are our weakest females and helpless to defend themselves.”
“Of course I would die if that’s what it took to keep her safe.”
“You feel secure that all males would take care with her? You’re putting her in someone else’s care if you refuse to escort her to Reservation and live alongside her. What if they don’t take her feelings into consideration as much as you would? What if they press her into doing more than she is comfortable with if they become really aroused? You wouldn’t do that, would you?”
Shadow glared at his friend, guessing he’d come to Homeland just to be the one to talk him into agreeing to Breeze’s plan. “Of course not. You’re using guilt tactics?”
Broad shoulders shrugged. “She knows you. I’m aware of your history. She’s not human so you shouldn’t have adverse reactions being near her but you know all about having the will of your body taken from your control. You share that common bond with her. I trust that you would be hypersensitive to her feelings and not pressure her into anything. How many males have that background?”
“We’ve all been forced to share sex at times due to Mercile attempting to breed children from us.”
“You were drugged and strapped to sterile machines while your seed was forced from your body. It was a form of rape. The Gift Female was forced to endure a human putting his hands on her without regard. Neither of you had other Species to comfort you or make those events less traumatic. I read your report about what happened the night you spent with her. She allowed you to hold her and she admitted she’d never been kindly touched. You could have pushed for more physical contact but you didn’t. You are perfect for this assignment. She may not wish to share sex but at least she’ll feel secure enough with you to attempt it if she does. You’re the right male for her.”
“I’m not the right male for anyone.” Shadow hated to admit weakness. “I’m deeply flawed inside, Brass. I suffer nightmares often, cold sweats, and I’m not prepared to share sex with anyone. I’ve had females offer but I have refused. I keep having flashbacks to the time I was held inside that warehouse.”
“Wrath got past it.”
“He’s a stronger male than I am.”
“Bullshit.” Brass softly growled, flashing irritation in his steady gaze. “He is like a brother to you because you’re so close and have similar traits. Do I need to call him here to speak to you? He and Lauren are enjoying their first days inside their new home in seclusion. Do you need his words instead of mine to convince you that you should be the one to tend the Gift Female? What would he say?”
“Shit.” Shadow knew when he was beaten. “He’d tell me to go because I couldn’t live with it if someone else pressured her into doing something she wasn’t ready for when I could have prevented it.”
“Exactly. You would be less inclined to mistake any signals she makes and be certain of what she wants before you act. Now pack a few weeks of clothing and be ready to fly out in thirty minutes. We’re out of here then.”
“I haven’t taken the time to settle into my apartment yet. I haven’t unpacked.”
“Good.” Brass drew closer. “You are the right male for this, Shadow. I’d worry if another male were to spend time with a Gift Female. This is new territory. We have no idea what to expect but we want them to thrive with freedom the way we do. She’s fragile emotionally as well as physically. You won’t forget that.”
“That is true.” He couldn’t argue with Brass’ logic.
“Just be yourself and all will be fine.”
He wasn’t so sure of that but the idea of Beauty being secluded with another male to allow her the freedom to pursue possible physical relations with him made Shadow want to snarl. She was too innocent and someone could take advantage of that.
* * * * *
“What is Reservation like?” Excitement and worry warred within Beauty as she watched Breeze pack her clothing in a duffle bag. “I’ve heard there are miles of trees and lots of open space.”
“There are both of those things.” Breeze grinned, meeting her gaze. “You will enjoy it. You’re being sent to a cabin near a river.” The smile faded. “You must not wade into the water. Do you understand? The current is strong. There’s a small area that is safe. Your escort will show you. It’s an inlet where the current doesn’t reach and the water is only about waist high.”
“Your waist or mine?”
Breeze chuckled. “Mine but you aren’t that short. It won’t be higher than your breasts.”
“I don’t know how to swim.”
“I guessed that. None of us knew but we learned.”
“Will my escort teach me how to swim too?”
“I’m unsure if he knows how. Just stay away from the main body of the river.” The taller Species closed the bag. “There you go. You’re loaded up with enough outfits to last you a few weeks. Getting away will be good for you and you will know real freedom. The Wild Zone is just the place. The inhabitants were warned to stay away. Not that they’d harm you.”
“Do they know I’m Gift?” Beauty hated the idea of being stared upon with pity. She got it a lot when she was in the general population and caught the attention of some of the men who dared glance her way.
“Anyone who sees you knows. Your size gives that away but yes, they are aware and that’s why they will stay out of your territory.”
“Oh.” Disappointment hit.
“What is wrong?” Breeze’s dark gaze sharpened, not missing anything.
“Nothing.”
“Talk to me right now.”
“I’d hoped going there would change things. I wanted to speak to men and get to know some of them.”
“The Wild Zone is filled with our antisocial Species but they are aware they might be frightening for you if you were to run into them.”
“Explain.” Beauty perched on her bed.
“Some were considered failures by Mercile Industries. Their facial differences can be more severe than ours.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Their animal traits are more pronounced. They look more animal than human. That’s what I’m trying to say.” Breeze reached up and rubbed her nose. “Ours are slightly wider than a typical human’s but some of the Wild Zone males can have flatter features, their mouths shaped like whatever animal DNA they were mixed with, and their hair texture isn’t always as human.”
“Are they not allowed to live at Homeland?”
“They can live anywhere they wish but they prefer to keep away from humans entirely. They get stared at and it’s uncomfortable for them. They were also treated less kindly at Mercile so they really detest humans. We had it rough but they had it much worse. They aren’t prone to wanting to live with others and enjoy their solitude.”
“Have you ever met any of them?”
“Of course.” Breeze smiled again. “I’ve spent a lot of time at Reservation. I’ve even shared sex with one of them.”
“What was that like?”
Breeze hoisted the heavy bag to drop the strap on her shoulder. “Interesting. Let me just say that their animal traits are also very close to the surface of their personalities. You have no reason to fear them though. They were spoken to by Valiant and Leo. Both of those males rule the Wild Zone.”
“They are like Justice here at Homeland?”
“They are feline mixes but I wouldn’t say they are similar to Justice in other ways. Justice is social and gets along well with others. Valiant and Leo are, well, different. Let’s just say that when they say something our males listen. Justice earns respect. Valiant and Leo are very frightening.”
“Are there any women Wild Zone residents?”
“Just Tammy. She’s Valiant’s human mate.”
“I meant antisocial women with more animalistic traits.”
“None of them survived.” Breeze looked grim. “If they ever existed at all. None were found when we were freed. Mercile either didn’t make what they considered mistakes with females or they had them killed.” Breeze spun away to head for the bedroom door. “Sometimes I wish Kit would be sent there. She’s a thorn in my side. I’d love for her to be someone else’s problem. Let’s go.”
Beauty slid off the bed to follow. “What is Kit’s problem?”
“I have no idea. She refuses to talk to me about why she is turning so mean.” Breeze paused by the front door and held her gaze. “Are you ready for an adventure? You’ll have fun and hopefully you’ll enjoy this vacation.”
“Who is my escort?”
“Shadow volunteered.” Amusement showed on her features. “You know him. Is that all right?”
Her heart raced. “He asked to be the one to go with me? Really?”
“Is that going to be a problem? We figured you’d be comfortable sharing a cabin with him. There are two bedrooms.”
“That’s fine.” Beauty tried to hide her excitement at seeing him again. “He isn’t angry at me for getting him into trouble?”
“He was never in trouble. The males were just concerned for your safety. Everyone is aware that he didn’t harm you. It’s all good.” She paused. “Do you want to talk first?”
“About what?”
Breeze lowered the bag to the floor and pressed her back against the door, staring at Beauty. “Sex.”
Her cheeks turned really warm. “No.”
“You’re going away with Shadow. He won’t offer to share sex with you but he’s still male. I’m going to give you advice whether you ask for it or not. Are you ready?”
Embarrassment filled her that the other woman could read her so well. She nodded sharply, more than willing to listen to anything Breeze had to say.
“Okay. I’ll assume you’re curious but I’m guessing any sexual experience you’ve had wasn’t enjoyable.”
Beauty fought back tears as memories surfaced. “No,” she whispered.
Anger glinted in dark-brown eyes. “I wish I could kill that bastard who had you under his thumb but that’s another day when we catch him once he returns to the States. It’s not that way when you share sex with someone who cares about you and who wants you to enjoy the experience. Our males do both. They are different from humans, which is a good thing. A Species male would never hurt you. They growl and are aggressive but saying no to them means stop. They will. Am I clear? If he’s lost in passion then just box his ears. That’s opening your hands and hitting his ears on both sides at once. You’ll have his attention. A male would never strike you back. Repeat the word ‘no’ and he’ll retreat immediately.”
It stunned Beauty, thinking about hitting one of the big men. They were fierce. “Are you sure this ear boxing won’t make a man really angry?”
“Oh, it will, but they’d never harm a female. I promise you that. That’s another huge difference between our males and the humans you met when you were in captivity. They would never find honor in harming someone they knew would be defenseless against their strength. They will skulk away to calm but return in a better mood.” She drew in a deep breath, exhaling slowly. “Shadow won’t initiate sex with you but you could go after him. Do you want me to tell you how to go about that?”
Beauty nodded.
“Strip naked. Tell him you wish to share sex. Be blunt. That way he can’t mistake it for anything else.”
“What if he doesn’t want me?”
Breeze laughed as all the tension faded from her features. “He’s male, hon. You’re beautiful. You were given that name for a reason. Shadow isn’t a moron or blind. He’ll want you. And remember this. It’s important.”
“Okay.”
“He’s more afraid of you than you are of him. Trust me on that.”
Doubt assailed her. “I believe you’re wrong.”
“I’m right. For all their macho crap, nothing is scarier to one of our males than someone they think might break under them. You haven’t seen any of our males fall for humans but I have. It’s some funny shit but don’t repeat I ever said it.” Breeze sobered. “Shadow was abused while in captivity. Just know that he’s got some sexual hang-ups too and he will be sensitive to what you have survived.”
It hurt Beauty to be reminded about Shadow’s past. “He knows what it’s like to be spun around and pinned down while someone hurts him from behind?”
Breeze closed her eyes and breathed heavily for long seconds before she focused her gaze on Beauty. Rage simmered there. “No. His suffering involved drugs and machines. Do me a favor though. Tell Shadow to take you facing him if you decide to share sex with him. Tell him it’s important and I said so. Can you do that for me?”
“Yes.”
“Good.” Breeze pushed away from the door and lifted the bag. “Let’s go. The helicopter pilots should be prepared to fly you to Reservation by now. Just tell Shadow if the flying frightens you. I’m sure he’ll be more than happy to be comforting. The ride isn’t long.”
“I’ve never been conscious before while in the air. They drugged me when I was brought here.”
“It will be fine. I’ve flown lots of times.”
The hallway was empty but Beauty wasn’t lucky enough to avoid the women when they stepped out of the elevator on the first floor. At least ten of them stood silently waiting, their expressions worried. It was Tiny who spoke first.
“Enjoy your vacation, Beauty. Have fun.” Her gaze darted to Breeze. “She’ll be safe, right? You promised.”
“She will. A very nice male is going to escort her there and he’ll keep her safe.”
Tiny shuddered a little and Halfpint stepped to her side to hold her hand. She looked nervous but obviously forced a smile. “We will miss you but we know you need some freedom.”
Beauty walked over and hugged the duo. They didn’t understand why she wanted to leave the safety of the dorm but the fact that they accepted it meant a lot to her. “I’ll be back before you notice I’m gone.”
They both appeared doubtful of that but they quickly hid their emotions. “I’m sure that’s true,” Tiny whispered. “Be careful of the male.”
“Let’s not have any of that,” Breeze ordered sternly. “He’s a good male and he’s Species.” She strode toward the front doors. “Come on, Beauty. You have a flight to catch.”
She released her friends, trying not to allow their worried stares make her wary of leaving. The concept of seeing and spending time with Shadow excited her a lot. He wasn’t angry if he’d agreed to be her escort. She’d be able to get to know the man better. No fear inched up her spine over the thought of living in close quarters with him. He hadn’t tried to molest her in any way when they were alone at the equipment building.
Breeze dumped her bag into the back of a golf cart and took the wheel. “This is going to be great but I put a cell phone in your bag just in case you want to call me on the sly if you get hung up.”
“The sly?”
“You know, if you find yourself at a loss in a situation. My number is programmed in. You remember what you were taught about how to use them, right? Dial me if you need advice, okay? Day or night.” She threw the small engine in gear and they sped away from the dorm. “I’ll keep my phone close, even in the shower. I’ve got your back.”
Beauty grinned. “I’m really glad you’re my friend but I’m cool.”
Breeze turned the wheel and drove them toward the helicopter pad. “Am I rubbing off on you with my mad human slang?” She chuckled.
“I learned it from my guards. It’s Species talk that I find difficult to adjust to and speak.”
Breeze slowed the cart to a stop and stared at her. “Like what?”
“Male, female, human, and I have a feeling the term ‘share sex’ might be a new one I have to learn.”
“Don’t feel pressured to do anything with Shadow. He doesn’t expect it. You know that, right? He probably hopes I’m wrong about you being sexually curious.”
Beauty’s cheeks heated. “You told him that?”
“I did.” There was no regret in Breeze’s direct stare. “He had a right to know and it involves him in case you do want to experiment. This will avoid him being shocked or thinking you are having a miscommunication. It happens with our males when you attempt subtlety. That’s why I suggested getting naked and telling him exactly what you want. He won’t be confused.”
Beauty let it sink in that Shadow was aware of her inner turmoil and that he had become the focus of it. She was attracted to him and hoped that something might happen between them. She longed to know what her neighbors experienced when they had visitors. She decided to be direct.
“I’m not like you, Rusty or Kit.”
“That’s obvious and it’s not just your size.”
She pondered if that was an insult but saw no disdain in Breeze’s expression. “I don’t want to go from man to man if I do this. I want to only get to know one.”
“I respect that. Our males can be dominating. Just remember that and don’t allow him to rule you. They are bigger but there’s a saying that applies. Remember it—‘the bigger they are, the harder they fall’.”
Beauty quietly considered her words. She hesitated to get out when they parked, studying her friendf “What if something happens and I want to keep him?”
Eyebrows lifted. “Get naked and stay that way. He won’t leave.” She smiled. “They are hard to toss out of bed so if you don’t try, I doubt he will go anywhere.”
Beauty smiled. “You make it sound so easy.”
“It is.” Breeze hoisted her bag. “There he is. He’s totally staring. That’s a male who notices you. He doesn’t have a chance if you take off your clothes. Just wait until you’re sure.”
“I will,” she promised softly, turning her head to gaze around until she found the tall man with short blond hair. He stood in uniform next to the helicopter and appeared as nervous as she felt.
“Gift wrapped,” Breeze chuckled.
“What?” Beauty tore her attention from Shadow to glance her way.
“Nothing. Let’s go. The blades are starting and the pilots hate wasting fuel.”
Chapter Five
The cabin rested in thick woods and Beauty couldn’t help but openly stare at all the trees. The tops of them nearly blocked out the blue sky surrounding the small clearing where the two-story structure had been built. Her tongue darted out to lick her lips as the Jeep halted.
“This is your stop.” Jaded, the council member, refused to glance her way. He had spoken only to Shadow since he’d picked them up from the heliport but she knew he wasn’t being rude. He meant to avoid frightening her by addressing her directly. “It’s been stocked with everything you could possibly need and there’s a set of satellite phones inside. We left two in case something happens to one.” He paused. “You can get cell phone reception usually but sometimes it is sporadic. Call the Reservation number if you need emergency assistance.” His voice lowered. “We have females on duty around the clock just in case.”
“In case of what?” Beauty spoke for the first time since Shadow had lifted her inside the helicopter. The ride had terrified her but he had held her hand silently during the flight.
Startling, bright-green eyes flashed her way for a few heartbeats before he glanced at Shadow. “In case you need a female, Beauty.”
That translates to “in case I freak out”, she guessed. “It will be fine. Shadow won’t hurt me. I know I’m safe.”
Shadow slid out of the Jeep and reached for her. “Allow me to help you down.”
She rose from the backseat and strong hands gripped her hips and he lifted her slowly over the edge until she stood on her feet on the dirt road. He released her immediately to grab their belongings.
“Thank you, Jaded. I am certain we will be fine as long as there is food. I’ve learned how to cook thanks to the task force. They were very helpful while I lived at their headquarters.”
The other man chuckled. “I bet they were. The ones I’ve met say they married their jobs. Not having access daily to cafeterias such as we have would make them eager to learn to prepare their own meals. They’d starve otherwise.” His humor faded. “Call if there’re any issues that arise. We’re all here to help.”
Beauty refused to wince despite the strong urge. She had a sneaking suspicion that everyone at the NSO had been made aware she might be interested in pursuing a physical relationship with Shadow. It was embarrassing and uncomfortable for so many to know what should be private. She ducked her chin to hide the blush on her cheeks and turned to face the cabin.
The Jeep left and the sounds of the river could be heard once the engine faded away. Birds sang and the treetops whispered from the wind. It was a peaceful place she looked forward to enjoying for the next two weeks.
“This way.” Shadow carried their bags as he led the way to the front door.
She rushed after him. “I’ll get the door.”
He paused and she ignored his frown as she shoved the door open. Shadow jerked his head to indicate she should go first. Curiously, she did just that.
The inside had rustic charm with log walls and what appeared to be handmade furniture created mostly from natural products. A smile curved her lips. “How pretty!”
“Brass said the Wild Zone residents made most of this.” He stared at the coffee table someone had painstakingly sanded from a thick log cut in half, the insides of it smoothed and flattened to a level surface. “Nice work.”
“The couch is nice too.” She stepped closer. “More logs with large cushions. How clever.”
“The bedrooms should be upstairs. I was told there are two. You should pick which one you want.”
She spun around to stare at him. Nerves made her heart flutter. Half of her wished to invite him to share a room with her but she wasn’t brave enough to ask. “It doesn’t matter.”
Broad shoulders shrugged. “I’ll give you whichever is nicest. I’ll return immediately.”
He fled for the stairs and she watched him disappear. She resisted the urge to follow. The bad thing about being segregated from Species men was her lack of knowledge on how to speak to them. She moved through the lower floor to explore the open space. It consisted of a living room divided from the kitchen by a bar with stools. There was a small bathroom with only a toilet and sink.
Shadow returned without their things. He avoided her gaze.
“I am going outside to learn the area. Stay inside until I’m sure it is safe.”
“No one will hurt us here.”
That got his attention. “You’re female and I’m not sure I trust that some of the males won’t be curious to see you. Brass told me to do a few things to ensure they know what boundaries not to cross.”
“Boundaries?”
“I need to mark the area around the house just to make certain they are aware I am here.”
“You brought signs?”
He dropped his gaze to the floor and strode for the door quickly. “Stay inside.”
He was gone before she could ask another question. He hadn’t been carrying anything. She walked to the window and watched him disappear to the left of the cabin. She spun and rushed for the stairs, hoping for a view from the second floor to see what he was up to.
The bedrooms were small but she barely noted the details as she rushed through the one that would hopefully give her a view of Shadow. The curtains were open and she spotted him walking through trees. He paused at one point with his back to her and her jaw dropped open as he reached for the front of his pants. While she couldn’t see him exposed, she guessed he was peeing on a tree.
I need to mark the area. His words sank in and she backed away from the window before he caught her watching him. He’d meant that literally—he was marking the area as an animal would. It floored her.
Species aren’t like humans, she reminded herself. Her gaze landed on the bed to see Shadow’s bag sitting neatly on the lower end of it. She was inside his room. The bed was a big one with a headboard and footboard made of sturdy branches.
She went to the other bedroom, which had an identical bed to his, and began to unpack, making sure not to get too close to the window in the event Shadow saw her. She didn’t want him to know she’d spied.
The dresser had obviously been bought. She neatly stored her clothing inside. The bathroom would be shared by them. It had a door on each side, connecting their rooms. No locks had been placed on either door. He could enter at will.
She stared at the shower with the clear glass doors. There would be no privacy if he walked in on her. It went both ways though. She could catch him while he bathed if they weren’t careful to listen before entering to make sure the bathroom wasn’t already occupied.
The door downstairs opened and closed. Beauty went in search of him immediately. He was crouched in front of the fireplace when she returned to the lower level, studying it. She knew he was aware of her since the steps creaked slightly under her feet.
“Did you mark the area?”
“Yes.” He didn’t glance at her. “They will be aware I am here and will stay back from the cabin.”
They’ll smell him. She didn’t say it aloud. “I’m not afraid of them. They are Species.”
“They don’t see many females unless they venture into the more populated sections of Reservation. I don’t want them to be tempted to come here to meet you. Some of them aren’t stable.”
“Would they attack me?”
He rose to his full height and turned toward her. Indecision was clear on his features about giving her an answer. It irritated her. She deserved the truth.
“Please be honest. Do you think I’m in danger from them? I’m primate. Does that make a difference? I’ve heard most of them are canine and feline. I watch television and have read many books since my release. Are they so untamed that they will wish to hunt me? They have predator instincts, right? I’m aware of the food chain in the animal kingdom.”
“You’re female.”
“And? Does that mean I couldn’t stand a chance of surviving if one of them came after me?” She couldn’t see winning that fight either since men were so much stronger.
“It means they wouldn’t wish to hunt you.” He walked away into the kitchen to wash his hands.
She stared at his back and allowed his words to sink in. “Sex?”
He visibly stiffened as he shut off the water. “Yes.” He dried his hands on a towel and opened the fridge to inspect the contents. She couldn’t see his face. “Don’t worry. I’m here and none of them will get close to you. Just don’t go outside without me there to protect you in case one of them is brazen enough to cross the boundary lines I set.”
“Shadow?” She said his name softly, wishing he’d quit avoiding her.
He slowly closed the door and turned his head until his blue gaze found her. “Yes?”
“You could just tell me that. Are you afraid one of them will seek me out to offer to share sex?”
“No. I’m afraid one of them might try to grab you and take you home with him. I warned Brass that I am not good at tracking. I have a keen sense of smell but I’m not used to the woods. It might take time to find you. Don’t go anywhere without me. I want you to promise you’ll lock yourself in the cabin if trouble arises. I’ll handle it.”
“I promise.” She didn’t want to be kidnapped. “Would they hurt me if that were to happen?”
“They know you’re Gift but some of them aren’t right in their heads. They wouldn’t realize the emotional trauma they caused and might attempt to urge you strongly into sharing sex.”
