Page 17 of These Dangerous Fates

“Honestly, I would love to open a training center of some sort,” she says somewhat bashfully. “Offer classes to women—human women—on how to defend themselves. I hate how vulnerable we are.”

Her answer is quiet, but I hear the determination in her voice, and my respect for this woman grows. Clearly, she has been battered and bruised, but I can tell she hasn’t let it beat her down. There’s a quiet strength to her I admire.

“Why won’t your dad let you work?” I have my suspicions. Working for the man has shown me his true colors, and it doesn’t surprise me to hear about the control he holds over her.

She snorts in an unladylike fashion, and my lips curve up in a smile. “He claims it’s to keep me safe after what happened to my mom and sister.” She pauses and takes a breath. “But I know it’s just another way for him to control me. Another way for him to keep me hidden. A way to hide his constant disappointment and embarrassment at me being human.”

I clench my jaw at the bitterness of her tone. It’s what I expected to hear, but hearing her say it that way hits a nerve I wasn’t even aware I had. Without thinking, I reach out and grab her hand, lacing our fingers together. At first she holds herself stiffly, but eventually her fingers relax and curl around mine.

“What about you?” she asks timidly.

“I’m sure you already know everything about me. It’s all over the internet.”

“I don’t follow social media too much. I really only know the basics. Your name, your affinity, your job.”

“Hmm. Well, my favorite color is blue. You know my job. I like anything to do with technology and electronics. No girlfriend.” I answer the questions I initially posed to her. “Oh, and my favorite animal is a cat.”

“A cat?” A smile laces her question.

“Yeah, a cat. What? Is that not manly enough for you?” I ask with mock outrage.

“No, it’s just … unexpected?” She shrugs. “I would think a powerful mage would like something more …”

“Powerful?”

“Well … yeah.”

I chuckle. “I like how one second cats are cute and cuddly, and the next they are complete assholes. Keeps you on your toes.”

She hums. “And what would you do for a job if you didn’t work for my dad?”

Damn, that’s a loaded question. She probably doesn’t even realize how hard it hits. “I’d like to be a healer. Specifically, for animals.”

We both fall silent. It isn’t too long before her breathing evens out and her hand loosens around mine. I slide my fingers free and tuck my hands behind my head.

The thoughts racing through my mind are troubling. I’m not sure why I feel the need to make sure she feels safe with us. The burning desire to know more about her is overwhelming, and I have no clue where it came from. And I feel an intense need to protect her from any danger. I shake my head and close my eyes, trying to shut off my thoughts and fall asleep, but it takes longer than I would like.

* * *

There’s a warm blanket draped over me, and it’s so hot in this cave it’s making me sweat. I slowly come awake only to find it’s not a blanket at all. In her sleep, Ellis rolled over on top of me. Her head rests on my chest, her hand dangerously close to the waistband of my pants, and one of her legs is thrown over mine.

I barely breathe as I take in the weight and warmth of her. It’s devine, and I could stay like this forever, despite the heat. My arm is wrapped around her back with my palm near the nape of her neck. A few loose strands of her riotous curls tickle my knuckles, and I desperately want to wind one around my finger.

A weird sensation settles in my stomach—something akin to butterflies, but stronger. It’s a tugging sensation that makes me want to squirm. I don’t, though. If Ellis wakes and finds us in this position, it would mortify her, so I keep my eyes closed and soak in the feeling, as I let her wake on her own and gently remove herself.

The cool air hits the parts of my body she had been covering, and I miss the warmth of her on top of me instantly. I lay still for a few more minutes, listening to her shuffle farther away. When enough time has passed, I stretch and yawn. Sitting up, I find Ellis against the cave wall with her legs drawn up to her chest. Her head is resting on her knees, and her gaze is trained on the cave entrance. Never have I wanted Kai’s empath abilities more than I do at that moment. The image she paints is one of extreme loneliness and hurt. Mistrust and fear line every part of her body, and I want nothing more than to make everything disappear for her.

“Good morning,” I say, my voice thick with sleep. Clearing my throat, I grab a bottle of water and take a large gulp.

“Morning,” she whispers, not turning to look my way while she tucks herself into a smaller ball.

Kai stirs and I look over to find him slowly sitting up. The spot next to him where Sterling slept is empty. The crazy wolf is probably already out scouting and checking our trail. Kai’s gaze travels to Ellis and he frowns. I assume he’s using his abilities to read her and he doesn’t like whatever he’s picking up on. He glances at me with a raised brow and I shrug my shoulders. All things considered, I think she’s handled everything pretty well. From her comment last night, I know this wasn’t something she signed up for, but was rather forced into it.

Kai clears his throat. “Ellis, are you okay?”

She keeps her head turned away but huffs a laugh that’s lacking in humor. “Yeah, just fucking peachy.”

Kai’s lips press together tightly, and I can see the tension in the line of his jaw. Sighing, he stands and slowly approaches her, handing her an unwrapped protein bar and bottle of water. “You should eat. As soon as we get to my place, I’ll make sure you get some real food.”

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