Page 50 of Guardians

“Iposted guards around the females for their protection,” Kane corrected. “There are over a thousand males in this village. The vast majority have not touched a female in over three years.”

She was doing it again, forgetting that this wasn’t Earth. Hell, even with human males that sort of ratio would put the females in danger. “You’re right. The guards were a good idea. What happens when the month is over?” He’d warned her that this was going to make her angry, so she braced emotionally for what he was about to say.

“A structure is being built beyond the walls of the village. It’s within sight of the guard towers so we can easily defend it if there is danger of any kind. However, there will not be running water or electricity. Field rations and firewood will be provided, but no fresh food. This will reestablish the structure of the alliance without endangering the females. To be honest with you, it’s more of a compromise than I expected.”

“It’s a step up from flimsy tents and protein bars,” she said with a sigh. “But it’s going to feel like a prison sentence after a month in cabins like this.”

“That’s the point,” Kane admitted. “The wolf attack robbed us of our leverage. Our only hope of convincing stubborn human females to mate with us is getting that leverage back.”

“Or you could try getting to know the females, charming and connecting with them?” Lexie suggested.

“That might work for someone like Malik,” Kane countered. “Can you imagine Diego trying to ‘charm’ a female?”

He was right. The only reason she looked beyond Diego’s gruff exterior was because they were already mates. Even Malik was more aggressive than any of the humans she’d dated. Their dominance had intimidated her in the beginning. Now she found their strength and confidence comforting.

“Can I explain this to them?” Lexie asked. “I think it will come better from me.”

“We agree. That’s why I’m here. Zion is officially asking for your assistance in dealing with the potential mates.”

His formality made her smile. The advisory council might want her involved, but Zion didn’t like her any more than she liked him. It was highly doubtful that he’d officially requested that she do anything. “Who else knows about the deadline?”

“Just members of the council and Zion. Why?”

“I’d like to wait a week or so before I tell them,” she decided. “They need some time to heal.”

Kane nodded as he pushed back from the table. “It’s a good idea. I’ll make sure no one says anything.”

“Thank you.” She stood up as well and walked around the table. “Are you going back to work?”

“Only one of us can shirk our responsibilities for the entire day.” Kane glared playfully at Malik, then pulled Lexie into his arms. “I’ll be home for dinner. Promise.” He kissed her, his lips moving with lingering tenderness. “Be good.”

“I’ll try.” She turned back to Malik as Kane left the cabin. “Are you really off for the entire day?”

He shook his head. “I just wanted to make sure you had a good breakfast. Then I’ve got to take off too.”

“I’d love the company, but fruit and toast are more than enough.”

He insisted on frying an egg to round out her meal, then joined her at the table.

She picked up her fork, but her first bite didn’t make it to her mouth. “Can we start working our way through my questions now, or do you need to go?”

“I have tasks awaiting me, but none have specific deadlines.”

“Why didn’t you guys tell me you could shapeshift before you claimed me?” She tried to keep the anger out of her voice, but failed. “That’s kind of a big deal.”

“Nothing about our courtship transpired the way we intended. You had so much to deal with already. We didn’t think it was important.”

She scoffed, pushing back from the table so she could cross her legs. “It’s not incidental. You can shift intoanimals.”

“You knew we have unusual abilities brought about by scientific experimentation.” Now he sounded irritated. His eyes gleamed dangerously. “How many times do I need to say it? We are no longer human.”

She paused and released a sigh. He was right. There were all sorts of rumors about their abilities. She just felt blindsided by the way she’d found out. “Can all the hybrids shapeshift?”

“All the birds can. Eighty percent of the cats, and seventy percent of the wolves,” he told her. “Different people have differentlevels of control, however. With some it’s an on or off switch. With others they can control every aspect of the shift. Kane is like that. So is Zion. They can both determine which animal characteristic they wish to manifest.”

“All three of your faces changed during the attack. Was that intentional or some sort of emotional response?”

“Humans have flight or fight. We just know fight.”

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