Page 7 of Guardians

“You’re cleared,” the guard finally told them. “Rex will take you to the lodge.”

“Thank you,” Lexie said.

Rex looked at them curiously, but didn’t say a word as he led them along the wending walkway. In the middle of each cluster of cabins was a grassy area with a fire pit. Some of the common areas even had a table and chairs. It was easy to picture a group of cats roasting their latest kill over the fire then sitting down to enjoy a shared meal. Her stomach growled in protest, and she dragged her gaze away.

“I didn’t realize it was this big,” Tara whispered.

Lexie looked at her and smiled. “I forgot that you’ve never been here before.”

Tara shook her head. “I’ve seen it from outside the wall, but this is the first time I’ve been inside.”

Lexie had been part of the small trading party that bartered with the cats shortly after the humans arrived. Then their camp had been raided and all their supplies stolen. With nothing left to barter, there was no reason to continue the visits.

The lodge was two stories high and had a wide, railed porch that wrapped around the sides. Rex led them up the stairs and opened the door, but did not accompany them inside. Lexie took one step into the large open room and froze. Kane stood at the other end of the room near the massive fireplace. He was with six fierce-looking males she didn’t know. One was the largest hybrid Lexie had ever seen. Was this Zion, the pride leader? She’d heard his name and knew his reputation, but had yet to meet him.

“Come here,” the giant beckoned, crooking his first two fingers.

Lexie quickly cleared her throat and dragged her knit cap off her head. She’d braided her long blonde hair that morning and the thick plait hung over her right shoulder. It was probably warmenough to take off her coat, but she chose to leave it on. The bulk disguised the shape of her body and made her feel more secure.

Her legs shook as she crossed the room, but she forced herself to keep walking. Tara’s steps lagged even more than hers, so Lexie turned and motioned for her friend to hurry up. They finally reached the males and Lexie was struck again by the giant’s size. Her head barely came to the middle of his chest and his chest eclipsed her field of vision.

“Have you come to accept our offer?” the giant asked. He was clearly in charge, which added credence to Lexie’s conclusion that he was Zion, the pride leader.

“Not exactly,” she said with a hesitant smile. “I’ve come with a counterproposal.”

Kane stepped forward, drawing her attention. “I was very clear when I spoke with you. There is only one offer and the terms have not changed. We cannot have females in our village unless they’ve been claimed by a coalition.”

Zion walked over to a high-backed chair and sat down. The corners of his mouth lifted in a faint smile, but he let Kane continue the negotiation.

“Did someone in this village raid our camp?” Lexie asked, her tone stopping just short of accusatory.

“It was the wolves,” Zion told her.

She looked at him and nodded. “I thought that was more likely, but I was hoping.”

“Hoping?” The word clearly confused Zion. “And why is that?”

“You seem more reasonable than the wolves. I thought my chances of helping my friend would be better here.”

“What’s wrong with your friend?” a brown-haired male asked, his dark gaze sweeping the entire length of Tara’s body.

“Not me, you dolt,” she protested. “Our friend Bianca needs antibiotics and she needs them now.”

“Watch your tone,” Zion warned, gaze narrowed and gleaming. “Malik is the village doctor. Show him the proper respect.”

“Well, tell your village doctor to keep his eyes on my face,” she volleyed angrily.

“I was simply trying to ascertain what was wrong with you,” Malik defended.

“Your attitude is in desperate need of adjustment.” The warning in Zion’s tone was unmistakable.

“So I’m told, frequently.” Tara sounded anything but contrite.

“Keep it up and I’ll see to it myself,” Zion said more forcefully. “I do not tolerate disrespect.”

Tara started to say something, but Lexie shut her down with a warning look. The last thing they needed right now was a pointless power struggle.

“Whatever,” Tara muttered and fell into sulky silence.

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