Page 51 of Visions, Paws, and Claws

I don’t know, all right? But Iwillfind a way, I promise you.

There had to be a way. Because the alternative didn’t bear thinking about.

Jana… try to sleep, sweetheart.

He didn’t miss her cute little snort.I could say the same to you. You feel as exhausted as I do.

Then I’ll try too. Okay?

Jana sighed.All right, I’ll try—for you.

Good girl.Milo concentrated on his breathing, doing his best to take calm, measured breaths, forcing his body to relax.

Except his mind would not shut down.

Who in here would know anything about mates? Something that everyone—including me until a few days ago—thinks is a fairy tale?

Then it came to him. Jana had said she’d met someone in the camp who knew about mates.

It was as good a place to start as any.

Jana… you still there?

She laughed.It’s been less than a minute. What do you think?

The guy you told me about… the one who’d met shifters who were mates. What’s his name?

There was a pause.

Jana? Don’t you know?

Of course I know.

Then what’s the problem?Then cold swept through him.Oh,Iget it. You don’t want to tell me because you think that’ll put him in danger. Jana, you have to trust me. This may be the only way I can come up with—

His name is Jamie Matheson. He hasn’t been here all that long.Another pause.And I know you won’t put him in danger.

Her confidence rang out, clear and true, and Milo knew he would never do anything to jeopardize that trust.

Thank you. Now, go to sleep. Again.

She chuckled.Only if you stop talking to me.Jana let out a happy sigh.I love this. Being able to hear you, to feel you. It’s the only thing that keeps me going. One day this will all be over, and we’ll be free.

Milo loved it too. But until he got an answer to his questions, he had no idea if the future Jana dreamed of would ever materialize.

If he’d even survive should anything happen to her.

JAKE STAREDat the line of trees beyond the fence. “Something’s coming.”

Beside him, Seth froze. He followed Jake’s gaze. “I don’t feel anything.”

“But I do.” Jake shivered. “Trouble is, I can’t tell if it’s good or bad.” He snorted. “Except in this place? Unfortunately, my money’s on bad.”

“Jamie’s walking toward us,” Seth said in a low voice. “Only he’s trying not to make itlookas if that’s what he’s doing.”

Jake smiled. “The kid learns fast.” He waited until Jamie was a few feet away from them. “Got your cards, Seth?”

“Sure.” Seth patted the front pocket of his overalls. “What else is there to do in here?”

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