Page 60 of Their Shared Mate
Confused by his answer, she looked around, trying to figure out what they intended. If this wasn’t a ploy to lure her home for some afternoon fun, then what was the big surprise?
Victor took her by the hand and led her toward the compact workstation tucked away in the far corner of the living room. He indicated the chair and Claire sat down.
“As Raphael said, this wasn’t easy to arrange,” Victor told her, “but we felt it was important.”
“You’ve been avoiding the issue,” Raphael added, “but it’s obvious that you feel like you failed Heather.”
“I did fail her,” Claire insisted. “I promised to get her back to the cats before Patrick realized she was here.”
Raphael cupped her chin and lifted her face, his gaze drilling into hers. “You are not responsible for Heather. You were not responsible for your brother. They are both adults and they made their own decisions. Sometimes decisions result in repercussions. What happened to Joel was not your fault. And I’ll let Heather speak for herself.” He made several gestures, and the wall display in front of her came alive. A cozy room came into focus with an empty chair centered in front of the camera.
“Sorry,” a familiar voice called from off screen. “I’m here! Don’t disconnect.” Heather rushed into the frame and sat down in the chair.
Thrilled to see her friend, Claire looked her over carefully. Heather was dressed in a flowing leaf-green dress and she’d drawn her long blonde hair back into a ponytail. There were no marks on her skin, no evidence of abuse or even harsh punishment. The only oddity was the thin golden band that encircled her neck.
“Where are you?” Claire blurted. “How long are they going to keep you—wherever you are?”
“I’m not allowed to tell you, and I’m not sure.” A serious expression gradually replaced Heather’s smile. “There’s more to the story than I told you or admitted to Zion. I was an active member of the medical team.” She took a deep breath and met Claire’s gaze. “I’m here because I’ve agreed to be. Nothing is being forced on me.”
“What does that mean?” Claire cried, but it didn’t take a lot of imagination to guess what Heather meant. She had agreed to dopenance in the form of sexual submission. How very Rydarian of her.
“I need this, Claire,” Heather said firmly. “Actions have consequences. I can’t move on until I’ve accepted mine. You needed to know that I was all right.” She held out her arms and smiled. “Clearly, I’m fine. I’ll return to the village when they decide that my debt has been paid. Stop worrying about me. That’s an order.” Heather reached for something just out of the shot and the transmission terminated.
“Wait!” Claire cried out. “How do I know that Patrick wasn’t off camera forcing her to say all of that?”
“Patrick and Gabriel are at the bunkhouse,” Raphael explained. “They’re negotiating an alliance with the wolves.”
He didn’t sound happy about it, but Claire was shocked. “Alliances are formed with mutual interests and benefits on both sides. What in God’s name do the wolves have to offer us? Those fuckers killed my brother.”
“Lupine Village is under new leadership.” Victor’s disapproval was evident in each syllable. “Gabriel insists that Alex will set a different course.”
Raphael cupped Claire’s chin and tilted her head back. “I was furious when I found out what Gabriel intended, but I’ve had time to reconsider. I don’t know if Gabriel can make this happen, but I’m willing to let him try.”
“Peace is always a better choice,” Claire relented. “Just keep the wolves away from me.”
Raphael pulled her into his arms and held her for several seconds. “We have almost an hour before supper will be ready. I think we could all use a little exercise.”
“Excellent idea.” Victor pressed in against her back and gathered her hair to one side, baring the nape of her neck. “Let’s go work up an appetite.” His warm lips brushed against her skin, sending tingles down her spine.
She reached back and grabbed his butt, giving the firm globe a playful squeeze. “Does this exercise program involve undressing?”
“Absolutely,” Raphael insisted. He took her by the hand and hurried her across the room.
Claire released the last of her concerns and let joy flood her soul. Heather was safe. Claire was surrounded by love and acceptance. And the future was waiting to be defined.
The End
