Page 9 of Temel

The water hid her legs from sight and he frowned.

“How funny?”

She blinked up at him and then shrugged.

“I don’t know—weak?”

“Are you injured?”

“Maybe a little. But I’ll be all right as soon as I get out of the water. It’s just so cold.”

Her teeth chattered slightly as she spoke and he noticed the goosebumps on her arms and face. Was it his imagination or did her lips have a hint of blue about them?

“I’ll carry you,” he said, reaching for her, but she shook her head.

“Dora and the baby first.”

She pointed up at the younger female on the rock above them, still clutching the baby as she gave him a suspicious look.

“Who are you?”

“Dora! This isn’t the time for formal introductions.”

The female at his side huffed indignantly, but he dipped his head.

“I am Commander… I am Temel. Artek sent word that you had not returned to town, even though your horse made her way back.”

“Lady made it back to town? Well, that’s a r… relief.”

His female’s teeth were chattering again and he gave Dora an impatient look.

“She needs to get out of this water. Come.”

Dora looked over at his female and bit her lip.

“You’re right. Take Ida first and come back for me.”

Since that suited his own inclinations, he simply nodded and picked up his female—Ida. She gasped, but didn’t argue, starting to snuggle closer to him before flushing and pulling away.

“Sorry. You’re just so warm, even though you’re wet.”

He smiled down at her and tucked her more firmly against him.

“I don’t mind.”

In fact his body appreciated the soft curves more than it should, his shaft beginning to stiffen against his wet pants. He made sure to hold her above the betraying bulge for the quick trip across to where her son waited.

“Mama,” the little boy sobbed, throwing himself at her as soon as Temel carefully set her down.

She swayed, then sat down a little too quickly. He frowned, remembering what she’d said about her leg, but he needed to get the other female. He strode back across to the rocks and held up his hand.

“Well?”

“I can probably walk,” Dora said, frowning at him.

Was there a resemblance between her and his female? He couldn’t decide and he was already impatient to return to Ida.

“The current is stronger than it looks. Are you willing to take that chance with the child?”

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