“Braden will be distracted here. Might just work.”
“Yeah, well, there’s more. Neil just called me with an update. Remember the Warlock that was involved in Kitani’s craziness? Sounds like he might have his fingers in this too.”
Cara’s eyes widened. “That could complicate things.”
Kade snorted. “Yeah. Putting it mildly. It might not be true. Or, maybe he’s just an inspiration, not the cause. Neil’s looking into it.”
The Watcher appeared troubled as she ran her fingers along a braid. “It doesn’t change the fact that Braden’s going to come for Jessie.”
“It’s the homestretch,” Kade agreed. “He’d have her already if it weren’t for Zach. Braden knows we’re desperate enough to try something. And we are.” His mouth pulled into a grim line. “He’ll feel it, the moment—well, he’ll know.”
“For the record, Kade, she is attracted to you. I can sense it. The energy between you is strong. This isn’t entirely a mating of convenience.”
He moved his feet forward and back. “She’d pick Zach over me in an instant if she had the choice. It doesn’t feel right.”
When Cara didn’t immediately respond, he glanced at her. She had that gleam in her eye. It always meant trouble.
“If you give me another lecture on fate, I will be forced to remove a body part.”
She looked away. “We need to focus on saving Jessie, for now. You aren’t rescinding the offer?”
“No. And the truth is, I want her.” He slumped. “But no guy wants to be chosen by default.”
“Fate has a way of screwing with lives.” Cara raised one eyebrow. “There is usually a reason.”
“I warned you. Now I’ll have to remove an arm.” He sighed.
“Doesn’t matter if you believe in it or not. Fate meddles anyway.” She cocked her head at him. “Are you close?”
She referred to the virus. When it kicked into reproductive gear, it sent clear physical signals that every Were understood. The beast came closer to the surface, itching to break through the skin.
He nodded. “Not quite. But close.”
She stood and picked up her pack. “I need a recharge. Will you sit with me until it is time?”
He rose with her. Cara restored herself by drawing energy from the life that existed around her. “Where?”
“The forest. I have a spot.” Cara patted the bag she carried. “I brought some stuff with me. You may find it useful, as well.”
Kade glanced at the sky. “Only if the storm holds off,” he said.
“Wimp.”
He shrugged. “Cats hate getting wet.”
30
Jessie sat alone on the front porch.
She’d stuck with Kitani and the puzzle for as long as possible. Eventually, she couldn’t handle it anymore. She’d gone up for a long, hot shower. And then dressed carefully.
Why hadn’t she packed her black lingerie? Somehow, seduction hadn’t been on her mind. Likely because she’d shoved clothes into a bag while being stared at by a grumpy werecat.
Laura peered at her from over her book—volume two, looked like—as Jessie moved in and out of the bedroom. Did she realize what Jessie was about to do? She must. But the blonde woman said nothing.
Now, Jessie sat on the porch with her heart in her mouth. And waited. Ryan had come through to help his mate with the puzzle, but he was the only other Were in the house. They weren’t in the yard, either. Had Kade sent them all away?
Her heart accelerated. The night was dark, the moisture-laden storm clouds scudding across a moon one night from full. Was Kade’s virus already active? When would he come for her? She never could have guessed that this was how her future would unfold. Mated to a man—well, a Were—to avoid a monster. And Zach...
