Sara tensed, uncertainty holding her hostage for one breathless heartbeat. Xorran’s lips were warm and surprisingly gentle. He’d made contact with obvious intent, then backed off and leashed his aggressive impulses. As soon as she’d learned they were compatible, this had been inevitable. The pull only amplified attraction. If she wasn’t attracted to him naturally, there would be no reaction to his pheromones. The trouble was, she knew damn well she was attracted to him. She liked his slow, secretive smile and quiet intensity, had already learned to depend on his strength. She felt safe with him, secure in a way she’d longed for all her life. Did she dare bring sexual hunger into the mix? Did she want to make herself that vulnerable?

He didn’t give her long to debate. His lips caressed hers, tongue softly teasing until she opened, silently inviting him inside. Still, he advanced slowly, giving her plenty of time to pull away. His tongue gently pushed into her mouth, spreading his taste and mixing his breath with hers. She shivered, then moaned as tingling heat cascaded through her body. Her nipples peaked and her core clenched. The restlessness building inside her suddenly flared into focused desire.

She wrapped her arms around him, holding firmly to his muscular back. He angled his head, taking the kiss deeper. Their tongues slid and curved, caressing as they learned the other’s taste and texture. He tugged her shirt out from her pants and splayed his fingers across her bare skin. His hands were so large, he spanned her back. Still, she wasn’t frightened by his size or strength. Rodyte males protected their females. Instinct and honor prevented them from doing anything that would harm...

And yet the Outcasts had kidnapped her, taken her from the only world she’d ever known. Was that not harmful? She had a family and friends that were doubtlessly worried about her. Surrendering to Xorran rewarded the Outcasts for their outrageous behavior. Stubborn resistance filled her heart. She’d be damned before she gave them what they wanted, what they’d taken without permission.

She eased her hands between their bodies and pushed against his chest. “No,” she said firmly, but her voice shook, ruining the effect. “I will not be a slave to my body. I do not want this.”

He lifted her off his lap and set her back on her side of the blankets. “No means no, even on alien planets.” But a wily gleam in his eyes warned that the battle of wills was far from over. “Get some sleep. The construction crews will return shortly after dawn, which means we need to build some sort of enclosure before then.”

Her pulse still raced and her mind whirled, but she nodded and lay down. She curled up on her side, back to him. They’d only kissed for a moment, so why was her skin still tingling? Her core ached, and her breasts felt heavy, the tips sensitized.

Closing her eyes, she willed away the pulsing need. This isn’t real. It’s not natural. The reminder did little to ease the cravings. She wanted him to lie down behind her and push her pants to her knees. Then he could ease his cock between her thighs and fill her core, make her shiver and moan as he rocked in and out of her body. He’d hold her tight as he claimed her, keep her safe and secure while they established a connection that would last a lifetime and beyond. She wanted it, needed it.

This was ridiculous! All he’d done was kiss her.

She heard him moving around and saw the light fade through her eyelids. She opened her eyes to a darkness broken only by thin hints of moonlight streaming through uneven boards. His body heat faded and she feared he’d moved away, perhaps even left the room. Turning her head sharply, she saw the outline of his big body behind her. He lay on his back, arms raised, hands tucked under his head. Every part of his body lay just out of reach.

“Is it this hard for you?” she whispered, resenting his apparent calm.

“Give me your hand and I’ll let you feel for yourself.” The challenge in his tone was tempered by a hint of humor.

Turning back around, she squeezed her eyes shut and concentrated on her breathing. This was how it started, how they gradually eroded the will of a rational female and turned her into a mindless slave. The melodramatic thought made her smile. Most of her cabin mates were now bonded, so Sara had watched the progression three different times. Jillian had been first. She was young and naive, so no one was surprised when she fell for one of the guards. But Lily was mature, logical, an independent career woman with no interest in a mate. So when she fell for Arton, the enigmatic harbinger, everyone was shocked. They weren’t even genetically compatible, and still Arton found a way to win Lily’s heart. Then Thea accepted the claim of Rex, the charming smuggler who worked for the Outcasts, and Sara began to wonder if there was something about Rodyte males that was irresistible to human females. Thea was still grieving the loss of her family, and Sara had been sure nothing and no one would be able to penetrate the emotional walls she’d built around her heart. But Rex accomplished the impossible, and they both seemed thrilled with the result.

Sara sighed, struggling to find a comfortable position on the hard floor. This rambling review of past events wasn’t helping her relax. Oblivion was the only escape she had from this hunger, yet the persistent ache was making it impossible to sleep.

“Talk to me,” Xorran suggested. “Let’s think about something other than the pull.”

She didn’t want to talk, she wanted to strip off her clothes and crawl on top of him. Instead, she swallowed hard and forced her vocal cords to work. “I can’t think of a subject that doesn’t involve sex.”

He chuckled. “Then talk about sex. How old were you when you shared pleasure for the first time?”

A memory stirred, but it barely penetrated the sensations pulsing through her body. So much had happened since she left Earth. She didn’t even feel like the same person any more. “There wasn’t a lot of pleasure involved. Neither of us knew what the hell we were doing.” After an awkward pause, she added, “I was seventeen.”

“I beat you by a year, and my first time was equally disappointing.”

“Well, you certainly know how to kiss,” she whispered, shivering at the memory. “I presume you’ve acquired other skills over time.”

“I’d be happy to demonstrate.”

She smiled, but didn’t feed his ego. “My second lover was very different from my first. His name was David. We were together for almost two years. I honestly thought it would last much longer.”

“Why did the relationship end?”

There was a tension in his voice that hadn’t been there before, so she chose her words carefully. “He finished his training and moved back home so he could open his own practice. Ended up marrying his childhood sweetheart. I was a college fling. I just didn’t know it at the time.”

“What sort of practice? Did you also attend this college?”

“David was training to be a veterinarian when I met him, and no, we didn’t go to the same college. He went to a private university, while I got a certificate from a local trade school. That should have been my first clue that he wasn’t taking me seriously. Trust fund snobs don’t marry local riffraff. We’re good enough to bone, but not to marry.”

He placed his hand on her hip, but made no other move to touch her. Heat sank through her uniform pants, feeding the restlessness. “Many of those words are unfamiliar, but I recognize your tone. Battle born sons are frequently treated with derision and made to feel worthless. This man was not better than you just because he had wealth. You are kindhearted and ambitious, intelligent and beautiful. You have accomplished much despite the disadvantages of your upbringing. If I may borrow an Earth phrase, screw him.”

She smiled, knowing he couldn’t see her. Then she realized she hadn’t really finished the story. “Anyway, David was doing a sort of residency at the animal hospital where I worked. When it was over, he went back to his ‘real’ life and left me behind.”

“That must have hurt you deeply.” After a long, silent pause, he asked, “Do you still have feelings for this male?”

“Not even a little. The end came without warning. He sent me an email explaining why he broke it off. The cowardly way he left made getting over him a whole lot easier. All I regret is the wasted years.”

“I’m sorry he hurt you.” He slid his hand up her side and touched her hair, just a hint of a caress, then he pulled away. “How many serious relationships have you entered into since?”

She immediately missed the hint of intimacy, the physical connection of his hand on her body. “David was as close as I ever got. After him, I decided romance wasn’t worth the trouble and focused on my job. Animals are easier to love than most humans.”

“Makes me glad I’m not one.”

She laughed. “A human or an animal?”

“Either. Both. Though I’m feeling rather animalistic right now. You better keep talking.”

His warning sent a ripple of heat passing through her body. He wasn’t even touching her now. Maybe that was the problem. He scooted closer. She could feel his body heat along her back and down her legs, but he still didn’t touch her.

“How long ago was the breakup?” he prompted.

“Almost four years.”

“You haven’t shared pleasure in four years?” He sounded incredulous. “Isn’t that unusual for humans?”

“I didn’t say I never had sex. I said I haven’t bothered with a serious relationship. I don’t sleep around, but I flirt, and sometimes that flirting leads to...sharing pleasure.” Silence fell, making her feel awkward and alone. Was he angry? She knew Rodyte males could be territorial, but he’d asked her to talk about this. “What about you? How many females have you shared pleasure with? Have all your lovers been female?”

He suddenly rolled her onto her back. His gaze gleamed in the dimness, purple phitons starting to glow. “Are you mocking me?”

“No. You seem annoyed by my honesty. I thought it only fair that you reciprocate.”

“I’ve had seven sexual partners, and yes they were all female.” He slipped his arm beneath her neck and placed his other hand on her belly. “And I’m not annoyed. I’m jealous. Thinking of you with anyone else makes me want to inflict bodily harm.”

“On me?” she gasped.

“Never! I will never harm you and anyone who tries to must come through me.”

“Why?” His reaction seemed melodramatic, almost silly. “You barely know me.”

“I know your scent and your taste. There is no doubt you are my mate, the one female with whom I am meant to spend the rest of my life.”

“I’m a potential mate. That’s very different. One is like winning the lottery. The other is like being handed a ticket for the lottery. There are still a lot of obstacles between you and the prize.”

“Challenge accepted.” His tone roughened and his fingers pressed into her flesh, not hurting, just making her more aware of his touch. “You are an incredible prize, so I will gladly undertake each task and navigate each obstacle.”

He was so adorably serious that it made her smile. “Well, lover boy, the first obstacle is getting us both to sleep. Any suggestions?”

A wicked smile parted his lips, his teeth barely visible in the darkness. “Let me touch you, Sara. I’ll make you come so many times you’ll have no choice but to sleep.”

She shivered and tingles branched out from her spine. “We both need to sleep. I’m pretty sure that won’t make you sleepy.”

He leaned down and kissed each corner of her mouth. “It would be well worth it.”

She couldn’t believe she was even considering it, but her body ached and it had been a very long time since she’d felt anything resembling passion. “Answer me honestly. Will this help or make the cravings worse?”

“I will never lie to you.” He was so sincere it sounded like a vow. “The pull will subside for a time, but the urgency will return and continue to intensify until I claim you, or another male ignites a hunger even more demanding than this.”

Her eyes widened and she stilled. “Is that even possible? I’m going insane right now.”

He grinned, clearly pleased by her admission. “The pull’s intensity is determined by the strength of our natural attraction. I find you extremely pleasing, so my need is nearly overwhelming.”

There was no need for him to spell out that the same was true with her. She was experiencing the phenomenon right now. Still, each woman who gave in made it that much harder for the others to resist. Somehow the Outcasts had to be taught that their actions were dead wrong.

His gaze narrowed and tension returned to his voice. “What are you thinking about? I thought you didn’t want a mate.”

“I don’t know what I want,” she cried. “This is so unfair! I made a conscious decision to participate in a daring program back on Earth. It was risky and a little scary, but I was still in control. Instead, I was taken half a galaxy away from my home, my family and friends. The situations might be similar, but they are not the same.”

“You’re right.” He rolled to his back and carefully withdrew his arm from beneath her neck. “You told me you’re not willing to be courted. I shouldn’t have kissed you.”

She indulged in a humorless laugh, finding his reaction absurd. “It’s a little late for regrets. That train already left the station.”

Rolling back to his side, he propped his head on his hand. “What are you saying? Do you want me to touch you are not?”

“I want a lot of things all at once. How the hell am I supposed to decide?”

“You’ve already decided.” He lightly touched the side of her face, his thumb brushing over her lips. “Speak the words. Tell me what you want.”

She closed her eyes, hating these sorts of games. David loved making her beg. She’d always found it infuriating rather than sexy.

“It’s not a power play, love. I need to know you’re willing.”

Relieved that she’d misunderstood, she opened her eyes and whispered, “Yes. God, yes. Touch me. I need your touch.”

“Who am I?” The light in his eyes flared, the intensity demanding an answer.

My mate. The words popped uninvited into her mind. “Xorran,” she said firmly, refusing to acknowledge the claim he was trying to establish. She still had serious doubts about allowing him to court her, but she couldn’t think clearly about anything until the cravings subsided.

Slowly, he lowered his face, gaze boring into hers. Time paused, trapping her in the moment and narrowing reality to Xorran and her. His warm breath stirred against her lips, his scent slowly filling her nose. He was strong and handsome, smart and kind. And he offered security and a sense of belonging that she’d longed for all her life. Why was she so afraid of making the promise reality?

His lips pressed against her and she closed her eyes, blocking out thought and insecurity. He’d lit a fire in her body and now he was going to fan the flames until there was nothing left but ash. She only hoped that she would survive the inferno.

He pushed his arm back beneath her neck as his mouth caressed hers. As before, the kiss was slow and coaxing rather than harsh and demanding. He could be aggressive. No one rose through the ranks of any military without being ruthless, even lethal. But with her, he was gentle, patient.

Tired of denying her body what it needed so badly, she parted her lips and raised her hand to his face. Bristle roughened his jawline, but higher, along the crest of his cheekbone, his skin was warm and soft. She explored his shapes and textures while he traced her lips with the tip of his tongue. All the while their breaths mingled and mixed, making her head spin and her nipples tingle. Her heartbeat accelerated, amplifying the throb between her legs. She needed him there, filling the emptiness, stretching her core until she screamed with pleasure.

As if sensing her thoughts, his tongue pushed into her mouth, sliding along hers until his taste exploded along her taste buds, sending a fresh rush of desire all through her body. She groaned, hips canting, legs thrashing restlessly.

He slid his thumb along the collar of her uniform top, triggering the seam release. Cool air wafted across her breasts as he parted the sides, baring her to the waist. His hand soon followed, cupping, gently squeezing, and then teasing the nipples with the pad of his thumb or a careful pinch. She groaned into his mouth as darts of sensation zinged from the tips of her breasts to her clit. Desire rose, burning brighter as his skillful touch awakened her senses.

Eager to feel more of him, she drew his shirt from inside his pants. He wore the clingy pullover style many of the men favored. The fabric came free and quickly bunched below his arms. She tore her mouth away from his long enough to whisper, “Off.” She tugged on the shirt, illustrating what she wanted. He tore the garment off, obliging her with nearly violent haste, then his mouth recaptured hers.

She stroked his chest and shoulders, lingering over his arms, fascinated by the bunch and flex of his impressive muscles. All the Outcasts were lean and fit. Some were even more handsome than Xorran. But he was hers, hers to touch and taste, talk to and depend on. If she allowed his claim, they would share thoughts and emotions. There would be no lies, no pretense or deception. But she had to be willing to give him the same access to her mind. She had to be brave enough to believe his promises, and risk her heart.

Something deep inside her shifted, she softened, opened, and not just physically. She wanted to make love to him desperately, but she wanted more, she wanted that deeper connection, the absolute intimacy only experienced by bonded mates.

She returned his kiss with greater fervor, arching into his touch. “Oh Xorran, I want—”

“I know, love. I know.” He quickly unfastened her pants and slipped his hand inside, misunderstanding the nature of her longing. Then his fingers curved over her mound, pressing against her damp folds.

Urgent desire blazed through her abdomen, making her cry out. Rational thought was consumed in the flashfire as he gently parted her, and settled two fingers over her clit. With a few circular strokes he triggered her first orgasm. Pleasure pulsed through her core, rippling and clenching, which only made her feel empty and even more needful. She bucked helplessly, wanting him over her, inside her.

He peeled her pants down to her ankles then moved her legs apart. She didn’t resist, was beyond modesty or shame. His long fingers pushed into her wet center and she whimpered. The slight penetration felt amazing, but it also teased, making her anxious for more.

“You’re so wet,” he muttered as he kissed his way down her neck.

“Sorry,” she responded automatically, feeling a spark of embarrassment surrounded by burning need.

“I wasn’t complaining.” He looked down at her, eyes gleaming with predatory light. “It just makes me want to taste you.”

Her only response was a helpless whimper as he lowered his mouth to one tight nipple, and then the other. She’d never thought of her nipples as particularly sensitive, but that strange string connecting them to her clit hadn’t existed before. Each time he sucked on her breast, her clit twitched and tingled.

His hand moved between her thighs, sliding his fingers in and out of her wet core. She rocked her hips as she stroked her fingers through his hair, lost in the sensory maelstrom swirling around and through her. She came again with a sharp gasp, the burst of pleasure completely unexpected.

He kissed his way lower still and she squeezed her eyes shut. She knew what he intended. He hadn’t been subtle about his ultimate destination. His fingers slowly withdrew and she fought back another whimper. They made her sound so helpless, so pathetic. Then he pulled off her boots and finished removing her pants. Her arms were still in the sleeves of her uniform, but her entire body was exposed and available. She opened her eyes just in time to watch him climb between her thighs and open her legs even farther.

“I should have turned the light back on before we started.” He voice was a sexy growl in the darkness, and all she could see was the outline of his body and his eyes. “I want to savor this view.”

Emboldened by the dimness, she arched her body, thrusting out her breasts and then raising her hips. “I thought you were hungry.”

An actual growl rumbled and she tensed. Was the cub awake? But the sound came again half a second before Xorran’s mouth covered her slit. No, the growl was definitely the male, not the cub. He shoved his tongue deep into her body, doubtlessly coating it with her cream. She gasped at the aggression, but loved the blatant carnality. It made her feel wild and free. He did it again and again, claiming her the only way she’d allow—at least for now.

He quickly worked her to another orgasm. Her inner muscles pulsed around his tongue as waves of pleasure swept over her. Then he drew back and gently sucked on her folds, licking every crease and furrow until she was squirming again. Only then did he settle his lips over her clit. She’d already come three times and still the need throbbed inside her, making her restless and desperate.

He teased her this time. Sucking gently, then pausing to gently lick the sensitive nub. Pleasure built gradually, coiling inside her like a giant spring. He parted her folds with his thumbs, holding her open so his lips could more easily fasten onto her clit. He was persistent and patient, two qualities that quickly drove her mad. She pushed up with her heels, pressing herself against his mouth. It did no good. He refused to be rushed. The urgency swelled, gathering tighter, and tighter. And then he backed off, refusing to let it crest.

“Enough!” she cried as he denied her for the sixth time. “Either let me come or let me up.”

He pushed up on his elbow. “What’s the matter, love? Doesn’t that feel good?” He released her folds and stroked her with his thumb as he pushed his fingers deep into her aching core.

“You’re killing me and you know it.” She panted, bucking, driving herself onto his fingers. “Even this is a tease.” A sob broke through her voice and she turned her face away. “I need you, all of you.”

He moved back to her side while his hand continued to pump between her wide-spread thighs. “Squeeze me tight, and pretend that’s my cock.”

She sobbed again, feeling foolish even as she cried, “I don’t want to pretend. I want you inside me.”

“I know, baby. I know.” He kissed her and thrust harder with his fingers, faster.

Shaking violently, she tightened her inner muscles, squeezing as hard as she could to maximize the fullness. His tongue took on the rhythm of his hand, filling her mouth as his fingers filled her core. She relaxed into the swelling need rather than fighting against it. She was confused and intoxicated. He was being selfless and responsible. He’d promised not to take advantage of her eagerness and he was true to his word. Despite feeling the cravings himself, he was protecting her from the pull.

The thought sent her over the edge. She arched clear off the blanket, crying out sharply into his mouth. Her body pulsed and surges of pleasure radiated through her abdomen, flowing down her arms and legs. She clenched her fists and curled her toes, riding the wave as far as it could carry her.

When reality returned he lay on his back beside her, staring up at the ceiling. She rolled to her side and curled up against him, resting her head on his shoulder. He spread a blanket over her nearly naked body as she gradually caught her breath. She didn’t have the strength to move. She felt drained, replete. “What about you?” she whispered sleepily.

“You can make it up to me next time,” he whispered back, then pressed a kiss into her hair.

Next time. The phrase made her smile as she closed her eyes and surrendered to sleep.

* * *

WAKING WITH HIS MATE warm and naked in his arms made Xorran grin like a fool. He could still feel her arch into his caresses and hear the sweet cries of her pleasure. His balls ached and tension banded his gut, but he didn’t care. He’d shared pleasure with his mate. Any lingering discomfort was a small price to pay.

He’d shared pleasure with his potential mate, his conscience reminded. Their courting had barely begun. Sara was still reluctant and afraid. And resentful that she’d been kidnapped. Still, last night gave him hope. Their natural attraction was clearly strong or the pull wouldn’t be so overwhelming. She’d begged for him to take her. The night would have ended with him deep inside her if he were a less honorable man. A few moments of physical pleasure would never be enough. He wanted her willing. No, not just willing, he wanted her clear headed and excited about becoming his mate. If she didn’t enter into this with equal enthusiasm, then what sort of life would they be able to build?

Kidnapping the females had been rash and reckless. He understood why the leaders had done it, but he never would have agreed had the decision been put to a vote. Abduction for any reason was wrong. His mother had been abducted and imprisoned. She’d been ruthlessly seduced and emotionally manipulated. He refused to follow in his father’s footsteps! Starting off with a kidnapped bride was putting him at a distinct disadvantage.

Wenny raised her head, looked around as she yawned, then went back to sleep. Yesterday’s trauma had clearly taken its toll on both females. Xorran put Sara’s pants and boots right beside her so she could dress quickly should the need arise. He didn’t want to wake her. She was sleeping so peacefully.

Slipping quietly from the room, he went outside and surveyed the area for possible enclosure locations. It needed to be near the Wheel, but not too near or the overlord would object. Xorran suspected as soon as word spread of a captive karron cub, Wenny would become a curiosity. He wasn’t sure if the possibility was good or bad, but they needed to plan accordingly. Placing the enclosure between the Wheel and the barracks would provide the cub with continual supervision and protection once the barracks was occupied.

Blueish-green grass blanketed a relatively flat area. Xorran staked out the boundaries with the front half in the clearing and the back half in the trees. Until they had time to build some sort of house, the trees would offer shade from sunlight and shelter from inclement weather. A small stream would cut across the back corner of the habitat, offering Wenny a continual source of fresh water. They’d have to devise some sort of grate for the stream to ensure she couldn’t swim out, but lugging water into the enclosure every day seemed foolish with the river nearby.

He was digging holes for fence posts when Sara joined him in the cool morning sunshine. A gentle breeze stirred the turquoise leaves on the surrounding trees and the briskly flowing water looked particularly green. Sara appeared fresh and rested, dark hair pulled back into a simple ponytail.

“Good morning.” He paused in his task and wiped his sweaty face on his uniform top, which he’d removed again.

Her dark gaze swept over his torso as she responded, “Good morning. I like your outfit.” She flashed a playful smile, then licked her lower lip. Was she thinking about their kisses and all the pleasure he’d given her.

“I knew it was your favorite. That’s why I wore it.”

Her smile broadened into a sexy grin. “Maybe tomorrow you can wear the shirt and not the pants.”

His gaze narrowed as blood rushed to his groin, painfully hardening his cock. “Keep it up and I won’t wait until tomorrow.”

She raised both hands in surrender. “I’ll behave.”

“Is the cub still sleeping?” he asked after they stared at each other for a long hot moment.

She nodded, then cleared her throat. “How long have you been out here?”

“Not long. Did you sleep well?” he asked with a cocky grin. She’d snuggled against him all night. He knew damn well she’d slept like a baby.

She ignored the question and motioned toward the staked-out area. “This space will be fine for now, but she’s growing really fast.”

“This is temporary,” he stressed. “Once we have more information about karrons, we’ll choose a location for a permanent habitat.”

Crossing her arms over her chest, she frowned. “I don’t want her confined any longer than absolutely necessary. She needs to be returned to the wild.”

The sentiment was compassionate yet naive. “If she’s part of Isolaund’s feline army, she was likely born in captivity. I’m not sure she’d know what to do in the wild.”

She made a helpless gesture, then sighed. “It’s impossible to make the best decisions for her with so little information.”

“Agreed. We need to get a message to Arrista, maybe even a list of questions she can answer.”

“Our only line of communications right now is Arton.” Frustration was clear in her tone and expression. There wasn’t much more that could be said about that subject, so her agile mind moved on. She motioned toward the holes he’d dug. “Where are we going to get fence posts? Or fencing, for that matter? The logs they’re using for the barracks are huge.”

“The ships can produce smaller items. It just requires a lot of energy.”

“Of course. We use the nutria-gens all the time, but I forget about the other matter generators.”

Xorran nodded. “The overlord wants to wean us off the nutria-gens too. This land can provide us with everything we need to thrive. We just need to learn how to process the resources.”

Much to his surprise, Sara rolled up her sleeves and grabbed a shovel, working right alongside him for the next hour. She paused at one point and wiped her sweaty face with her sleeve. “I thought you were just showing off, but it’s getting hot fast.” She looked at him and flashed a flirtatious smile. “Should I take my shirt off too?”

“Not unless you want to cause a riot.”

Her brows drew together and confusion narrowed her gaze until she heard the voices and tromping boots. The construction teams rounded the bend and came into view a few seconds later. Xorran quickly warned them not to open the door in the back of the structure, telling them there was an animal confined in there.

Most of the workers simply nodded, but Mardon, the team leader, walked up to Xorran and asked, “What sort of animal and why is it locked up in my work site.”

“It’s a karron cub,” Sara told him. “And she’s only there until we can finish her enclosure.” She motioned to the holes they were digging.

He whistled and waved some of his workers over. “Help them. We’re not going to trip over a yowling battle cat all day.” The workers took the shovels from Xorran and Sara and continued digging deep, narrow holes.

As if to support Mardon’s position, Wenny began to meow and growl, sounding pathetically forlorn.

“She hasn’t been out of that room in hours,” Sara pointed out. “She probably needs to, you know, water a tree.”

Mardon’s expression went from mildly annoyed to angry in a flash. “If that thing shits all over the storeroom, you’re cleaning it up!”

“Understood.” Xorran rushed toward the storeroom, grabbing a long length of rope off a pile of supplies. He quickly devised a crude harness and leash. The karron greeted them both with obvious enthusiasm, butting her head against their thighs and weaving in and out of their legs. Wenny allowed Xorran to put the harness on her, but she fought against the leash so hard Sara wasn’t able to control her. Xorran was glad for his thick work gloves as Wenny tested him with each forward lunge. The cub was still relatively small, but her bursts of strength were explosive.

The workers watched with overt fascination as Xorran led the cat outside.

“She has to be hungry,” Sara said. “I know I am.”

Xorran cringed. He’d been so focused on the habitat that he’d forgotten about food. “Let’s get her settled, then we’ll take a quick break.”

“Deal.”

They let the cub tromp through the trees, pawing and sniffing everything she passed. She seemed more interested in her new environment than tending to her bodily functions, but nature soon reminded her why she was there.

“What do we do with her while we have breakfast?” Sara mused. “If we feed her first, she might settle down, but the construction guy doesn’t want her in the storeroom.”

Before Xorran could reply, Arton walked into view. He looked at the cub and said, “Deztee,” in a clear, authoritative tone, then held up his right hand, palm out.

Wenny immediately sat and calmed, staring up at him as she waited for his next command.

He turned to Sara with a half-smile. “I dream shared with Isolaund last night and she taught me some commands you might find useful. Deztee means stop, and the hand gesture means silence.”

“That’s wonderful.” Then her enthusiasm paused and she asked, “How is Heather? Have they agreed to the prisoner swap?”

“Not yet, but Isolaund insists that Heather is protected. She said, not only is Heather well hidden, the Guiding Council warned General Alonov not to touch her and even the general must obey the council.”

Arton’s assurance soothed Sara’s fears somewhat, yet compassion and worry still clouded her expressive gaze.

Xorran automatically wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close against his side. “We’ll get her back before anything else happens to her.”

She looked up at him, then sighed. “What are they waiting for?”

“Isolaund was equally frustrated,” Arton insisted. “She said it takes much too long for the Guiding Council to make any decision, but she stressed that Heather is safe.”

Turning back to the harbinger, she nodded. “It doesn’t appear that we have any choice but to wait. Will you please teach me the commands? Wenny hates the leash. She’ll probably be easier to control without it.”

“Of course,” Arton dipped his head, then added, “My mate would like to join you for the midday meal. She will either entertain you in our quarters aboard the Viper, or she will bring food here. The choice is yours.”

“Here would be better, and tell Lily I’m looking forward to it.”