AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’ll keep her in the bubble of the ranch and town.”
“That’s a good plan.”
I look Erid up and down and remain disgruntled.
“What is wrong?” he questions.
“What did Mica think of you?”
Erid lets out a snort of laughter. “This is what you’re focused on? Don’t worry, my friend, I did not scent arousal toward me from Mica Robertson. Only friendship. And I feel the same way for her.”
I let out a sigh of relief.
He pats my shoulder. “You’ve got it bad.”
I don’t bother to deny my difficult situation and nod my head. “I do feel more for her than any female I’ve ever met. The problem is that although I may feel this way, it’s notreciprocated. Mica is friendly and comfortable with me, but I too have not scented her arousal.”
“Heh. That’s unusual. Your appeal is legendary. Females sense that you are genuine and honorable and like you immediately and don’t mind your bossy nature. Well, she did seem to think highly of you. And she appears happy at the thought of being able to stay at your ranch, in your home. She begged to be able to remain here. She could have asked me to help settle her somewhere else and no matter what any of you said, I would be escorting her off the ranch. We’d be in my vehicle leaving right now. But she begged to stay. So, she’s staying.”
“Good. My hope is that she will one day consider this home.”
“That’s how you feel? She’s the one you’ve been waiting for?”
“Yes, I believe she is.” I give him a questioning glance, hoping he will give me a few more details about their conversation.
He shakes his head. “No. I’m leaving. We can talk of this later. There is much for me to accomplish and it’s all time sensitive. And she could probably see through the windows that we’ve been talking, which might make her concerned.” He opens the door and pauses. “It was interesting talking to your female. I have never met a human before.”
“I haven’t either. None of us have.”
“But I can see the attraction.”
I growl.
“Don’t worry. I do not have the same feelings for her that you do. Friendship is perfectly fine with me. But now that I’ve actually met a human I might be open to the idea of one of my own as a pleasure mate or bound. I used to think it was odd and strange to consider a female outside of one’s own species as a mate, and particularly these humans, who are so defenseless. But talking with your human makes me realize that they aren’t as incompatible as I first assumed.”
“No, they are not.”
He nods. “I’m leaving.” And then he’s gone.
I immediately returnto my domicile because I need to see her and know that she is well. I throw open the front door and stride into the living area. “Mica?” I shout.
“Thorn?” She eagerly responds with her sweet voice. A bright smile flashes across her beautiful features and she rushes up towards me and grabs my claw. “I’m happy you’re back. I need to talk to you.”
“You do?” I exhale with relief. “You’re not angry?”
“No. Why would I be?”
“You said at first that you did not want me to tell anyone else that you are here. And I did.”
“No, no, sorry. That’s why I’m happy you returned. I was going to look for you because I wanted to tell you that you were right about how I needed to talk to law enforcement I could trust. And there was extra information I had to get out and Sheriff Loadstone was the perfect Hyrrokin to give that to. So, in the end I guess I’m happy that you did that. I literally feel like there’s a weight lifted off my shoulders. You said to trust you and you were right. I really liked him.”
I frown. “You do?”
She laughs. “Yes. I can see why you two are friends. You’re similar, but he’s much scarier.” She walks back and finishes putting away the Traq. The cleaning bot beeps nearby, cleaning a floor. I love the sight of her in my kitchen, as if it’s her own. She belongs here. “I told the Sheriff I wanted to stay here, instead of leaving with him. If that’s okay with you.”
My chest warms. “Of course. My brothers are happy that you’re staying. Burl is happy. Hells, even the ranch hands are happy you’re staying. We’re all happy. I’m sure the animals willbe too. I can give you a tour of the barn today. There are a few pyrotaurs inside for med checks.”
She squeezes my claw with her soft hand. “Yes, I’d like to get to know where I’m staying so I can better understand how to help. I need to make that list of ingredients to give to Burl but I’m sure I can do that later and it won’t take very long.”
