Page 166 of Wind Rider

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That night they camped beside an icy waterfall, where everyone replenished their water stores and Sora made a delectable rabbit stew seasoned with truffles Fala’s sharp nose had discovered. The night was cold, so many of the flaps on the lean-tos of those who had later watches were closed against the biting wind.

Antreas ducked under the closed flap of the shelter he shared with Danita and Bast. He grinned at Danita’s sleepy look as she scooted over, causing Bast to complain, as she had to roll onto a cold spot amongst their pelts.

“How is the little kit doing?” Danita asked around a yawn.

“According to O’Bryan and Mariah, he is perfect. Apparently Mariah says he has lost almost all of his wolverine smell, and currently smells like a canine—which pleases Mariah immensely.”

“I’m really glad O’Bryan saved that baby. I’ll be interested to see what he grows up to be.”

“I will, too.”

As Antreas lay beside her, Danita lifted herself up on her elbow so that she could study him. “Do you really think the kit’s going to turn into a monster?”

Antreas shrugged. “I have no idea—though I do respect Dove’s ability to channel whatever she channels from the Goddess.”

“Are you being grumpy?”

Antreas blinked in surprise. “No! I’m being pragmatic.” Then he smiled. “But I do think that kit is very interesting.”

“It’s amazing how much he looks like a puppy.”

“He won’t stay that way. He’s going to grow faster than a pup, and his body and coloring will change dramatically. I just hope his personality remains puppy-like.”

“I don’t,” Danita said firmly. “I hope he stays a wolverine—but he’s our Pack’s wolverine. Like Bast. She’s not like other Lynxes, because she doesn’t like to be alone, but isn’t she still very Lynx-like?”

“Bast is totally Lynx-like, except for that one thing,” agreed Antreas.

“Then that’s what I wish for O’Bryan’s kit, too. He’ll beourwolverine—and if he needs to be ferocious, it will be in protection of our Pack.”

Antreas smoothed her hair back. “I like the way you think.”

“That’s good, because I’m not very fond of change.”

Antreas barked a laugh. “Not fond of change? You’re changing your entire life by going on this journey and falling in love with Bast and me.”

“That’s different. Where I’m going and who I’m with changed, but I didn’t. At least not much.” She chewed her lip, and Antreas could see she was thinking about the attack that had, indeed, caused parts of her personality to change.

He took her hand. “When you put it like that I understand. And know I love you exactly as you are.”

Danita pulled herself out of her dark thoughts and grinned cheekily. “I do know! And that’s one of the things I love best about you.” She leaned into Antreas and kissed him.

Antreas relaxed, loving the feel and the taste of her. He kept his arms loosely draped around her—understanding after the months they’d been together that he had to be careful not to make Danita feel trapped in any way.

He expected her to stop kissing him as she always did, which was fine. Of course he would rather have continued to touch her—to make loveto her—but he did love Danita and it had only been a few months since she had been attacked. It would take patience and love, but that didn’t deter Antreas. Danita was worth it. And he would wait as long as she needed to heal.

But she didn’t stop kissing him. Instead her arms slid around his shoulders and she sighed in contentment as their kiss deepened. Then, tentatively at first, Danita’s hands found his chest, which she explored with sweet, soft caresses. When her lips moved down his neck to follow the path of her hands, he moaned in pleasure.

“That feels good?” she asked.

“Better than good,” he said breathlessly.

She grinned. “That means I’m doing it right!”

“Hey, you couldn’t do it wrong. It’s just us. You can touch me wherever—however you want.”

Her grin widened. “You make this fun.”