Page 8 of Their Marked Mate

“Good morning,” a tentative female voice called. “Is it all right if I come in?”

Though muffled by the door, the voice sounded familiar. Excitement replaced Luna’s dread and she threw aside the blankets and swung her legs over the side of the bed. “Dawn? Is that you?”

Dawn Spencer pushed the door open and smiled at Luna. “Hey there. I brought breakfast.” She stepped into the room and someone on the outside of the cell firmly shut the door.

Thrilled by the unexpected visit, Luna flew across the narrow space and took the serving tray from Dawn. Luna set the tray on a nearby table then wrapped her arms around Dawn and hugged her firmly. “We’ve been so worried about you.”

Dawn laughed and returned the embrace. “I’m good. Honestly. My mates are wonderful.”

Luna stepped back and studied the other woman. She looked great. Her dark hair was pulled back into a ponytail. Healthy color highlighted her cheeks and her gray-blue eyes sparkled. Still, Luna couldn’t forget the aggressive way Dawn had been claimed by her mates. Luna had always had a liberal attitude about sex, but she’d still been shocked by what happened to Dawn.

“It’s just you and me, Dawn,” Luna whispered. “Are you really okay?”

“I’m better than okay.” Dawn smiled broadly and gave Luna another hug. “I’m happy.”

Luna wanted to believe her, hoped that Dawn was telling the truth, but it all seemed a bit too convenient.

Dawn had both straps of a backpack slung over one shoulder. She slipped the pack down her arm then held it out toward Luna. “Here’s some clothes and toiletries. I asked for books or a datasheet, but Caden said no.”

“Thanks.” Luna set the backpack on the bed and sat down at the small round table. The table was affixed to the floor as were the two backless stools. The lack of comfort didn’t matter. Luna was hungry and saw no reason to pretend otherwise. She lifted the cover and inhaled the aroma of freshly scrambled eggs and some sort of fried meat. She’d learned not to ask what things were on Rydaria. She either ate what she was given or went hungry. “Can you stay for a while? I’d love to catch up.”

Dawn glanced at the locked door then shrugged. “They’ll probably drag me out before long, but I really missed you guys.” She slipped onto the stool facing Luna then looked around. “Did they divide up the bedrooms to create the cells?”

“I think so,” Luna agreed in between bites of fluffy eggs. “This building looks suspiciously like all the other cabins. I’m pretty sure it’s the same floorplan as the one I’d been staying in. I have access to a toilet and sink—thank God. But I’m locked out of the shower.”

Dawn grinned. “Not anymore. Showers are supposed to be a privilege you have to earn, but I talked the guard into unlocking the partition. There’s no telling how long his generosity will last, so I’d hop in there as soon as you’re done eating.”

“I will. We had a shower in the other cabin, but the new clothes are desperately needed.”

“If you give me the clothes you’re wearing right before I leave, I’ll have them laundered,” Dawn offered.

“That would be amazing.” Luna continued to eat as she said, “Tell me about your mates? What are their names? What are they like?”

The warmth in Dawn’s eyes made it easy to believe she genuinely cared for her mates. The changes in her were stark and encouraging. Dawn had been timid before she was claimed. Now she seemed secure and a lot more self-confident.

“Kevin is a hunter in Bloodstone pack,” Dawn began. “His older brother, Caden, is pack alpha. Kevin is strict but fair, and he’s surprisingly funny.”

“And the other one. Is he as wonderful as Kevin?” Luna hadn’t meant to sound sarcastic, but bitterness crept into her tone. The memory of Dawn’s claiming was tormentingly similar to what Luna had endured the night before.

“Ben’s a sweetheart. Betas are more affectionate than alphas, so I bonded with him right away. It’s more natural for betas to collaborate. Alphas aren’t happy unless they’re in control.”

Luna understood that all too well. Alex was textbook alpha, which was why they were destined to clash. She wasn’t sure what to make of Nate. He accepted Alex’s authority, but Luna would never describe him as collaborative. “Do the other wolves leave you alone now? Are Kevin and Ben able to protect you?” Luna finished her breakfast, but she was in no hurry to end the visit.

“Their scent keeps the others away, but either would fight to the death to protect me. And I mean that literally.”

The concept appealed to Luna more than she cared to admit. She’d never had anyone willing to fight for her. Her parents were useless and a series of disastrous relationships led to her decision to seek employment off-world. She’d always survived on her own. Why should Rydaria be different?

“I’m happy for you,” Luna said, and meant it. Dawn was sweet—a bit naive, but sweet.

“Do you mind if I ask why they separated you and Evelyn from the others?” Dawn asked after an extended pause. “Caden just handed me the backpack and told me to bring you food.”

Luna released a long, ragged sigh. There was no real risk in telling Dawn about the alleged formula. Dawn’s primary mate was Caden’s brother, and Caden, Drake, and Alex were thick as thieves. If Dawn’s mates didn’t know about the development already, it was only a matter of time. “Alex claims to have a formula that will make any human female compatible with lupine shifters.”

Dawn’s expressive eyes widened and her jaw dropped. Then she shook her head and composed her expression. “Is it possible? Where the hell would Alex have gotten such a thing?”

“The formula had to come from Babcock, but it’s not quite ready for human testing.” Luna emphasized the last two words with utter derision.

“What does that have to do with you and Evelyn?”