AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“We can’t sleep. We’re supposed to guard the cabin tonight.” Adam’s voice was gravely and low. He cleared his throat and spoke again. “Let’s get some coffee. That should perk us up.”
Ian turned towards me. “I’m going to sleep in the bedroom with you. If that’s okay. I just don’t want to take any chances.
“Just let me sleep in between you and Vivica. I don’t want her waking up to a man next to her. We don’t know what’s going on in her mind yet.”
“I agree. I’m just going to run to the bathroom, and I’ll be in.”
I gathered up our clothes and carried them to the hamper. I was feeling a bit warm, so I chose a short-sleeved ensemble from the closet. I was too tired to shower. In the morning. Besides if I didn’t shower, wouldn’t that give me a better chance of being pregnant? I wish I would have paid better attention during sex ed. I spent so much time worrying about how not to get pregnant, I’d completely blanked on the fertility part. Ah well, I guess I would just have to leave it up to the Goddess as best as I could. I changed into my pajamas, turned off the closet light, and tiptoed into the bedroom.
Snuggling under the covers, I listened to Vivica’s deep rhythmic breathing. Ian walked quietly in from the bathroom. The bed creaked a bit when he climbed inside. He wrapped his arms around me and kissed my neck. I breathed in his warm scent. Why had I never noticed how good he smelled before? Folding into his chest, I snuggled in and drifted off.
-23-
When I woke up, I was alone in bed. Chatter floated in from the living room. Vivica’s shrill laughter drowning out the specific words. She was up and laughing. I couldn’t have asked for a better sign. I hobbled to the bathroom, blinking away my heavy sleep. After I peed, I splashed some water on my face and looked in the mirror. My face was crinkled where I’d laid across the sheets. I’ve definitely looked better. Maybe once I got some coffee, I would feel a little perkier.
Running a brush through my hair to try and tame the frizz, I remembered last night’s romp. We were getting the hang of this group sex thing. It was a lot harder than it looks. After I combed through my snags and rubbed a bit of oil in my hair, I went out into the living room.
Vivica, Adam, Ian, and Gerard were all gathered around the dining room table. A mound of breakfast food covered the tables. Omelets, pastries, waffles, pancakes, hash browned potatoes, turkey bacon and sausage patties, and a giant fruit salad sat in the center of the table. Everyone had heaping portions on their plates. I grabbed a plate and began piling food onto it. I was starving.
“We’re going to start interviewing shapeshifters today.” Gerard said with a mouthful of waffles.
“What are you going to ask?”
“I’m going to try and see who would have a motive to sell off our breeders. Anyone with a reason to try and hurt us. At least if we touch base with everyone, we’ll have an idea of how to narrow it down.”
Adam smacked a piece of paper that was on the table. “I’ve got a list of all of our tribe members. We’ve already crossed out the ones that were in the healing compound, confirmed at nighttime duties, and all of the children. We’re going to interview all of the warriors first, then the youngest men, then continue on from there.”
“Are you sure a woman wasn’t responsible?” I asked.
Adam blinked for a few seconds. “Why would you think it’s a woman?”
“Well, I’m just thinking about motive. A man could have a few motives: revenge or money. But, a woman could also be getting rid of the competition.”
Gerard raised his eyebrow. “Getting rid of the competition?”
“Well, yeah, I mean, all of us as breeders are technically competition. At least until a breeder is chosen by their mate. So, perhaps it could be a woman with her eye on a particular breeder or a stake in the outcome at least.”
“We’ll look into it. First, we’ll interview the men though. I’m betting that even if there is a woman involved, she must have had one of the warriors help her. The speed alone of the snatches would tell you that. Possibly several shapeshifters.”
“I won’t rest until I know who took us. It can’t happen again.” Vivica looked pensive. I met her eyes.
“Do you remember anything that might help them?”
“I’ve told them all I know.” Her eyes avoided mine.
“Did they speak to you while they were transporting you?” I asked. She shook her head.
“When I was grabbed, everything happened so fast. I didn’t get a good look. And then they put something over my head. I think it was a man that was carrying me. They were extremely large and strong. But, when I arrived at the other tribe, I think I heard a woman’s voice. She sounded old.”
“We’ve discussed details with Vivica. She doesn’t need to go into everything right now.” Gerard put his hand on Vivica’s arm as a protective gesture. That was sweet. But, a well of concern reached my chest. What was Vivica not telling me? What had the other tribe done to her? Said to her? Why did she arrive looking so damn pale? And why did she feel comfortable talking to the guys about it, but not me? This is not about you, Cat. How can you be so selfish right now?
The guys stood up. Ian wiped his mouth with a napkin and tossed it onto the table. Charming. They all waved and said their goodbyes and headed out to perform the interviews. Again, I was struck with the sense of déjà vu. What was I missing? Vivica continued to pick at her plate.
“Aren’t you hungry?”
“Not really. I made a big show of eating for the guys because they were staring at me. I couldn’t take it. But now, I think I made a mistake and ate too much.”
“Are you okay?” I regretted the words as soon as I spoke them. “I know you’re not okay. What I mean, is that if you want to talk about something you can tell me. I’m really worried about you.”
