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“Ria?”
“What?”
“On my honor, I will never harm you, and I would die before I let someone return you to a lab.”
At his blunt words, which carried resentment and anger and steadfast determination, she ceased pacing and risked a glance his way. Her feline commenced with her loud and disconcerting purrs, almost deafening her.
“Not only would I protect my mate, every local pack wolf and clan cat would safeguard you.”
“I’m not your mate.”
His mouth twisted, one corner of his sensual lips hitching upward. “Tell that to your feline half. She’s purring up a storm.”
Wait. She’d done that aloud? She shook her head hard, trying to restore clarity.
“Did you drug my soup?”
“No.” He reached across the table with his spoon and calmly ate some of her soup.Huh.Not drugged then. This situation might take a bit more thought.
7
Thatsomeonecouldimprisonthis woman—his mate—had a growl of fury balling in his chest. He tamped it down with difficulty and applied himself to finishing his soup.
“Do you want more?” he asked, standing. His growl burst free when she took two backward steps. “I repeat. I will never hurt you. Sit and finish your meal.”
She skittered farther away from him and circled the kitchen table, so it stood between them. Against every one of his instincts, he backed off and served another portion of soup into his bowl. He took the pot and ladle to her and topped up her bowl before retreating to give her space.
She tilted her head and dragged a deep breath over her receptors. “Why do I like your scent so much?” The words spilled from her, and she chewed her bottom lip as if she regretted the outburst. Her brow scrunched, and her nose wrinkled in the way of cats when something intrigued or perturbed them.
She looked so dang cute he fought to hide his smile. His wolf gave a happy whine. Mine. Mine.Mine.
“We’re mates,” Marcus said, watching her closely.
The furrowing of her brow deepened. “How do you know?”
Howcouldn’tshe know?
His curiosity increased, but he’d hate to push her so hard that she fled. He did not want her to walk away—not now that he’d discovered her.
“It’s your scent. I’ve noticed it before when I’ve visited the town, but until a few days ago, when you almost knocked me over exiting the café, I hadn’t put a face to the scent. Your appearance confused me, but now my attraction makes more sense.”
“I’m not normal,” she said.
Maybe not, but she was his mate, and he didn’t mind her differences. While it was apparent she couldn’t go out in public without a disguise, he was positive between him, Rory, and Saber, they could help Ria and improve her life. Keep her safe.
“There might be ways around that. Can you shift into a cat? Do a full shift, I mean?”
“The scientists forced me to shift.” She was matter-of-fact, her voice without inflection. “I didn’t like it. Shifting hurt.”
“My shift is uncomfortable, but the more I do it, the less painful my transformation. Most cat and wolf shifters have the same reaction when morphing to their animal form.” Another thought occurred. He stepped toward the table, circling her, so he didn’t scare her. He reclaimed his seat. “When did you shift last?”
She blinked. “I don’t shift.”
“That’s not healthy,” he said and spooned up the soup. He swallowed and reached for a piece of toast. He was pleased when she drifted closer and sat.
“Healthy. Not healthy.” She clicked her tongue, the sharp sound showing her disapproval. “Not healthy is staying in a cage and letting the scientists control me. They put me to sleep or not as it suits them. Some cut parts off.”
Marcus gaped at her. “What?”
