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“Yes, please.” That same barely there tone. He didn’t like it. He’d rather her be hissy like before when he carried her here.
He brought the cups over to the couch. “Sit,” he urged.
Clara looked around his place, but this time he saw the fear in her eyes. She wasn’t looking for an escape, she was uncomfortable.
“What is it?”
“You have so many… things,” she murmured. “It’s stifling.”
Eagan followed her gaze around the room. He was a bachelor. Most of his time was spent working. Hedidn’tactually have many things. A couch, a bed, some small tables, and a TV/stereo system. That was about it.
“Well, I guess it’s fine you don’t like it.” It wasn’t fine at all. He wanted her to like everything about him. “We won’t be here long anyway. We’ll find some place you’re more comfortable.” He gestured with one of the tea cups. “Please. Sit.”
Clara nodded, but bypassed the sofa, crouching low on the floor instead. Eagan opened his mouth to stop her, then thought better of it. He handed her one of the cups and she settled in, crossing her legs yoga style. Taking a spot on the floor next to her, he sipped his tea.
“Didn’t know cats were tea drinkers,” she said, staring into her cup.
Eagan shrugged. “We’re part human.”
She was quiet.
“Why do I get the feeling you already knew about us?”
The corner of her mouth turned up. “I saw you turn. In the woods one time. I wasn’t sure though. I thought I was—” She stopped suddenly, as if trying to catch the words before they spilled from her lips.
Her eyes lifted to him, big and beautiful and vulnerable, before glancing away.
“Crazy. You thought you were seeing things.”
She nodded, finding something interesting on the rug.
“What’s your story, Clara? Why are you alone in these woods, away from your family and friends?”
Gripping the mug like it might jump from her grasp, she took a drink, closing her eyes as she swallowed. He had the urge to reach forward and feel the softness of her cheek again. His jag had lapped that up when they were in the kitchen. Her skin was caramel satin dotted with the faintest freckles.
She lowered the cup to her lap and met his gaze. “I doubt you’d understand my reasons.”
“I still want to know them.”
Shaking her head in frustration, she set the tea cup on the floor. “How long are you going to keep me here?”
“I don’t know. How long is it going to take to pry your secrets from you?”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Forever.”
“I’ll keep you forever then.”
Yeah, that sounded right. She was his, and what had he done so wrong anyway? He’d hurt his clan, but he could fix it. Let Magic sleep on it, and they’d talk in the morning. He was a male protecting his female. His leader would understand that. He’d explain to Magic that he planned on wooing Clara the way Renner had done Bethany.
And she’d be the only one for him. Ever. That was what he longed for. What Tana had, what Renner had.
Besides, he knew his mate’s heart was tender, had witnessed it through her notebook. He wouldn’t hurt her. Would never.
But maybe… maybe he would keep her.
If he was lucky.
