Her resistance to his experience in this frustrated him, but he knew there were other things he needed to do. This situation was so uncertain that he had to get her ready for almost anything. He didn’t know what they’d encounter before they reached the city. Once there, he knew they’d be relatively safe. They wouldn’t be alone long. Raven would meet them. Until then though, he’d do whatever he had to do to keep her safe.
So to prepare her for any possibility, he had to show her and get her accustomed to his other form. The one benefit of that was that he’d be able to hide any trail they might be leaving with his paw prints. Anyone who might have managed to track them wouldn’t look for the trail of a big animal. They’d be searching for two people.
He simply hoped she didn’t panic and try to run from him. He didn’t want her scared of him, even for a few moments. Although he could understand why she’d feel a little uncertain faced with a strange animal, he hoped she realized that he wouldn’t hurt her. He’d put it off for as long as he could, but he wanted to do this while they were moving today.
“We’re going to stop for just a few moments. There’s something I need to do.” He glanced her way.
She nodded, but didn’t say anything. She leaned against a vetin tree. Although it wasn’t one of the giants, the lowest branch of the conical tree hung well over her head. Light green leaves draped from the leafy bough. She looked around for a moment before finally returning her gaze to him. He waited for her to look at him before he took off his shirt.
“What are you doing?” She frowned as she came away from the tree.
“I’m going to change into my other form. I want you to know how the animal half of me looks. I can’t be certain what we’re going to encounter before we get to the city. If I have to change, I don’t want you to panic when you see me.” He walked over to her. “I won’t hurt you. I know I’ll look big and probably a little scary to you, but I’ll know you and I’ll understand you.”
“Will you be able to talk to me in my head like you did the other night?” Her teeth worried her lower lip.
“Yes, I’ll be able to talk to you that way.” He felt a little relieved at her reaction.
“Are you just going to change and then change back?” She tilted her head and watched as he took off his shirt.
“No, I’ll stay in my Zarain form probably for the rest of the walk today. I want you to be relaxed around me like this, but there is another reason. If someone has found a trail to follow, this should end their ability to do that.” He unbuttoned his pants and pushed them down his thighs.
She glanced to the side. He smiled at the shy blush staining her cheeks and held back a chuckle as she peeked back over at him. Her scent drifted to him. Arousal, confusion and a little anger mixed.
“Arron?” She licked her lips, looked down and toed at the ground. Nervousness rolled off her.
“Is something wrong, Leah?” He drew his finger down her cheek to get her attention.
“Not wrong, but I’ve wondered why I feel like I do.” She took a deep breath and met his eyes.
“What do you feel like?” He didn’t know what she meant. His first impulse was to tell her it was because she was his mate, but her question might have nothing to do with the pull to him.
“Every time we’re near and every time we stop, I feel pulled toward you. It’s not only that I want to be near you. I want you. It seems as if the lust slams into me whenever I’m close to you.” She exhaled slowly. Her hands clenched. “Every time it happens I feel so out of control.”
He hesitated. While he didn’t want her to think that everything she felt was because of the Zarain scent, lying to her could cause an even bigger problem in the future. She’d discover that she was his mate when she fully made the change into a Zarain and that far more than scent bound them together. It would take more time than they’d likely be traveling for that to happen though.
“There’s a reason for that.” He took a deep breath and struggled to think of a way to explain it where she wouldn’t automatically think that that was the only reason she wanted him.
She looked up at him. “There is?”
“Yes, there is. It’s my scent.” He struggled to find the words. Even as he thought about it, he realized it would sound like she was merely a willing female to him. She was so much more than that.
“Your scent?” She looked confused. “You smell good, but I don’t think that’s why I want you.”
He smiled. Of course, she wouldn’t simply believe him. “I know it sounds strange, but it’s true. The attraction will be even stronger because you’re human.”
“Did someone tell you about this scent thing?” She raised an eyebrow.
“I’ve seen it happen again and again. Women who wouldn’t have anything to do with a warrior suddenly become almost desperate.” He could see she wasn’t taking him seriously.
“So if what you say is true then I don’t want you because of the connection you say is between us. It’s all because of your scent.” She tilted her head and waited.
He knew she was trying to draw a reaction from him with that statement. She almost succeeded, but he held onto the urge to show her just how strong the connection between them was. The Zarain musk may be what caught her attention, but the connection would form without it.
“No, you first desired me because of the scent. The connection is because we are mates.” He kept his voice even. He wanted to haul her close and kiss her.
“You said you knew me by smell. Have you ever thought another woman was your mate? Is there a way to get it wrong?” She licked her lips.
From her scent, she was anxious and confused, but he couldn’t decipher any other emotion from her in any way even through the fledgling mental connection forming between them. It wasn’t fully formed yet and he couldn’t read her thoughts yet. Not that he’d ever have complete access to her mind. She would be able to block her thoughts or open her thoughts and feelings to him if she wanted. He’d have to tell her about it and teach her to do it and now wasn’t the time.
He wondered if the fact that he still had to consciously make the connection with her was because she was human. He’d never spoken with anyone who’d mated a human woman. Well, after they’d mated the woman. Achan Zaden had mated with an Indiri woman. That was close to human. From what he knew, the connection with a Zarain woman formed strong almost from the first.
“I did know you by your scent. No, I haven’t ever thought that anyone else was my mate. It’s not something a Zarain or any shifter would mistake. You’ll realize that when you complete the change.” Arron smiled softly. She wouldn’t have any doubts about the connection then. “But you already know it’s more.”
She stared at him for a moment. She felt more than lust for him. He didn’t think she’d have made so much of a point about his scent if she wasn’t afraid that it was so much more. He watched as her tongue slicked out and wet her lips.
“I don’t know that.” She took a deep breath. “I don’t even know what you say about your smell is true. There is something different. Something has to make it more intense.”
“The scent just makes you want me. It starts the connection. It doesn’t make you feel everything more intensely.” He knew she was trying to make sense of everything, but she had a definite talent for saying just the thing to send the Zarain inside roaring for dominance. The only thing that gave him hope was that remark about the intensity. What she felt for him was as strong as he had hoped.
It was strange to feel this much for someone after a few short days even when he’d expected it. For her, it must be a little scary. If she knew a little bit more about him, she’d know that what was happening was normal. At this point, he didn’t think she’d believe him. Still, he wanted to reassure her.
She shook her head. “It doesn’t make sense.”
“It’s normal for a Zarain. The connection grows between mates, drawing them together. A mating is for life.” He cupped the side of her cheek. �
�Now, we need to get moving which means I have to change.”
Her eyes locked with his and she nodded and stepped back. He finished taking off his clothes and put them in the bag. He couldn’t lose those, with only what he’d been wearing and what she bought for him. He was just glad that she’d thought of it and that she’d felt guilty enough to follow and free him.
Raven would have gotten him away from the monks, but Arron would have missed finding her. He would have forgotten her. The urge to find her would have been there, but he wouldn’t have known anything about her.
He’d scented her in the library. It’s why the monks had gotten a shot at his back. He’d turned to follow her out of the aisle. He still didn’t know exactly what had happened. He’d been focused on getting to her. He remembered a sharp pain in his back, but he didn’t expect to know what happened.
He handed the bag to Leah. She slung it over her shoulder, but kept her eyes on him. He let the change roll over him. Her eyes widened and she took a slow step back as her eyes swept over him. He knew the Zarain form was more than a little intimidating to someone who’d never seen it. He was simply happy that she wasn’t running. She wouldn’t have been the first to flee at the sight of a Zarain.
Although he kept his distance, he knew the size would be intimidating. Standing on all four feet, his head would be above her shoulders. Long black fur covered his body and the sharp claws on his paws, but she’d be able to see the sharp canines extending past his lips. The large body wasn’t exactly cuddly. Built for endurance and strength
He could see the fine tremors running through her body and stayed where he was. He didn’t want to scare her any more than he already was. He waited until she slowly relaxed and finally took a deep breath.
“You should have tried to describe yourself to me. I almost took off running. The only thing that kept me in place was the thought that predators chase. I didn’t want to set off any kind of instincts in you.” She sounded a little breathless, but the scent of her fear was fading.
I wouldn’t hurt you even if you ran. I’d just keep up with you. He walked over to her, but kept some distance between them. He didn’t want to scare her by getting too close yet.
“I didn’t know that. Ready to go?” She took a deep breath and looked toward the direction they would go.
He watched her for a moment. It would probably be better to back off and let her relax. It would take her a little time to adjust to seeing him like this, especially once it finally clicked in her mind that she was changing. She’d have questions and he hoped she didn’t panic.
He started walking and kept his pace slow. She moved up beside him. They kept a steady pace. If she was right, they should reach the town tomorrow or the next day. He kept watch on her as they traveled. He didn’t want to strain her trying to keep up with him or for her to get hurt. He wanted to get her to the city and his pack.
She might be stubborn, but he was even more so. He knew he could eventually talk her into seeing that it was too dangerous for her to continue the search. Maybe she didn’t fully understand a Zarain’s abilities or maybe she didn’t realize she could trust him to keep his word. They would find her sister. They’d be able to smell the connection to her even if they didn’t recognize her by sight. Although there were a few people within the pack who could draw so maybe they’d be able to get a likeness of her sister.
We’ll be finding a place for the night soon. Stay close. He glanced over at her. As they drew closer to the gate city, there was more danger that her brother and any other men with him might be searching the forest for her. He didn’t want them to catch her alone.
She glared at him, but didn’t say anything. That worried him more than an argument. He’d rather have her arguing than stubborn silence. She could shut him out with silence. At least if she was yelling at him, he had a chance of getting her to listen to him.
I’ll see if I can catch some fish for us tonight. He turned to glance over at her and stopped mid-step. His breath caught in his throat. She was gone. He cursed himself for not keeping a better eye on her. He knew she was nervous and worried about him interfering with her search for her sister. He hadn’t thought she’d run for it though. She knew her brothers were searching for her and that her best bet of making it out of the gate city was with him.
Anger rose up inside him. She wasn’t leaving him. He had to keep her with him. He turned and followed her scent trail back only a little ways and then off the main trail. She didn’t head toward the river, as he suspected. She’d need to follow it directly if she didn’t want to get lost. Confusion swirled through his mind. What was she doing and where was she going? She was walking away from the river, not to it.
He didn’t slow down even though he wasn’t sure what she was doing. She could easily walk into danger. Just from watching her as they traveled, he knew she didn’t know much about the forest outside of plants and animals familiar to her. It wasn’t that strange, but it worried him now.
She could walk straight into danger and not realize it. Not just the danger from strange animals. She should always be aware that there were people after them. In the time she’d been with him though, she hadn’t seemed alert to the dangers. He didn’t want her afraid, but he did want her to know and be on her guard.
He didn’t hear movement ahead of him. Rounding a slight bend in the trail, he saw her ahead of him kneeling on the ground gathering alden berries onto a small square of cloth. Her bag seemed a little fuller too.
Leah, you need to take more care as you go through the forest. He stopped before he walked into her line of sight. You need to tell me if you’re going to go somewhere.
She tensed. “You’d said we were going to stop soon. Then I caught the scent of the melons on the breeze. I didn’t think it would take too long to get it and I could catch up. Then I saw these. I guess time got away from me.”
She gestured to the bag and he caught sight of the rounded fruit in the sack. Shaking her head, she tied the square of cloth into a small pouch and put it in one of the pockets. She stood and turned to face him.
There is more danger in the forest than those people following us. There are other animals. You could have had an accident and been hurt. He shifted from side to side as agitation and anxiety swept through him.
“I knew you’d be close. I didn’t think about telling you until after I’d walked off. By then it was too late. I thought about talking in your mind like you do mine, but I didn’t know if it would work. Silly, I know. I realized it probably wouldn’t. I’m not like you.” She brushed at the grass clinging to the knees of her pants.
You’re not like me yet. He wanted to make sure she realized that she was going to change soon. He’d told her, but he didn’t think she believed him. Still, with the connection growing between us, it wouldn’t be necessary. I’d hear you. I’ve kept my mind open to yours. So if you thought and focused it to me, I’d probably hear.
Her eyes widened and she looked a little uncertain. A moment later, she shook her head. He knew she’d talked herself out of believing it even if she could feel the connection. The fact that she still fought it only intensified the agitation. He wanted to prove to her that she was his. She belonged with him. She’d see it if she stopped focusing on her fear of losing her sister. Not that he blamed her for that. He’d be worried and focused on getting to his family or friend as well. It frustrated him though. He wanted her trust.
Let’s go. We’ll find somewhere to stop and I’ll get us some meat to go with that fruit you’ve found. He pushed down the frustration and focused on what needed to be done. They would talk after they ate.
Chapter Ten
Leah looked around as they walked into the city. The walls were of a creamy white mud brick, the same color of the cobbled streets. It was a little different than the other gate city on the planet. It seemed more relaxed and she didn’t see the open presence of the monks as she had there. That relieved her.
She didn’t expect them to come afte
r Arron. Yes, they’d wanted him, but they wouldn’t know where he’d gone after he’d been freed. She simply didn’t want to chance running into them again or maybe attracting their attention. If there was a scene, it could easily draw their notice.
Arron’s hand touched her arm. His muscles were corded and his body tight. His free hand wrapped around the hilt of the sword at his side. She could feel the tension rolling off him. He expected something to happen and she was beginning to believe him.
The air seemed heavy and the people on the streets much too watchful. The only thing that offered her a little relief was that she didn’t recognize any of the men in the area. She would recognize many of the men from the warrior clan her brother had joined.
Arron guided her around the corner and onto another street. This street was different than the last though. Where the streets had been clean and debris free, here broken pottery trailed across the middle of the street. A broken chair leaned haphazardly against the wall. Old linens had been tossed along the side of one of the buildings. The chair and linens were probably bound for a burn pile at some point, but they obviously hadn’t made it there.
She frowned as she saw a group of people near the other end of the lane. She didn’t recognize any of the red-haired men, but she did recognize the insignia emblazoned on the cape worn by some of those men.
“Those men are warriors for the monks.” She grabbed at Arron’s hand and tried to tug him back the way they came.
They aren’t human. I can feel the difference. They probably didn’t choose to be warriors for them. I need to get closer so I can scent them and see what they are and arrange to get help for them. We don’t leave our people in situations like this. They might not be Zarain, but we can get in touch with their kind. I told you I was tracking the disappearances, trying to find our own people. We just didn’t know where to look. Arron kept getting closer although he did stop to look around occasionally as if he were lost.
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