“Jesse, Logan!” a woman’s voice startled all three of them.
Kellen glanced over and froze. The most beautiful creature he’d ever seen was coming toward him. A Ravager female, one of the precious few of their kind he’d been raised to protect, to serve. He hadn’t seen a Ravager female in close to ten years, because even on his home planet they’d been hunted by Dekken scouts. And his short time in the Lawless clan had seen no one sane or healthy, just a few sickly human females for Nev’s or Will’s pleasure.
But this female looked like life itself. Long dark hair, deep brown eyes, and a figure made for pleasure would have tempted him alone. But she was also tall and lined with the muscle of a warrior. Strength and passion in one person.
Watching her approach, he felt off-kilter and forced himself to act as if nothing were wrong, when it felt as if his whole world had shifted, and he no longer fit.
The woman drew abreast of them and pulled Jesse in for a hug. “Hey, stranger. I’ve been missing you.”
Jesse kissed her, keeping an eye on Kellen. He pulled out of the embrace and nudged her toward Logan, putting himself between the pair and Kellen.
Kellen ignored the useless gesture, discomfited by a weird sense of hurt that any of them could think he’d hurt a female. Yet what did he care for their opinions? He didn’t even know them.
“She’s ours. We’re hers. Touch her and I’ll end you,” Jesse said, meaning it.
“If I wanted to go through you, I would,” Kellen retorted, tired of being told how much everyone planned to kick his ass.
“Yeah?” A wicked gleam lit Jesse’s eyes, and Kellen smiled back, wanting to shove his boot up the arrogant dickhead’s—
“So, who’s this?” The female asked, smiling up at him.
His thoughts jumbled, and Jesse took a backseat to her. Kellen could do nothing but stare.
Logan chuckled. “Kate, this is Kellen. He’s mine and Jesse’s responsibility for the next few weeks, I think.” Logan’s grin widened. “Isn’t that lucky? He’s going to help up finish the house that much sooner.”
Jesse glanced at his mate. “Yeah?”
Kate beamed. “What a great idea. Hi, Kellen.”
Kellen flushed, feeling both hot and cold. And nervous, something he rarely felt. “Um, hello.”
She held out a hand, and he gathered he was supposed to take it. Even though the look on Jesse’s face said to be very careful.
Kellen took her smaller hand in his, conscious of how warm she felt, how soothing. How goddamn beautiful her smile was. “H-hello.”
Logan and Jesse exchanged a glance he didn’t follow, consumed with the brightness of Kate’sguer.Talk about a strong spirit.
“So, you’re the new Ravager everyone’s talking about.” She looked him up and down, and he prayed she liked what she saw. “You have to be. You’re huge.”
And growing even bigger, he thought with horror as his body reacted. He prayed the jeans held him in check, but his scent would likely be a dead giveaway.
Kate either didn’t notice or took pity on him. She tugged him with her by the arm and showed him around, giving him her plans for her future home while her mates seethed behind her.
Kellen didn’t need to see the pair to know they wouldn’t want her anywhere near him. Not that he could blame them. He hated to imagine how Will or Nev would have treated Kate. Then again, the Lawless way wasn’t to bond with a mate, it was to own, to dominate. To kill.
“What do you think?”
He’d zoned out, so he took a minute to look her over.I think if I mated you, I’d live the rest of my life under your spell.He blinked. “I don’t know much about decorating or houses, sorry.”
She grinned. “Neither do they. They’re just catering to me because I own their souls.” She let out a demonic laugh. “Kidding.”
“You’re creeping me out, Kate,” Logan said, which made her laugh harder.
Kellen sensed the easy flow of energy within the small group, just another reminder that he didn’t belong. They’d keep watch over him until he proved himself at least a little bit trustworthy. Then he’d no doubt be pawned off to some other Ravagers. But for a starter set of guards, Kate’s pack wasn’t bad.
He did like looking at Logan, and by extension, Jesse. The guy might be a dick, but even an impartial observer would call him handsome.
“I’m hungry,” Jesse said to break the awkward silence as the four of them studied one another. “What’s Rule making for dinner?”
