Ransom kissed her, an unhurried kiss but one full of passion.With this kiss, he tried to communicate the depth of his feelings, his wish to walk into the future with her at his side.For an instant, he thought she understood because she cupped his cheek in clear affection.
“Scarlett, I’m sorry I abducted you and placed you in danger.I didn’t want to, but the prince insisted.He threatened my people.I could see no other way.I was ready to betray you and—”
“Stop,” she whispered, placing her hand over his mouth.“I admit I was angry at first, but the truth is, if I’d stood in your boots, I would’ve made the same decision.We worked as a team—you, me, and Talon.All of us were required to take down the purple prince.He’s gone now, and we’re all safe.”
“I don’t deserve your forgiveness.”
“Too bad.You have it.”She moved her hand and kissed him.
Moments later, he separated their bodies and drew her close, wanting to say so much, wanting to demand Scarlett give them a chance.Instead, he held her and pulled every memory close—something to sustain him while he devised Plan B.
16.Sad Parting
“Scarlett!”
A man’s voice rippled over the clearing and echoed around the surrounding hills—decisive and, if Ransom read the tone right, worried and angry.
“Ah!”Scarlett said.“Our rescue party has arrived.Come and meet my brothers.I’m sure you’ll like them.”
“What aren’t you telling me?”Ransom asked, suspicious of her wide grin.“That look is sassy and full of secrets.”
“All of my brothers captured their mates and stole away with them.I’m the only one who is escaping and followingmyplan.”
“Saber, we’re here,” Scarlett shouted.
Huh!That was what she thought.At present, he was making a strategic retreat to learn and formulate a strategy worthy of this woman.Scarlett Mitchell would not escape—not when they were mates.She might not experience the same pull as him, but that didn’t negate the bond’s existence.They had much in common.Their love of jewelry design.Their strong family ties.Their desire for a different path.
He’d never confessed to anyone how much he resented the leadership thrust on him after his father’s unexpected death.His father had trained him to lead since he was the oldest child.Everyone expected it of him, yet he’d dreamed of forging a different way.
He sighed and followed Scarlett.
Gryffnn, even though he didn’t see the strengths in himself, was an excellent leader, and with Kaya at his side, the clan was in safe hands.
Five naked men who bore a resemblance to Scarlett stood together, each with a serious expression.A lone woman stood with them.
Ry Coppersmith, the captain of theIndy, peeled off with three other black leopards.No doubt to get clothing.
Scarlett ran up to the men and threw herself at one.
The man wrapped his arms around his sister while he glared over her shoulder at Ransom.“What happened to your arm?Why do you have a bandage?And what’s up with your eyes?”
“My eyes?What’s wrong with them?”
“They’re golden-brown,” Saber said.
“Oh!They work okay.I haven’t looked in a mirror since I left the resort.It’s a long story.”Scarlett stepped from her brother’s embrace.She gave Casey a quick hug.“I’m fine.In one piece.You’ll want to get home.Why don’t I tell you everything on the way?Ransom, my brothers.This is Saber, Felix, Leo, Sly, and Joe.And this is Casey, Felix’s mate.”
“Pleased to meet you.”Ransom offered his hand.“Scarlett speaks highly of you all.”
Not one brother moved to accept his friendly overtures.
“You abducted her,” Saber said in accusation.
“He had a noble reason,” Scarlett said.
“Let him speak,” Saber snapped.
“Scarlett is right.I had a reason for my actions, although from what Scarlett has told me, each of you seized your mates.”
