“What a bastard my master is,” she said bitterly.
A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth, but Gabriel fought back his amusement. “Patrick feels justified in his actions and he is supported by our laws.” He held up his hand as she started to object. “However, there were extenuating circumstances that I feel have not been given enough consideration.”
Her eyes brightened and she nervously licked her lips. “You’re one of the leaders of Eagle Village. Will you order him to release me?”
Rather than deny her outright, he asked, “Where would you go?”
She looked away, paused for a moment, then returned her gaze to him. “The feline village.”
His hands folded into fists, and he had to unclench his jaw before he could speak. The thought of any male other than Patrick touching Heather sent possessive fury surging through Gabriel. “Zion will not allow you inside unless a coalition claims you. Will your situation improve as the mate of three aggressive lion shifters? They tend to be even more demanding than we are.”
“At least they wouldn’t hate me.” Her lips trembled and she frantically blinked back tears.
“Patrick doesn’t hate you, not really. He’s angry and he’s hurt. He felt a significant connection with you back on Earth. He thought you felt it too, so your willingness to continue with Nuevo Biotech seemed like an intentional betrayal.”
She shook her head and tears escaped from between her lashes. “I was trapped and terrified. I wanted to help, searched for ways I could help, but I didn’t know how. My assistant threatened to contact the media. Two days later I was told that he’d returned to Earth. I was worried so I made a few calls. His brother hadn’t heard from him and his comm link was blocked. I don’t have proof that Nuevo silenced him, but the timing was highly suspicious. I’m guilty of cowardice, not betrayal.”
“Give him some time,” Gabriel suggested. “Once he recovers from the shock of seeing you again, he should be more reasonable.”
“And how much abuse am I going to endure in the meantime?” She released her breath in a shuddering sigh.
Challenge arched his brows. “Our ‘abuse’ had you screaming in pleasure. Many females dream of such abuse.”
She blushed and looked away.
The rest of the night was uneventful. Gabriel stripped down to his jeans and lay beside Heather as she slept. His body was exhausted but his thoughts were too troubled to allow him a similar oblivion. Rydaria had been relatively peaceful for the first four years. The wolves occasionally attacked the cats, but all the hybrids were primarily focused on survival. Then the humans arrived. They were an intrusive reminder of the past and yet they represented hope and the sort of future unattainable before.
Gabriel understood the appeal of the females, but he still believed that they created more problems than they solved. The lovely creature curled up at his side was the perfect example. If they managed to claim her, which was still very much in doubt, their existence would be enriched by affection and the possibility of offspring. However, she had unraveled Patrick’s emotional equilibrium and conflict surrounded her like a consuming storm.
An hour passed as Gabriel stared up at the ceiling wondering how to proceed. He still believed that escaping this planet was the only hope they had of rebuilding their lives. Heather hadn’t changed his mind, but she was a frustrating complication.
Gabriel finally dozed off a few hours later. His link with Patrick assured him that Patrick was fine. He’d simply chosen not to return to the cottage.
The stressful day finally took its toll, and Gabriel sank into a deeper sleep. His mind, however, continued to process the developments. Claiming a mate was an undeniable temptation for every male on Rydaria. Still, Gabriel had determined to ignore the possibility and pursue his original plan. His work toward establishing off-world communication was progressing slowly, but everyone seemed determined to sabotage his efforts. First his brother brought females to their village without Gabriel’s permission. Then Patrick discovered Heather hidden among the rescued females. Gabriel didn’t want a mate, and yet here she lay. Her soft, warm body drew Gabriel with magnetic intensity, and her scent teased his nose.
Desire rolled across his senses, speeding his pulse and hardening his cock. Lost in the sensual haze, he scooted closer and wrapped his arm around her. Heather murmured sleepily then rolled toward him and snuggled into the warmth of his chest.
She squirmed, her movements lazy, yet sensual. Gabriel eased his arm beneath her neck and ran his other hand up and down her back. Her hand stroked over his side then tentatively explored his back. Was she awake or lost in an erotic dream?
He brushed her hair back from her face and her eyelashes fluttered, then lifted. Her gaze locked with his and she drew in a deep breath. “We shouldn’t,” she whispered, but kept on touching him.
Her words made Gabriel pause. Until her punishment was finished, she belonged to Patrick. Yet Patrick had offered herto Gabriel. Still, fucking her solo stepped over the line. He was already at odds with his brother because of the females. He didn’t want to create conflict with Patrick too.
He eased back, but her arms tightened around him and she pressed herself against his torso. “Not yet,” she whispered. “Please.”
The urgency in her plea shattered his good intentions. He rolled her to her back and arched over her as his mouth descended. His lips sealed over hers and his tongue teased, coaxing rather than taking. Heather moaned low in her throat and slowly parted her lips. Their tongues touched then slid and curled in a sensual dance that led from his mouth to hers.
Her taste was even more evocative than her scent. Gabriel stroked deeper into her mouth, wanting more. His cock bucked against her hip as a fresh wave of desire crashed over him. He moved on top of her, his mouth possessing hers more urgently.
She parted her legs, making room for him between her thighs. The kiss was interactive now and her hands moved greedily over his bare torso. Unable to resist the temptation of her willing body, Gabriel pushed the shirt up to her shoulders, baring her breasts and belly to his fingers and mouth. He captured one of her nipples between his lips and sucked firmly as his hand caressed lower, and lower still.
Her hips undulated and her scent grew stronger as her arousal built. He eased his hand between her thighs as he shifted his mouth to her other breast. Her pussy was wet and welcoming. A helpless groan slipped from Gabriel’s throat.
His cock ached and instinct drove him onward. He needed to be inside her, but he wanted to taste her first. She gasped andwiggled as he kissed his way across her belly. His destination was unmistakable, and she opened her legs wider, making it obvious that she welcomed his attention.
Gabriel lifted one of her legs to his shoulder and angled her other leg outward. Then he lowered his mouth to her slit and pushed his tongue deep inside her. She cried out softly, hips arching off the bed. Her core pulsed around his tongue and her juices flowed freely into his mouth. Consuming desire inundated his senses, and Gabriel devoured her pussy. He licked and sucked, thrusting his tongue into her over and over as she writhed beneath him.
The door burst open and Gabriel twisted around to see who had intruded.
