The display blanked and Heather swiveled on the chair, turning to face Gabriel. “Have Raphael and Victor claimed Claire or are they still courting?”
“I’m pretty sure they’re still courting. I didn’t sense a mating bond when I saw him this morning.”
“It’s just a matter of time,” Patrick interjected. “They are clearly in love.”
“I agree,” Gabriel stressed.
They moved into the kitchen and scrounged together a modest meal while they waited for Raphael to reactivate the comm. “The food is almost gone,” Heather pointed out. A hesitant smile curved her lips. “Is there a reason you didn’t bring more?”
“Maybe,” Patrick answered, refusing to commit.
Some sort of notification chimed and Claire’s image formed on the screen of the laptop. She looked around, clearly confused by the empty chair.
“Sorry,” Heather called out as she rushed toward the table. “I’m here! Don’t disconnect.” She slipped onto the chair and smiled broadly at her friend. God in heaven, it was good to see her.
“Where are you?” Claire cried, eyes bright with unshed tears. “How long are they going to keep you—wherever you are?”
Heather glanced at Patrick, then sighed. “I’m not allowed to tell you, and I’m not sure.” Wanting to end Claire’s misery as quickly and decisively as possible, Heather dove right to the heart of the matter. “There’s more to the story than I told you or admitted to Zion. I was an active member of the medical team.” She suspected that they wouldn’t let this conversation go on for long, so Heather stressed, “I’m here because I’ve agreed to be. Nothing is being forced on me.”
“What does that mean?” Claire objected, but the sudden color in her cheeks indicated that she had a pretty good idea.
“I need this, Claire,” Heather said firmly. “Actions have consequences. I can’t move on until I’ve accepted mine. You needed to know that I was alright.” She smiled as she held out her arms. “Clearly, I’m fine. I’ll return to the village when they decide that my debt has been paid. Stop worrying about me. That’s an order.”
Without warning, Patrick stepped up to the table and ended the transmission. Heather automatically reached for his hand, but it was too late.
“That was perfect,” Patrick told her. “How much of it did you mean?”
“All of it,” she insisted. “It wasn’t true in the beginning, but it is now. I’m here because I want to be.”
Patrick framed her face with his hands and kissed her tenderly. “In that case, let’s go home. Your penance has officially ended.”
Struggling to believe that her captivity was over, Heather spent the next two days in and around the cabin she shared with Gabriel and Patrick. She visited the bunkhouse and enjoyed a lively conversation with the females still living there. But the person she really wanted to see was Claire. Everyone knew Claire was newly mated, but no one was certain where she was spending her time.
Heather had been back in Eagle Village four days when Patrick and Gabriel returned to the cabin earlier than usual.
“We’ve arranged another surprise for you,” Gabriel told her, a secretive grin bowing his lips.
“It took longer than expected,” Patrick added. “But it’s finally ready.”
Warmth mixed with curiosity and Heather felt her cheeks flush. “You know how much I love surprises, but you two are spoiling me.”
“That’s the idea,” Patrick admitted as he bent down and kissed her mouth.
Gabriel helped her into her coat and they left the cabin. The late afternoon sun bathed the village in golden light. The air was brisk rather than cold for a change and the entire village seemedto bustle with activity. Birds trilled in the surrounding trees and the appetizing aromas of someone cooking dinner floated on the air all around them. People offered greetings or friendly waves as the trio walked past.
A male Heather didn’t recognize approached, but Gabriel halted him with a warning look. “Can this wait? As you can see, I’m occupied right now.”
“It can wait,” the male admitted and offered Heather an apologetic nod.
It felt wonderful to be a priority. Heather slipped one of her hands into Gabriel’s hand and then offered the other to Patrick. He smiled and interlaced their fingers. She wasn’t sure where they were taking her, but the walk itself was wonderful.
The building to which they led her was larger than a cabin, but much smaller than the bunkhouse. She looked around curiously, unfamiliar with this area of the village. They were near the center of the compound, yet adjacent to the other communal buildings.
“What is this place?” she asked, feeling a little unsure.
Gabriel wrapped his arm around her shoulders and gave her a little hug. “This is a good surprise. I promise.”
Three stairs led to the front door. Patrick went first then opened the door and motioned Heather inside.
