“The cats will agree to this,” Raphael predicted. “They were the first to interact with the females. I’m less enthusiastic, but there is no way to escape the fact that we need more mates.”
“The wolves are going to be your challenge,” Gabriel predicted. “They’ll take their share of the females and then resume their attacks as soon as you leave orbit.”
“Then they’ll be excluded from the next shipment of females,” Natalie said firmly. “Ending the attacks is also nonnegotiable.”She pushed back from the table then paused. “Talk it over with the cats. Approach the wolves if it’s safe to do so.”
“Alex gave me an ultimatum tonight. He’ll likely agree to speak with me if he thinks I’m responding to his demands,” Gabriel told her.
“I heard what he said thanks to my hummingbirds, and my proposal is not far off from what he demanded. If he needs clarification, I’ll meet with him as well. Just see if you can get the ball rolling. I’ll return tomorrow night to see how things go in the feline village.”
Natalie stood and signaled her ship. A few moments later, she simply disappeared.
“Did we just agree to reenter hell?” Raphael shook his head, his features tight with conflict.
“I hate everything about this, but I’m not sure we should refuse,” Gabriel added. “She didn’t bother listing the other rewards because the women alone will solve so many problems.”
“And create so many more,” Patrick warned. “Natalie claimed that their infractions were nonviolent, but we have no way of knowing if it’s true.”
“I need some time to think this over,” Raphael decided.
“If the others refuse to participate, will we get all the women?” Victor mused.
“Zion will agree,” Raphael predicted. “He has the most restless males waiting for a female.”
“And the wolves?” Victor asked, moving closer to the table.
“I don’t know.” Raphael looked at his brother. “Care to hazard a guess?”
Gabriel shook his head. “Alex is unpredictable. Tonight is proof of that.”
“One hurdle at a time,” Raphael suggested with a sigh. “Let’s get through the meeting with Zion then we’ll worry about the wolves.”
Patrick, Gabriel, and Heather left a few minutes later. They walked along in silence for a time, all three lost in their troubled thoughts.
“Am I a fool to even consider this?” Gabriel muttered as they approached their cabin.
“If what she says is true, it could be really beneficial,” Patrick replied. “But that is one galactic-sized if.”
“I know we’re all going to be processing the alternatives in the background, but I propose that we table the subject until tomorrow.” Heather looked at Gabriel and then Patrick. “You’re going to spend all day debating this, so let’s think of something else tonight.”
“That’s a suggestion I can get behind,” Patrick said with a smile. He was tired of politics, tired of war. The domestic tranquility he’d glimpsed as he entered Raphael’s cabin held far more appeal. Shifting his gaze toward Heather, he asked, “Did you enjoy your evening with Claire?”
Raphael, Victor, and Claire were enjoying the sort of harmony Patrick craved. They supported each other, prioritized each other, and fought for each other. Patrick was ready to release thepast and work toward a stable future. He just wasn’t sure how to achieve the goal.
He no longer blamed Heather for his captivity. She had taken responsibility for her actions and there were extenuating circumstances surrounding the decisions she’d made. Spending time with her in and out of bed had reignited their smoldering attraction. It wasn’t surprising really. He’d always been fascinated by her.
Heather didn’t answer his question until they were in their own living room, facing a roaring fire. “It’s always great to see Claire, but…”
“But?” Gabriel prompted, his orange gaze focused on her face.
“But I envy the contentment she’s found with Raphael and Victor,” Heather admitted. “Will we ever be that comfortable with each other?”
Patrick studied her delicate features as he slowly lowered his mental shields. Her tone was casual and she appeared composed, but their past—and his cruelty—made her hesitant and untrusting. Her emotions rushed into his mind, inundating his empathic receptors. He would never enter her mind without permission, but this sort of scan was noninvasive. She knew he could sense her emotions. There was no expectation of privacy. As he feared, her desire for them was hampered by uncertainty. She wanted them, but she didn’t trust them. No, she didn’t trusthim.
“How do you think they achieved the contentment you sensed?” Patrick allowed a hint of challenge into his tone. “Their circumstances aren’t that different from ours.”
“They need each other,” she said softly. “That allows them to create a peaceful, balanced environment.”
Patrick arched his brows. He didn’t disagree with her assessment, but she was avoiding the real issue. Trust. “Do you doubt that we need you?”
