Callie's Captors [Mountain Men(23)

Blue took a deep breath and confirmed what he thought he’d smelled as soon as Pete had walked into the cabin. He glanced at his brother, who in the same instant found the floor very interesting.

He had her.

Turmoil roared to life in his gut. On one hand, he wished Pete had waited, giving them time to explain where she was and how they might not be able to take her back down the mountain. On the other hand, he couldn’t blame him. If he’d had time alone with her he might’ve done the same thing. The whole time they’d walked to camp, he’d felt her allure and had fought against acting on his impulse to shove her to the ground and take her. She’d held a hold over him, one that he couldn’t explain. Not unless he considered the possibility that she was their intended mate.

If they were lucky, The Council wouldn’t pick up the scent of sex from Pete. That might make things even more complicated than they already were.

Could she be the one? If they’d met her on The Outside, they would’ve instantly known. The connection all werewolves felt for their mate would’ve taken hold of them and left no doubt. But it was different within The Hidden. The instant bond wasn’t felt the same way. Of course the attraction was there, but it was a different sensation, more a feeling that an emptiness had been filled. Yet wasn’t that how he’d felt when he’d seen her? Was he ready to admit that he’d sensed that special something about her? He wished he’d taken the time to talk to his brothers about it. If only he had experienced it, then it was nothing. But if all three of them had? Then that was definitely a sign none of them could ignore. He needed more time to find out.

“There’s still the question of how she was able to come inside without the help of one of us.” Titto’s red hair matched the ball of fire dancing in Xnax’s hand.

“Obviously, she has to be a supernatural. Or at least have it in her blood. Otherwise, she’d have never made it in.”

“Xnax is right. But if she’s not, then what happens when someone who isn’t one of us runs into this strange, invisible barrier? Will they get through, too? Will they even feel it? Will they touch it? Or will it keep them from getting near? A portal like this could be devastating.”

Everyone grew quiet and considered Raine’s questions. They couldn’t have humans running into the barrier then shouting about it to others on The Outside.

“That’s why we’ll have to watch over it.” Charlton twisted toward Harrison. “You have family near here. One who knows of The Hidden? Isn’t that right?”

Harrison jerked as though coming out of a trance. “Uh, yes. I could ask one of them to try and get through. Of course, I’ll have to wait for the next Time of Coming. But I wouldn’t mind spending a little time on The Outside.”

“Good. That part of our discussion is settled. We’ll send a party to check on the new portal and Harrison’s human family member will try and make it through.” Charlton rested his elbows on the table, but Blue could see that he wasn’t finished, but waiting for another matter to be broached.

“Another question is which kind of supernatural is she?” Tina’s silver eyes landed on Pete then narrowed.

“Does that matter?” Blue kept his voice level, not wanting to challenge the fairy.

Although often perceived in literature as fun, caring, and sweet creatures, many fairies could be a pain in the butt and a tough enemy. Right now it was her sense of smell that was almost as good as a werewolf’s that worried him. If she picked up on Pete’s after-sex aroma, she wouldn’t hesitate to mention it.

Blue checked Harrison to see if he’d picked up the sexual fragrance, too. But Harrison was often oblivious to the world around him, choosing instead to focus on wine and making love to his mate, Edwina. How he’d gotten on The Council was a mystery to Blue.

“And does she know what she is? From the way you describe your interactions with her, I don’t think she does.” Wisa, her elongated face a reminder of her cat inside, lifted her head and sniffed.

Crap.

“I don’t think she knows about supernaturals in general, much less that she has that kind of blood in her.”

Tina’s mouth widened in a small, but very cheerful grin. “Do you smell what I smell?”

Blue’s stomach dropped to the floor. He risked a glimpse at Pete and saw the answer written all over his face. Pete was an open book and couldn’t hide his emotions.

“Do you feel a connection with her, Pete?”

Pete cleared his throat and met Charlton’s gaze. “Yes.” He cleared his throat. “I don’t know.”