“Your clan?”
He sighed. “My shifter family. The only family I have. Woman, would you tell me your name already?”
His cat was dying to know. Now that she was here and they were talking, the information seemed crucial.
“Clara.” Her tone was quiet. Barely more than a whisper. “My name is Clara.”
“Clara.” Eagan let his mouth feel the syllables. It was perfect. His heart thumped at the sound of saying it.
The kettle whistled. Eagan pulled it from the stove and set the tea to steeping.
“Sugar?” he asked.
“Yes, please.” That same barely there tone. He didn’t like it. He’d rather her be hissy.
He carried the cups over to the couch. “Sit,” he urged.
Clara looked around his place, but this time he saw the fear in her eyes. She wasn’t looking for an escape, she was uncomfortable.
“What is it?”
“You have so many… things,” she murmured. “It’s stifling.”
Eagan followed her gaze around the room. He was a bachelor. Most of his time was spent working. He didn’t actually have many things. A couch, a bed, some small tables, and a TV/stereo system. That was about it.
“Well, I guess it’s fine you don’t like it. We won’t be here long anyway. We’ll find some place you’re more comfortable.” He gestured with one of the tea cups. “Please. Sit.”
Clara nodded, but bypassed the sofa, crouching low on the floor instead. Eagan opened his mouth to stop her, then thought better of it. He handed her one of the cups and she settled in, crossing her legs yoga style. Taking a spot on the floor next to her, he sipped his tea.
“Didn’t know cats were tea drinkers,” she said, staring into her cup.
Eagan shrugged. “We’re part human.”
She was quiet.
“Why do I get the feeling you already knew about us?”
The corner of her mouth turned up. “I saw one of you turn. In the woods one time. I wasn’t sure though. I thought I was—” She stopped suddenly, as if trying to catch the words before they spilled from her lips.
Her eyes lifted to him, big and vulnerable, before glancing away.
“Crazy. You thought you were seeing things.”
She nodded, finding something interesting on the rug.
“What’s your story, Clara? Why are you alone in these woods, away from your family and friends?”
Gripping the mug like it might jump from her grasp, she took a drink, closing her eyes as she swallowed. He had the urge to reach forward and feel the softness of her cheek. His jag had lapped that up when they were in the kitchen. Her skin was caramel satin dotted with the faintest freckles.
She lowered the cup to her lap and met his gaze. “I doubt you’d understand my reasons.”
“I still want to know them.”
Shaking her head in frustration, she set the tea cup on the floor. “How long are you going to keep me here?”
“I don’t know. How long is it going to take to pry your secrets from you?”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Forever.”
“I’ll keep you forever then.”
Yeah, that sounded right. She was his, and what had he done so wrong anyway? He’d hurt his clan, but he could fix it. Let Magic sleep on it, and they’d talk in the morning. He was a male protecting his female. His leader would understand that. He’d explain to Magic that he planned on wooing Clara the way Renner had done Bethany.
And she’d be the only one for him. Ever. That was what he longed for. What Tana had, what Renner had.
Besides, he knew his mate’s heart was tender, had witnessed it through her notebook. He wouldn’t hurt her.
But maybe… maybe he would keep her.
If he was lucky.
Chapter Ten
Eagan rummaged through his dresser drawers until he found his favorite pair of ratty sweatpants. They weren’t pretty, but they sure as hell were comfortable. The material was worn and soft.
And pretty much thread-bare in the ass. Which he was really going to appreciate once his mate was dressed in them.
In the next drawer, he found the faded out Def Leppard shirt. If she didn’t feel comfortable in these, there was no hope for her.
“I told you. I don’t need your clothes. I can sleep perfectly fine in what I have on.” She stood near the bathroom, her head tipped to one side in exasperation.
“You’ll feel better if you’re clean and in something comfortable.” He smirked. “Unless you want to try for total comfort and go naked. I’d be okay with that.”
Clara rolled her eyes, and it was the sexiest thing he’d ever witnessed. “Are you saying I need a bath? You know, just because I live in the woods, doesn’t mean I’m not clean.”