“We had an interesting conversation on our way back from the rebel hangout.” A secretive smile curved Lexxie’s lips but she kept her gaze on the road.
Lexxie had rushed to Dhane’s rescue when he’d desperately needed an energy transfusion. She’d spent the night in one of the rebel houses and then Jake had brought her home the following morning. The unplanned incident had given Lexxie several hours alone with Jake.
“‘We’ meaning you and Jake?” She wasn’t sure why Lexxie kept bringing him up. Even if he had noticed Heather, which she seriously doubted, any romantic interaction with him was strictly forbidden. Not only was he a cat, he was one of the rebel leaders. She wasn’t sure which fact would piss off her father more.
“I might have mentioned that I was worried about you, that you keep yourself isolated and lonely. That what you really need is a sexual challenge.”
“The last thing I need is a sexual—” She cut herself off as the greater implication sank in. “Why would you tell him that, even if it were true? Which it’s not.”
“I didn’t bring it up, at least not at first.” Lexxie grinned, obviously enjoying the way Heather was beginning to squirm. “He asked about you, how you spent your days, if you had a significant other. I just filled him in on all things Heather.”
“You’re full of shit. There’s no way he asked about my love life out of the blue.” Despite her denial, she found the possibility exciting. Was it possible that the ripple of attraction she felt for Jake flowed in both directions?
“He did. Honest to God.” She glanced at Heather, mischief twinkling in her eyes. “You’re not the only one who’s been having impure thoughts about a completely inappropriate partner.”
“I don’t believe you.” More like she couldn’t allow herself to believe this nonsense or she’d start concocting reasons she needed to visit Aspen.
“Believe what you like. All I know is, if you’re excited by the forbidden, I know one gorgeous cat who’s willing to give you a guided tour.”
Light flickered through the trees off to their right, saving Heather from the awkward conversation. Lexxie spotted the glow a moment later and activated Heather’s window. Music rumbled in the distance, confirming their destination, so Lexxie sent the window gliding back up.
“That’s us,” Lexxie said under her breath as she carefully steered the jeep off the road and worked her way toward the fire.
They emerged in a large clearing, a dilapidated cabin tucked off to one side. It had been many years but Heather had visited the location before, she realized as she looked around. A deep pit had been dug in the middle of the clearing and a large fire burned there now. Vehicles had been parked in rows around the perimeter, creating an uneven border against the trees.
Heather pushed open her door and climbed down from the jeep. The ground gave beneath her boots and the air was surprisingly cool. She glanced up at the clear blue sky. Not a cloud in sight, but had it been raining? This felt more like early spring than midsummer.
Laughter and muffled shouts drew her attention to the crowd on the far side of the fire. They weren’t dancing but she couldn’t see what had them so enthralled. And why were there so many? This looked like a multi-pack rally, not an impromptu Howl.
A tall figure broke away from the crowd and hurried toward them. Heather immediately recognized the proud bearing and purposeful strides of her father.
“You’re late.” Nate’s eyes gleamed in the gathering twilight and impatience made his voice snap. Heather had gotten her strawberry-blonde hair from her mother, but her vivid blue eyes and stubbornness came from Nate Fitzroy.
“Did the best I could, sir,” Lexxie replied. “She’s here now. Did we miss anything?”
“Just the first seven rounds.”
Rounds? Tension knotted Heather’s belly and dread washed over her again. She took a step back and her father grabbed her arm, his grip firm, not yet hurtful.
“Don’t even think about it. You’re the guest of honor. Everyone is waiting for you.”
“Is this… You said you’d let me choose.”
“Did you choose?” He drew her closer and his expression became openly hostile. “Tell me your decision now and I’ll stop the competition.”
She had no intention of choosing a mate and they both knew it. “I did as you wished the first time around. This time the choice should be mine.”
“I might agree if Carlos had actually defined you. But he didn’t. Did he?”
Heather froze. The Earth’s rotation seemed to hesitate as the implication sank in. He knew! She couldn’t imagine how he’d figured it out but he obviously knew her secret. “What are you talking about? Of course Carlos defined me. You and Bruce saw my wolf. You know I’m defined.”