“We?”
“Enya was my sous chef. She knows the kitchen better than I do.” He lifted the plate cover and set it aside.
Ava looked at the generous array of breakfast selections and groaned. “You don’t expect me to eat all of this, do you?” Cheese melted into a mound of scrambled eggs. French toast had been arranged beside a stack of pancakes while bacon and sausage balanced out the plate.
“You saved my life. This is the least I could do.” His eyes appeared particularly green as he poured her a cup of coffee. “How do you feel? My control was pretty lacking last night.”
She spotted the empty vase and returned the rose to the container. “You didn’t hurt me.” He held out the coffee mug and she was glad for the distraction. His gaze was too perceptive, too penetrating. “I never knew…never imagined that sex could be like that.”
Her confession seemed to please him, but his gaze was still guarded as he looked into her eyes. “I know Enya told you that our bodies are in sync. Do you understand what that means?”
Setting down the coffee mug, Ava picked up her fork and started with the scrambled eggs. “I’m pretty sure I experienced the difference, but I’m not sure I understand the details. Jake and Enya tried to explain it to me, but I was pretty distracted last night.”
“I didn’t intentionally trigger the change, but I’m afraid I am to blame. Our energy melded when I healed you and then again when I fed from you on the mountain. The combination confused our bodies, made our animals think we were trying to mate.”
Heat spread across her face and she was certain her cheeks were bright red. “I understand how that could be confusing.”
“We didn’t form a mating bond, so this synchronization isn’t permanent.”
For just an instant disappointment crept across her mind then logic kick started her brain. Did she want the connection to be permanent? She barely knew this man. “How long will we feel like this?”
“About three months. But it’s important that you understand this doesn’t happen unless a couple is attracted to each other in the first place. Our responses are amplified, our needs more intense, but the basic appeal is natural.”
Her nipples tightened beneath the sheet and tension built between her thighs as memories of the night before scrolled through her mind. “Can we talk about something else?”
“Of course.” His smile was a little too knowing and his gaze caressed her face. “I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”
She returned his smile then busied herself with breakfast. “How long will it take to reach the cat sanctuary? I can’t wait to see Carissa again.”
“They’re coming here instead.”
“Why the change of plans?” She didn’t really care where the reunion took place as long as she saw her sister face-to-face. Her visions were becoming more detailed and more frequent, but she wouldn’t be completely convinced Carissa was safe and happy until they were in the same room.
“Your spontaneous teleportation.”
“What about it? You freaked me out and I overreacted.”
“Jake is convinced it was no random flash and I’m starting to agree with him. Therian abilities tend to be specific. Like your visions. You didn’t understand what you saw, but the images were detailed. Right?”
“I suppose.” She didn’t want to seem like a coward, but she’d been looking forward to a place far away from danger, secluded and secure. “I have no idea where we were. Does Jake?”
“He’s established a likely radius. We’re hoping Ian can search the area and figure out where the guards came from.”
“Ian’s the raptor?” It was hard to imagine a bird with human—no Therian intelligence, but that’s what Kyle’s suggestion implied. “How much of you remains intact when you shift? How will a bird be able to search for a covert facility?”
“Instincts are stronger, thoughts less cluttered by minor details, but I’m still me. Ian will have no trouble remembering his mission once he shifts into an eagle.”
She nodded and wrapped her hands around the warm enameled mug. Her appetite had gradually faded as she realized the fight was far from over. The past twenty-four hours had been a whirlwind of crisis and emotions. She’d never felt so helpless and yet so protected at the same time. These Therian males possessed the most intriguing combination of ferocity and tenderness. It felt wonderful to have someone at her back for a change.
“Are you done?” After quickly refilling her coffee mug, she raised her arms so he could remove the tray. “You look sort of spooked. That wasn’t my intention.” He scooted closer and reached for her free hand. “You don’t need to be afraid, Ava. You’re not alone. We won’t let anything happen to you.”