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Chapter 2- Renegade

Sai Reedling was only slightly taller than me, probably a head taller without these stupid heels. His face did well at feigning kindness. His eyes always said different. Tempting, beckoning eyes… windows into gilded darkness.

“Good to have you back, Evangeline. I was worried you had been… compromised.”

I wanted to take my hands back, but couldn’t. The way he looked at me…. I wondered if we had been-

“I was hoping I could speak with you alone again. Those three seem to follow you like lost goslings.” His sharp smile spread to a grin. “I hadn’t quite… gotten to know you, as much as I would like.”

Acquaintances only. Apparently we’d only been employed for this job, thus far. Either that, or I had been a more recent addition.

He released his gentle hold on my hands and surveyed the damage on the table.

“That fall must have shaken you up a bit.” He placed the cover back on the central platter. “Your instincts may be a bit harder to control for awhile.”

‘…and thank God you’re not in heat.’ My mind added silently. The thought, very unexpected, caught me off guard and I almost giggled out loud. The eyes widened slightly, that sickly-saccharine smile spreading. My face hadn’t changed… it was as if he were hearing my thoughts… My cheeks flushed beneath the fur.

I was about to open my mouth to speak, far too many questions flooded me- when he held up a hand to quiet me. 

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“They tell me you’ve forgotten quite a bit.” I nodded.
“The answers will come in time. In the interim, I will monitor your progression back to health and coherence. You could be dangerous,” then, as an afterthought, “..in the field. Yes, no assignments for you till all is restored.”

That statement was too obvious. Of course I couldn’t function in my duties till I knew what the hell I was doing. As for staying here till I was back to myself… I wanted to feel honored… but somehow suddenly felt trapped.

He turned his gaze momentarily toward the mess on the table again, eyes amused. “I guess they’ll have to remake Brunch. No matter. I’m sure you’re no longer hungry. Well, that makes time for more important matters.”

He placed a hand to the small of my back, causing me to jerk a little. He was getting too close…

“They informed me that you appeared to have little or no injury otherwise… they have a basic knowledge of first-aid. I should examine you myself, though; there’s much they could have missed.” He reached for the tiny zipper, drawing nearer still. The proximity was more than friendly, this was painfully apparent. I wanted to pull away… and press against him at the same time. Some feral, mindless force made me want more. 

Will won over the urge.

I grasped his hand at the wrist behind my back, letting him feel the tips of my talons as a warning.

“Sir, I’m sure you have employees you can call in to give a proper inspection.” My voice was almost a monotone with sternness. I hoped he would take the message without taking too much offense… I wasn’t sure just yet how dispensable I was. 

He did not draw back. That gaze… that engulfing gaze… it weakened my grasp, made my breath catch in my throat.