Page 37 of Shadow Mate

The door swung closed softly, engaging the automatic lock. Colby didn’t seem to notice or care as he crossed the room and gathered her in his arms. He must have realized how cold she was as he opened the jacket he’d been wearing and wrapped it around her.

“What are you doing down here?”

She decided to ignore the question and instead asked, “Was this the dungeon? Did they even have a dungeon? What the hell would a bunch of nuns need with a dungeon?”

Colby chuckled. God, she loved the way that sound always seemed to settle over her like a warm, fuzzy blanket—right before she rejected it because she didn’t want to feel mushy about anything he did. Only this time was different. This time she reveled in the way he seemed to be able to soothe her soul so effortlessly.

“Those nuns were tough old birds. Some of these cells were used as places for those who stepped out of line to reflect on their sins.”

“In other words, they isolated them until they gave in and complied.”

He nodded. “I fear you would have starved to death before giving in.”

“Are you calling me stubborn?”

“Stubborn, willful, proud. I never did see why your mother got so angry at your father when he’d labeled you as such. It wasn’t that I disagreed with his assessment, just didn’t understand why he and his goons thought it was a bad thing. I think the very best she-cats in our society possess those traits in abundance. And you have them more than any other she-cat I’ve ever known.”

She snorted and ignored his compliment, as she most often did. “But surely they didn’t have that many rebel nuns.”

“No,” he answered with a smile, indicating he’d noticed her dismissing the compliment. “But they did have torture chambers and dungeons to use when they needed them. Remember, these women withstood attacks on their home and defended it vigorously. They were also able to provide a place for people to stash someone they didn’t want found. I’ll have to show you the ledger someone kept for money going in and out. There are some interesting entries.”

“Those records survived?”

“They did, and they make for fascinating reading. Is that why you lured me down here—to talk about nuns and ledgers and dungeons?”

She started to push back from him to give herself some space, but decided she was done trying to push him away. She rested her head on his chest, taking comfort and courage from the strong beat of his heart.

“I never could lie to you?—”

“Not that it kept you from trying,” he teased.

“Look. This is not easy for me…”

He used his finger to lift her head and tilt her face to his. “I know, and I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have teased you.”

“I wasn’t really lost.”

“I didn’t think you were. Winter is almost as bad a liar as you are. She also became an incurable romantic once she decided to live her own happily ever after.”

Brie took a deep breath. “Winter and I had a chance to talk. I’m afraid poor Adriana had to witness it…”

“I think we’ve all underestimated Adriana, so I wouldn’t be worried about that.”

She nodded. “Okay. In any event, Winter was able to clarify and correct some things I didn’t know or understand, some of which I didn’t want to know or understand. She was pretty adamant about it.”

Colby chuckled. “Adamant. That’s a good word for Winter when she gets on a tear, knowing she’s right and you aren’t. It’s another trait the two of you share and one I’ve always admired and valued.”

“I’m so sorry for what I did to you this morning. For what it’s worth, it took every bit of strength I possessed to turn you away. It was the opposite of what I wanted.” He started to speak and she put her hand over his mouth. “Let me finish. I’ve had a lot of time to think while I’ve been down here. In fact, I’m beginning to wonder if the length of time I’ve been stuck in this cold is Winter getting a little payback for you because she and I both know that you deserve it and will never take revenge for yourself.”

“I have no need for revenge. All I need is you,” he said softly.

“And that’s why you need Amazon warrior bitches like Winter and I as your betas.”

He stared down at her, searching her face. “Let me make sure I understand…”

Once again, she placed her hand over his mouth, turned her back to him, and exposed the nape of her neck.

CHAPTER 16

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