Page 13 of Hainn

He threw caution to the winds and answered straight from the heart. “I want us to be friends and I hoped if we went totally outside this valley and the familiarity of our daily life, we could find a way.”

“Only friends?” she whispered.

He looked at her sharply. “I’d like to explore whether there’s more possible between us, I won’t lie but I think friendship is the best way to start. So, will you come? Daegan is holding your spot but if you decline we’ll add another Badari male.”

“Can I think about it for a few hours at least? You’ve taken me by surprise, in several ways. I’d like to talk to Keshara and see what she was thinking when she agreed.”

Hainn wasn’t keen on the idea, remembering Daegan had said the female Alpha was opposed to the outing, but he could hardly refuse her the requested time. “Sure, no problem. Can you let me know by moonrise?”

“Of course. Can you send me the holo? I’d like to watch it a few more times and see if I feel it’s possible for me to accomplish. I mean, even your pack learned to surf in the South Seas, you didn’t start out with these monster waves, right?”

“I wish I could take you home and teach you there,” he said, emotion rising in him. “But it’s not possible. It’s all a matter of timing and balance. The strength and the courage are already here.” He tapped her chest over her heart. “I have no doubt.”

She blushed and lowered her gaze. “I’ll admit it’s an intriguing idea and just getting out of the valley for a few days with no cares is enticing by itself.” Now she peeked at him through her lashes and he tucked a mental picture of her face in his memory because the expression was adorable and far from the usual Jezari expression. “And I do like the idea of us moving beyond the past and becoming friends. I don’t have many, outside my sisters. You’re a good person, Hainn.”

Jezari madeher way slowly toward the Daughters’ residence, her thoughts whirling. Hainn had certainly upped the stakes in whatever was between them by inviting her to the surfing trip. Surely the gesture was a good thing? An omen she could trust? It wasn’t her imagination or an infatuation with the man—he’d stated clearly he wanted to be friends and more.

Then there was the surfing itself. She was intrigued and excited by the idea of battling the ocean to stand atop a monsterwave and ride it. She was going to watch the holo again but what had stuck with her the most was how happy Daegan had seemed, even on the ride where he wiped out spectacularly. She also missed her dives in the lake and Hainn’s promise of extensive new vistas to explore at the sea mount were appealing. Best of all, there were no ghosts to haunt her out there on the ocean, unlike here where every glimpse of the lake reminded her of the alien woman entombed below.

Keshara was in her suite at the cave and when Jezari knocked, she was greeted with a happy smile. Gabe was nowhere in evidence, which was a relief to Jezari because she wanted to talk to her sister alone.

“Hainn must have told you about the surfing trip,” Keshara said as they both settled into big chairs in the Alpha’s living room.

“It sounds exciting and fun,” Jezari said. “I was flattered to be asked. I haven’t said yes yet though as Hainn indicated you were opposed to me going? I wanted to see what your opinion might be.”

“I did agree eventually,” Keshara pointed out.

“Yes, but why were you refusing the opportunity for me initially? Is there something I should be made aware of?” Jezari swallowed hard. “Is it because he was my healer?”

Eyebrows rising to her hairline, Keshara hastened to deny the last statement. “Goddess, no. That never even entered my mind. You’re the only one who keeps bringing that concern up and I have to say my advice there is to drop it. The rest of us have moved on, including Hainn.” She toyed with her hair, twirling a strand of it around one talon. “At first I was totally taken by surprise and so I responded negatively, I’ll admit. The idea was so new and radically out of the ordinary for us Daughters it astonished me. Then I was concerned you’d be the only woman on the trip and would that be awkward for you.”

“Did you doubt the brothers would respect me?”

“Not really. The South Seas men are as devoted to the idea of us being equals as Badari women as the northern packs are.” Keshara sighed and her face was troubled. “I think I’m overprotective of you now, like a mama bearbeast and her cub. Which isn’t fair to you—you’ve got fangs and talons like the rest of us and can take care of yourself now, make good decisions for yourself. It’s just we came so close to losing you I want to keep you wrapped in soft blankets and safe in our cave where I can make sure you’re never in any danger again ever.”

Jezari burst out laughing and moved to give her sister a hug. “A beautiful but totally impractical sentiment. As you said, I have an alien predator in my DNA like every other Badari and I’ve been at full strength for a long time. I mean, not my telepathy and my instincts are still lacking, but otherwise I’m fine.” She debated revealing her trips to the bottom of the lake to Keshara to relieve her mind but decided doing so would open another box of issues she wasn’t ready for.

“So you want to go?”

“Yes, absolutely. To get out of this valley and—no offense—away from everyone who wants to keep me safe would be wonderful. And the surfing sounds like an astonishing thing to do.” Jezari didn’t mention how much she liked the idea of having time to get to know Hainn better away from the prying eyes and gossipy tongues in the valley but Keshara’s next remark struck the heart of the matter.

“Is Hainn your fated mate?”

Falling into her own chair, Jezari fluttered her fingers to indicate indecision. “I don’t know. I told you my instincts are messed up. I know my inner beast is fascinated by him and I’m physically attracted to him—he makes mewant, you know?”

“Oh yes, I’m well acquainted with the concept.” Keshara gave her a secretive glance and her lips curled upward. “My mate knows what to do with that instinct.”

“You’re so lucky you and Gabe found each other and knew you were mates,” Jezari said. “I envy you. And Raeblinn and Brent too for that matter. I don’t begrudge either of you the happiness. I wish I could be as sure about the path to mine. Honestly I’d never even dreamt about being mated when we lived in the compound because it was totally impossible.”

“I don’t want to lose you to the South Seas pack,” keshara said frankly. “If you and Hainn were to claim each other, you’d become Daegan’s. and when the war is over you’d have to move there with them.”

Jezari chuckled and held up one hand. “Whoa, let’s not get twenty steps ahead of ourselves here. I like the man and I enjoy his company and maybe I want to see what he’s like in bed…well, okay, I absolutely want to explore sexual compatibility at some point. But claiming him as a mate? Not happening on this surfing trip, sister, I promise you.” Privately she thought she might actually prefer moving to the South Seas. She’d miss her sisters but if the war was over they could visit each other, no doubt. The northern hemisphere held no great allure for her, no happy memories and the valley felt so closed in and small to her, especially with the secrets the lake held which only she knew in full. The South Seas pack had a more expansive optimistic approach to life, or so she’d observed. Having survived certain death in the Khagrish lifesucking pod, Jezari wanted to live her remaining days to the fullest. “Give me your blessing to go on the surfing trip?”

A wave of warm Alpha power swept over her as Keshara said, “Of course, yes, go and have fun and tell us all about it when you get back. Make sure someone takes holos—we want to see you in action surfing.”

“If I can learn how to do and don’t fall off the board every time.”

CHAPTER SEVEN

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