Page 52 of Their Marked Mate

Avery nodded. It was a valid point. The clinic was filled with wounded, but there had doubtlessly been deaths as well.

“Where did this come from?” Heather’s question drew Avery’s attention back to the datasheet.

“Where do you think?” The male beside her nodded toward Natalie.

Avery had spotted her earlier. She stood near the door, speaking with Gabriel and Zion, the massive leader of the lions.

“I can’t help fearing that she’s a devil in disguise,” Heather said softly.

That hadn’t kept her from using the new equipment, Avery thought, but didn’t comment.

“I know of at least six cats that owe their lives to that devil,” the male beside Heather replied. Was this Malik? Avery had no way of verifying the conclusion, so she just moved on.

Another hour passed before Heather crossed the room to join Gabriel and Zion by the door. Natalie was no longer standing there, but Avery wasn’t sure where her friend had gone.

“Your mate is impressive.”

Zion spoke to Gabriel as if Heather wasn’t standing there. Typical. Rydarian males were consistently chauvinistic.

“Yes, she is,” Gabriel said proudly.

Heather didn’t seem to mind the exchange, but Avery found it annoying.

“It’s unlikely we will ever be friends,” Zion continued. “But we have a common enemy. I would like to work with you to defend our villages against them.”

Damn. He meant the wolves. The cats were about to lock in an alliance with the birds. Avery didn’t blame either one. Both villages had been attacked in recent weeks. But Avery found herself rooting for the lupine shifters and she wasn’t sure why. She’d always tended to side with the underdog, but the wolves weren’t just aggressive. They were savage murderers. So why was she so fascinated by them?

“My brother was right to join the alliance,” Gabriel said firmly. “I held out hope longer than I should have. The wolves are not interested in peace, and I am no longer interested in defending their actions.”

“Good.”

Without another word, Zion walked away.

Heather waited until the lion was gone to say, “That went better than expected.”

“I was dreading the conversation,” Gabriel admitted. “Now I’m thrilled that it’s over.” He pushed open the door and stepped out onto the porch.

Heather’s gaze swept over the clinic, likely to ensure that everyone had received the appropriate care. Then she followed Gabriel outside.

Avery quickly adjusted the spybot, rotating the cricket so it faced the front yard.

A red-haired male walked up to Heather and Gabriel bearing mugs of a steaming beverage. “I thought we could use something warm in our bellies before we head home.”

This must be Patrick, Heather’s other mate. Avery had heard his name and understood the situation, but she had never seen him before.

They simply stood there and enjoyed the drinks for a moment, then Heather said, “Malik told me the medical equipment came from Natalie. Will she give us a similar kit if we agree to participate in the program?”

“Would you like me to answer that?” Natalie asked as she joined them on the porch. “Sorry to interrupt. I heard Heather say my name.”

“You’ve got damn good hearing,” Gabriel grumbled, unable to hide his scowl.

“If this is a private conversation, I’ll go back inside.”

It was a subtle threat and Avery smiled. Natalie held all the power and she knew it.

Heather silenced Gabriel with a look then asked, “What’s the answer to my question?”

“Of course, I’ll provide a medical kit for Eagle Village.” Natalie smiled warmly, but the reluctant birds weren’t buying it, at least not yet. “The wolves will get one too, if they participate in the program.”