Page 82 of Dark Fey Captive

“Hungry, desperate humans are always dangerous.”

She looked at the seed tray she was almost done planting and the bag of seed packets.

“There’s enough here that I can share,” she said slowly.

I didn’t try to tell her it wouldn’t work. Humans didn’t share well. At least, the hungry, desperate males didn’t. They took and left nothing behind. Not even the females. Seeds I could replace. I couldn’t replace Arena.

“Come.” I held out my hand to her. “The air in here is warmer than outside, but still too cold for a human.”

The worry in her gaze vanished, replaced by a knowing grin.

“You just want to get me inside so we can make out again.”

“Licking you is the fastest way to warm you,” I said, my mouth watering at the thought of tasting her.

She laughed, the sound wrapping around me, drawing me closer. She didn’t back away from my embrace but leaned into it.

“I like what we do together, but I don’t want to get caught. With the smoke from the chimney, they probably already know I’m here.” She sighed and turned her head toward the planters. “Hopefully they don’t wreck anything.”

I tightened my hold.

“We won’t let them.”

She tensed and looked up at me. “You won’t hurt them, will you?”

I would kill them to keep her safe but knew she wouldn’t like that answer.

“Every human life is precious,” I said instead, repeating what Ryan and Dad told us. “We will do everything we can to preserve the humans who remain.”

She seemed content with the answer and allowed me to hold her hand as we left the greenhouse. The engines sounded closer.

Inside, she went to the stove and reheated the soup that was leftover from breakfast.

“Do you want me to fry some more Spam and eggs for you?” she asked.

Belak came from the back. “They’ve reached the fence and are looking for a way in.”

“How many are there?” I asked.

“Four vehicles. I saw seven men, but there could be more.”

“Did they see you?” Arena asked.

“No. I was careful.”

“Good. When they come knocking, make sure you stay hidden. I’ll talk to them and see what they want.”

“No,” I said, pulling her close. “You’ll stay with us.”

“If I don’t go out and talk to them, they’re going to come in here. They’ll see the used cans and search for more food. Once they find what’s in the basement, they’ll clear it out.”

“They’ll do that even if you talk to them,” Belak said.

“Not if I talk to them outside.”

Two gunshots rang out.

“It’s too dangerous,” he said.