Twilight's Eternal Embrace by Karen Michelle Nutt Page A

your clan you have spent time with? "
    " None of importance and all much older than I. "
    " But the Oiche Sith age well. A n Oiche Sith female of thirty and nine would look no older than I. "
    " True, but I know their true age. I told you, we have few females left and most are already mated. If I spent time , as you put it, I would most likely be dead. A mated male would not look kindly upon me if I made advances toward his wife. We are a jealous lot. "
    " Another thing we have in common. We are a jealous lot also. " Secretly she was glad he had not been with another female.
    " And you? " he asked.
    Her brows furrowed. " What do you mean? "
    " Is there a young man who wishes for your hand? " His voice grumbled, making her smile.
    " No. Most of the males my age find me odd. I like to mind the animals and hunt rather than sew and cook. "
    " You intimidate them. They are afraid you will best them. "
    She lifted her shoulders. " May hap . I never cared to find out. "
    This made his grin widen. " Good. "
    Lightning lit the sky and a low rumble followed, reminding them of the impending storm.
    " We must hurry back to the horses. " He turned, but she held onto his arm.
    " No. I refuse to go back so soon. Are you afraid to get wet? "
    " No t at all , but I fear you will catch a chill. "
    " I will be fine. But I shall not be if I must leave you and go home. "
    He contemplated her words, his gaze drifting over her features. He finally came to the conclusion on his own that she would not budge and relented. " Let us move closer to the rocks and find shelter in one of the caves. " He pointed in the direction.
    She halted her steps. " You can spot a cave from here? "
    " Aye. " He helped her along.
    Her eyesight was limited as clouds blocked the moon. Before they could find cover, the sky opened up with large droplets of water , splattering their faces and clothes.
    " It will be quicker if I carry you, " he told her.
    To be in his arms was not a bad place . She nodded her head, giving him permission. He swept her into his arms and flitted to the cave . O nce they were inside , he set her down with care . He then gathered bramble and sticks and created a fire. It took less than five minutes to accomplish the feat, but still her teeth chattered. She moved closer to the warmth and held her hands above it.
    His gaze met hers with concern. " I knew you would catch a chill. "
    " I will be fine. " Her teeth continued to click together and he shook his head.
    " You need to take off your clothes. "
    She blinked at his demand and h er eye brows rose. "But I have nothing to change into. "
    He shrugged off his mantle. " The fur is of good stock and is not wet beneath. You may wrap yourself in this while your clothes dry. "
    Her hand reached for the mantle, brushing her fingers against his. She shivered, but this time it was not from the cold. With all her bravery about wanting to touch him in a more intimate manner, the thought of undressing in front of him made her nervous. Her eyes flickered warily to his.
    " You hesitate. " He frowned, clearly not understanding her hesitation. Then comprehension finally dawned on him why she took pause. He smiled at her apologetically. " I sha ll turn away while you undress. Keep your undergarments on if you must. "
    She didn ' t bother to tell him she did not wear any other garments beneath her shirt and braccae. When he gave her his back, she quickly shrugged out of her clothes, wrapping the mantle around her. " You may turn around now. "
    The mantle covered all but the lower part of her calves and feet, but the way his eyes blazed with hunger, she felt as if she stood there bare to his gaze.
    He cleared his throat as he reached for her clothing and laid them out to dry.
    She sat near the fire. She fisted the fur at her neck, keeping the mantle securely around her. " Will you sit with me? "
    " Aye. " His h ead brushed the top of the cave as he strode over to her, and yet, he still moved with a predatory grace born