“Nick doesn’t think so. But the bloodlust of battle got to your mate. The others said he went into a rage and killed practically the whole damned bunch of those monsters on his own. But they didn’t realize he’d stopped distinguishing between ‘them’ and ‘us’ until he turned on Ryon and came close to killing him, too.”

Mac looked to Kalen, sitting on the floor of his cell. He had his chin tucked to his chest now, dark hair hiding his face, babbling to himself. She couldn’t tell what he was saying, but he seemed a bit more calm. But only just. He was still plenty agitated, rocking back and forth, oblivious to her and A.J. watching.

She moved a little closer to the bars. “Kalen? Sweetie, it’s me—”

His head came up and he growled, baring his fangs. His elliptical, kohl-rimmed eyes showed not the slightest hint of recognition. He was angry, straining at his bonds. And he was afraid too. Confused.

The emotions slammed into her hard, and she gasped. She felt his fear through their bond, and a ray of hope made a pinprick in the gloom as she recalled that he could feel her emotions as well. She could use that to their advantage. Try to reach him.

Moving slowly to avoid agitating him more, she sat cross-legged on the floor. A.J. leaned on the wall nearby, ready in case of trouble. She blocked out the terrible image of his scoped rifle and concentrated on her bond with her mate. Thought of their baby. Her dreams for the three of them. Sent waves of love to him in an endless stream.

His snarling gradually stopped. His fangs receded and his eyes were humanlike again. But humanity was still absent. He remained confused, but the awful rage had subsided. He studied her for long moments before his lids began to droop. Worn out from the events of the day, he slept.

Slumped against the wall, separated from her mate, so did she. Fitfully.

Kalen was holding her. Stroking her hair. Placing kisses on top of her head. “This is nice,” he murmured.

“Yes, it is.”

He paused, and she sensed he had more to say.

“This is good, isn’t it? Me, holding you?”

He sounded so uncertain, and yet hopeful; her heart swelled. “It definitely is,” she said, hugging him. “Why wouldn’t it be?”

“This is new to me. Holding someone, being held.” His voice resonated a note of wonder.

“Then you’ve missed out on a lot.”

“I’m beginning to see that,” he said softly.

A subtle shift was happening between them. Then, gradually . . . comfort became something more. They didn’t have to be alone and afraid. They’d begun to bond tonight over a shared terror, and now that connection solidified as he held her against his heart. Tilted her face up to his.

And placed the sweetest of kisses on her lips. He started slowly, one nibble at a time. Paused in between, giving her the chance to put out the flame that had been kindled between them. But she wanted him every bit as much, wasn’t about to say no.

Sitting up, he pulled her into his lap. They were both still dressed in their jeans, but situated like this, she had no trouble discerning the erection pressing against her bottom. She wiggled against the hardness, wanting more.

“You’re trying to kill me.”

“Far from it.” Sitting up, she pulled her shirt over her head, baring herself to his gaze. From the sliver of light filtering through the part in the curtains, she could see his green eyes glittering with desire. With need. But also with uncertainty.

“I’ve never done this before.”

“Had sex?” She found that difficult to believe.

“Made love,” he whispered. “With someone I care about.”

Sweet man. “It’s fantastic. Like nothing else you’ll ever feel.”

“Tell me what you want.” Reaching out, he caressed her cheek. “I have to hear it.”

“Make love to me. Give me everything.”

Capturing her lips again, he lowered her to the bed. Kissed her thoroughly for several long moments. He had the best mouth and he knew how to use it—as he proved by nibbling his way down her throat, teeth scraping. Long ones.

“Are you using your panther teeth?”

“Mmm.”

She gasped as one canine grazed a tender nipple. “I’ll take that as a yes.”

His mouth latched on to the nub, suckling, and she moaned, burying her fingers in his long hair as she’d itched to do for weeks. The black mass was as silky as it looked, thick and just right to get a good grip. She enjoyed the feel of it as much as she loved him lavishing attention on her nipples.

He moved south, kissing her belly. When he moved lower, she had to relinquish her hold on his mane, and whimpered in protest.

“You don’t want this?” he teased, settling between her thighs. “You said to give you everything.”

“And I meant it. I just love my hands in your hair.”

He looked pleased. “Well, you can have it back in a few minutes. Promise.”

Unzipping her jeans, he worked them down and off, along with her panties. Pushing her knees apart, he lowered his head. Flicked out his tongue and lapped at her clit. With a sigh of pleasure, she spread for him as wide as possible. It had been much too long, and she wanted Kalen to have her. Like this, or any way he desired.

His mouth was every bit as talented in this area, too. He licked her folds, delved his tongue in between to fuck her channel slowly. Driving her mad. Then he’d withdraw and suckle the little clit, taking her to the edge. And withdraw again. Lick and suckle. Over and over until she was mindless, writhing.

“Oh, God!”

“What do you want, honey?”

“Fuck me,” she begged. “I need you.”

He didn’t require further encouragement and shed his jeans quickly. Crawling over her, he settled between her legs, placed the head of his cock to her opening. Pushed inside.

There, in the darkness, they came together.

Rocking his hips, he began to move inside her. Deep, to the hilt, and out again. Slow and easy, stoking the fire once again, searing her to the depths of her soul. She buried her fingers in his hair again, watched his face as he made love to her. The pupils of his eyes had gone elliptical and smoldered with passion. The muscles of his shoulders bunched and his fangs protruded as he panted with each thrust, the disk of his pendant hanging from his neck, resting between her breasts.

“Harder,” she urged. “Faster.”

Increasing the tempo, he did as she asked, moaning. Driving them higher. She knew he was close when he gathered her to his chest, hips pumping furiously. She clung to his back, her own release building until—

She shattered with a cry, pulsing around his length. Her release triggered his and he came with a hoarse shout, sinking himself as deeply as possible. He stayed there, convulsing, holding her close, until at last they were spent. Then a bit longer as they came down from the high, kissing the curve of her neck.

“Thank you,” he whispered.

Mac came awake slowly. It took her a moment to realize she was still lying on the floor in the corridor of Block R—and that someone had placed her on a cot and put a pillow under her head. She was grateful for the kindness.

It took her another moment to realize that her sex was wet and warm, and she squirmed in discomfort. Lord, she hoped she hadn’t been dreaming out loud! Twisting, she saw A.J. sitting a few feet away, resting against the wall with his eyes closed, rifle propped beside him. He didn’t know she was awake yet, so she settled again to let herself wake up.