His question gave me pause. Where were the waves of backlash? Should I be feeling sick or something? “Good actually.” I’d felt great since I bit him.
Curious, I stretched my awareness. Two of the waves had already hit me, but I hadn’t felt a thing. “It’s weird, but I don’t feel sick.” No backlash. Did this mean I would no longer have a pull on men? The idea excited me. I tried pushing my sight further and it worked.
In Clay’s arms, I had a view of the world with no strain. I focused easily seeing things I’d missed before. The humans dominated the majority of the space, while the werewolves claimed insignificant portion. Far to the east, a large gathering of blue-grey werewolves hid among the humans. I stayed focused on their group, concerned. If they congregated together, they understood their difference.
“I think we need somewhere private where we can talk.” Although werewolves tried respecting others’ privacy, I didn’t want to chance anyone overhearing what we needed to discuss.
Clay nodded, but glanced at the door without moving. I followed his gaze and my shoulders slumped looking at the wood panel. I had a good idea who hovered outside. He’d given me my answers and now wanted his own.
Slipping from Clay’s arms, I yanked the door open.
As I expected Sam stood waiting, leaning against the hallway wall opposite the door. Probably listening too.
“Sam, since we don’t have any privacy, we’d like to use the conference room. There are a few things we need to discuss.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” he said motioning for me to lead.
“Clay and I, Sam,” I clarified. “I don’t have any answers for you.”
“Gabby…” he started in a stern and irritated tone.
I cut him off, “No, now it’s your turn to be bossed around and told what to do. I did what you wanted and Claimed one of you. Lay off.” My stomach churned talking to him like that. A little fear crept in. It was like poking a bear with a stick. Though he’d never given me reason to fear him, he could rip my head off in a blink. I never forgot that.
Sam didn’t say anything behind me, but continued to follow me. I didn’t turn around to look, but knew Clay followed him. I needed to stop baiting Sam and smelling like fear. It didn’t help either of us.
I opened the door to the soundproofed conference room and turned to face Sam. He’d schooled his face so it appeared perfectly calm and blank, but his spark glowed like a fanned ember.
“Sam.” I took a deep calming breath and for the first time truly understood the weight he carried. “I’m trying to do what’s best for me, Clay, the pack and… there’s a lot I haven’t told you. There are things I haven’t told Clay. Give me some time to sort things out. I need to make sure your goals mesh with mine before I can fully confide in you.” He looked hurt by my words, but I didn’t regret them. I was trying to be honest and give him what information I could to help explain my behavior.
He stood back and let Clay join me in the room. “I’ll be here.”
I figured he would wait. Closing the door, I turned to Clay, worrying. He watched me, puzzled. Probably trying to figure out what I hadn’t told him. He knew so much already. But what would he think about my reaction to the man who’d broken into our house?
Rubbing my hand through my hair, I whispered, “I’m not sure where to start.”
He pulled me into his arms. “Anywhere. I’ll listen.”
He always did. I smiled and started with the easiest thing. “I can see everything Clay. Without pain.” I pulled out of his arms and continued to look. “Even without touching you, there’s no pain. I can see so much more than before. Why?”
“It’s our link.”
“Wait. I thought the link happened when…” I didn’t really want to bring this up. We’d moved a little fast with the claiming and I didn’t want to seem overly eager about the mating. No mixed signals.
He read my hesitation and quirked a smile. “The full link happens after the mating is completed. With the claiming we have a connection.” His smile faded and he looked at me sincerely. “It can still be broken. If there’s another potential mate out there… by biting him, you can break our bond and create one with him.”