“You know, the hardest thing in all this is going to have be putting up with being bossed around by a woman who only yesterday was a servant,” Kane said, but his words now held a spark of humour.
“Well, you had better get used to it, Kane. She is the one who will keep you alive, who will help you learn who you need to be,” Darius said.
“You’re sure she won’t just run off on me once we are across the border?” Kane joked.
Amara froze and turned back to him. “I will keep you alive, Kane. You have to trust me.”
“I do,” he said, his eyes meeting hers. “I don’t know why, but I do.”
“Good, then let’s get packed.” She turned away, hiding the look of desire she knew was plastered all over her face. Listening to her mate talk, seeing him so strong, yet vulnerable, stirred her craving for him. But that had to wait. She wanted him to see it for himself, wanted him to recognise her as his mate rather than being told how he was supposed to behave, how he was supposed to feel towards her.
Perhaps it was because the collar muted her thoughts and feelings, and she was scared she had made a mistake. After all, she was just a lowly lioness; she certainly would never have dreamed that she was destined to be the mate of the leader of one of the oldest and strongest prides in the Prime.
She walked into the house, trying to act normally. Darius was going to go to the kitchen and explain to Mrs. Bower what was happening. He planned to make it sound as though there was a big emergency, and that was why Kane was taking Amara with him, rather than anyone else. Because, let’s face it, she wasn’t exactly the best choice to help. She had no idea about the Reinier Corporation or its internal workings.
“Amara,” Misty’s voice called out to her, and she groaned inwardly. Lying to Misty was going to be hard. “I was worried, where have you been?”
“Misty. Mr. Reinier had something to ask me.” She kept walking; she needed to pack quickly.
“Oh, like what?” Misty asked, running to catch up.
“He wants me to accompany Kane Reinier to the Prime.” She winced at Misty’s sharp intake of breath.
“Why you?” Misty accused. “Not that I’m not pleased for you … but why not me, I have only two months left! I could go with him.”
Amara shrugged. “I don’t know. Maybe because I have more current information about the Prime. You know, things are changing over there all the time.”
“That sounds like a lame excuse,” Misty said.
They had reached Amara’s room; it was in the servants’ quarters, a small room, sparsely furnished, and the bathroom was shared. Amara had not brought many of her belongings, so it wouldn’t take her long to pack, but she needed to get rid of Misty.
“I’m sorry it’s not you, Misty. But it’s not my decision, I only hope things don’t go wrong. I would hate for my contract to be lengthened because I made a mistake while we are over there.”
Misty looked concerned. “Surely that wouldn’t happen. If nothing else, you should have your contract shortened.”
“Do you think?” Amara lifted her hand and stroked her collar. “I think it will be like torture over there, if I am not allowed to remove my collar.”
“Oh, yuck, to be in the Prime and still have to wear that. Maybe I don’t envy you at all. When I return, this thing will be off my neck before my feet touch the ground over there.” Misty seemed satisfied, although Amara did feel guilty at the lie.
“Listen, when we both are back in the Prime, let’s get together. OK?” Amara asked.
“Sure. I never asked, by the way, what are you? I mean, I don’t usually like to talk about it; it’s like some unwritten rule, but so I know where to find you.”
“I am a lioness, from the Satoma Pride.”
“Ah, a big cat. Well, I am a horse, I thought the long hair might give it away,” she said, swishing her long, blonde hair. “I live out on the Carmpatha Plains. I’m not sure how my herd will feel about a lioness among them, but you will be welcome.”
They hugged each other, and as Misty pulled away, Amara said, “Thank you for being there for me, Misty. I don’t think I would have survived a day here on my own.”
“Yes, you would. You’re strong; I can see that. Hey, you have to be, you’re a lioness.” Misty hugged her again. “Now, you take care, and if you ever get in trouble over there with Kane, you head over to my people and they will protect you.”
“I have claws; I should be able to protect myself. But thank you, Misty. May we meet again.”
“We will meet again,” Misty said. “Although if I don’t go down and help Mrs. Bower with dinner, I might not survive the night.”
“I’m not sure if they are eating before we leave,” Amara said, wanting to leave as soon as possible.
“I’ll go see. You go pack.” Misty disappeared down the stairs, leaving Amara staring after her. Then she quickly went into her room and began to pack, making sure she took everything with her, because she wasn’t coming back. Ever.
11