After the police spoke to Gabby, whose pale, frightened expression gave more credibility to my story, they took pictures of my hands, face, and the entry points.

Once they left to go bother the neighbors with questions, I closed myself in the bathroom to wash. Most of the cuts were starting to knit together. Beyond the sound of running water, I listened to Gabby move around in her bedroom.

During Gabby's conversation with the policemen, she had told them she didn't want to stay the night and had said we'd be staying with family during the holiday. She'd given them her cell number for the follow-up they said they would need to do.

I knew her desire to leave had little to do with her safety. She had questions. She was afraid of what had happened when she'd looked at the man on the floor. So was I. How could she feel the pull for another werewolf? Sure I knew Gabby's scent appealed to all werewolves, but the pull was supposed to be unique, something only one werewolf could experience when he saw his Mate for the first time. And I wasn't mistaken. She'd felt the pull for me and for the man I'd knocked to the floor. What did it mean?

I sighed, dried my face and hands, and quietly left the bathroom. Gabby had dressed and still moved about her room, her actions tense and jerky. She shoved clothes into her bag with an aggression I seldom saw in her. I leaned against the frame and watched her for a while.

When her bag was full, she turned toward the door, then froze. Her gaze immediately dropped to the floor, avoiding mine. It hurt. I was as confused as she was over what had happened, but it didn't change how I felt about her. Did it change how she felt about me, though?

I sighed, stepped aside, and motioned her through the door.

She grabbed her phone and called Rachel to let her know what had happened and to warn her not to come back without Peter. After she hung up, I quietly followed her out to the car. She moved around to the passenger side, still not looking at me.

Clenching my jaw, I got in behind the wheel. Was I losing her? I couldn't stay quiet. I had to say something. But what?

I backed out of the driveway and started out toward the Compound.

Anything I had to say right now would lead to begging. Females didn't like begging.

Tapping my fingers against the wheel in frustration, I tried to think of something, anything, to start a conversation about what had happened.

It took a moment to realize her breathing had slowed. I looked over and saw her head tilted loosely to the side. She was asleep. Great.

For the next hour, I kept going over the fight. I'd knocked the guy out. He lay on the floor, eyes closed. Gabby stepped out of her room as if in a trance, her eyes focused on him. I'd scented fear, confusion...but also interest.

I gritted my teeth. My canines poked into my lips. Nice. I was losing control and Gabby. The steering wheel crackled beneath my grip.

I went back to tapping. It didn't help. My ears itched. Beside me, Gabby shifted in her sleep. Her scent wasn't helping.

"Clay..."

I paused my tapping.

"Could you pull over for a minute?"

I glanced at her. Was she sick? She didn't look pale, just worried. I braked and slowly pulled over, careful of the snowy shoulder. Once the car was in park, I turned toward her.

A sad smile lifted her lips, and then she tapped them.

My tight grip on the wheel went slack. Was she saying she wanted a kiss? My heart leapt. I swallowed hard and tried to pull back the change. I didn't want to hurt her. It wasn't working. I needed to know everything was good between us before I'd calm down. A kiss would help with that.

She studied me just as I inhaled deeply. Her scent lacked the confusion it had held earlier. A sweet hint of interest gave me hope, and I lifted my hands to cup her face. Her expression softened. This woman...I couldn't live without her. I smoothed my fingers over her soft skin as I leaned in. She reached out and grabbed my shirt, pulling me closer until my lips met hers. I swallowed a groan. She was still mine.

Her lips parted, and she bit my bottom lip. It was like a kick to the heart. I opened my mouth for her, and she made a small noise as our tongues touched. My teeth shrank as I claimed her mouth, taking what she surrendered.

We steamed the windows before she pulled back. I wrapped my arms around her, unwilling to let her go yet. I kissed the top of her head and just held her.

Her fisted hands opened and flattened against my stomach. It wasn't a push away. It was a touch, an acceptance. I kissed her one last time, then straightened in my seat.

She fell asleep after a few minutes of driving, but it didn't matter. Whatever was going on in her head, she was still with me. That was all that mattered.

* * * *

We arrived at the Compound at dusk. Cars crowded in front of the building, making it impossible to park close. And that was fine with me. I turned around and parked near the drive. Just in case.

Gabby woke as I turned off the car. She gave me a sleepy smile and started to untangle herself from her blanket as I got out. I walked around to her side, opened the door for her, then grabbed her bag.

The buildings were lit up, and few people milled around outside as we walked to the main door. Jackets and shoes filled the entry, and I could hear conversations from the rooms around us. Both signs of a full house.

Gabby led the way to her usual apartment, but we found there was another family with cubs already occupying it. She tried other apartments, but they were full, too. It wasn't a surprise. The families always came in around the holidays.

Giving up on the apartments, she turned toward the hall that was usually reserved for the unMated males. When she went to knock on the first door, I caught her wrist and shook my head. I knocked. I didn't want any of them to think she was looking for an offer. The majority of the dorm quarters were also occupied. Several men passed us as we searched and gave us curious looks as they scented the air. Gabby stayed close.

We took the first room we found open and put her bag on the twin bed. It would be enough to hold the room.

"I need to talk to Sam," she said, looking at me.

I'd figured as much and wondered if Sam would be in a talking mood. Keeping my doubts to myself, I nodded and led the way to the common room. Decorations were everywhere. Cornucopias with harvest produce sat on each of the long tables. Several turkeys with feathers made of construction paper hands hung on the walls. The air still smelled like glue, laughter, and pumpkin pie.

Sam sat with his back to us, speaking with several other men at one of the many sitting arrangements. Gabby picked up her pace and stepped ahead of me, her gaze focused on Sam.

She strode up to him and interrupted the conversation.

"It's time we talked," she said.

He turned toward her. There was no surprise in his expression. Someone must have let him know we were there. He smiled at her and nodded. The others in his group got up and moved away.

"Gabby, I didn't think you'd be up until tomorrow."

She glanced at me. The room didn't afford privacy with our keen hearing. I wondered what she was going to say. She glanced around the room, then her gaze became unfocused. She winced, and I knew what she'd done.

I grunted in annoyance but rubbed her back. If there were an off switch for her ability, I'd figure out how to keep it off permanently.

"We came early because two werewolves tried breaking into my house." She watched Sam closely as she spoke.

"What?" Sam said, giving me a sharp look.

Why didn't you contact me?

I don't like how you help.

"He's still not talking," Gabby said, unaware of our exchange. She moved to sit in the chair across from Sam. "I believe their intentions were to kidnap me."

I sat in the chair next to her. Her scent changed. Confusion again. Her troubled gaze swung to me, and I knew what she was thinking. The man on the floor. He didn't matter if she didn't let him matter.

She gave me a small smile as if reading my mind then turned back to Sam.

"Is there more than one kind of werewolf?" she asked.

The question surprised Sam, and even though I'd briefly considered the possibility, it surprised me, too.

Sam frowned and leaned forward. "Not sure what you mean, exactly."

Sam watched her closely as she nibbled her lip.

"When you go fur, what color variations are possible? Different shades of fur, eyes...what about nose or nails?"

The double doors opened and a few more werewolves drifted in, slowly walking toward other groups. Gabby had everyone's attention and word was spreading fast.

"What does this have to do with—"

She held up a hand. "Bear with me, Sam. I need answers to give answers."

Sam turned to me.

"I already told you," she said, "he still isn't talking. Look, is there another Elder I can talk to? One willing to answer my questions?"

Sam's face fell but his expression cleared after a moment. "Fur is like hair and varies just like a human's. Same with the eyes. We are more like dogs when it comes to our noses. Mostly dark, but we sometimes have unusual markings. Did you see an identifying mark, Gabby?"

"What about the nails?" she asked, ignoring his question.

He shrugged. "Shades of grey. Mostly a dark grey."

"Black?"

What was she getting at? What had she noticed that I hadn't?

"Well, like I said, a dark grey is possible."

"No. I mean black. A very glossy black you could see your reflection in."

I struggled to recall the color of the nails of the men I'd fought as Sam remained introspectively quiet. Nothing came to mind. I'd been busy fighting and worrying about Gabby.

During the silence, Gabby became aware of the room and looked around. Everyone was suddenly looking elsewhere.

"I don't think I've ever paid that much attention to our claws before. But, no, I don't believe so."

Gabby leaned back in her chair, obviously lost in thought. Everyone in the room watched her, waiting for what she'd say next.

Her scent changed with the array of emotions she experienced. Worry, anger, interest. I caught Sam inhaling slowly and knew he'd noticed, too. After several moments of silence, Sam cleared his throat. She continued to ignore him, and he glanced at me. I shrugged. Gabby wasn't the type to rush into things. Someone spoke softly further back in the room. Others moved restlessly.

When she glanced at me with her scent bleeding confusion, I offered my hand. I couldn't guess what she was thinking, but I could offer my support. She had it unconditionally since the moment I saw her. She looked down at my hand, hesitated, then reached for me.

As soon as we touched, I felt it. A zing of energy. Her fingers laced through mine, and her scent faded.

I scowled at her. Had she just used her power on me? After everything that had just happened, she was going to knock herself out again and leave me to deal with Sam and a million questions I couldn't begin to answer?

Instead of looking even a little sorry about what she'd just done, she beamed at me. Then, she leaned toward me, her intent to kiss me obvious. Annoyed or not, I wouldn't say no.

Our lips met softly, but she pulled back with a jerk. Her wide eyes stared at me. Her pulse leapt, and her scent changed subtly.

I eyed her warily, wondering what had happened now. Would this be another "catch me, Clay," moment?

Her fingers twitched in mine, and with speed I didn't know she possessed, she was out of her chair and straddling my lap. Shock didn't cover what I felt. Though it was completely unexpected, I loved the contact. In fact, I'd consider gnawing off my own arm to keep her there. But this physical contact wasn't like her. Especially not with the crowd around us.

She breathed in deeply as if scenting me. I shuddered in response and stared up at her, mesmerized. The room disappeared as she continued to study me with an intensity I'd never seen before. The green flecks in her hazel eyes seemed brighter, more alluring, as she leaned in until her cheek brushed mine. My lungs stopped working for a moment as she buried her nose in my hair. I held still, unsure what was happening but liking it. A lot.

She pulled back to press her lips to the tip of my nose, and my heart twisted painfully. She'd been so close to my neck. The skin there tingled with what might have been. I lifted my free hand and lightly rested it on her waist. Her skin felt warm beneath my fingers.

She sighed a little and closed her eyes. When she opened them again, she gave me a secret smile that made my blood boil.

She combed her fingers through my hair, brushing it back so she could lightly kiss my forehead. Her lips brushed a path to my cheek where she pressed another kiss. She moved lower, finding my lips. She nibbled at them until I opened my mouth for her. The aggressor, her tongue found mine. As much as I was spinning in my own heaven, I was starting to worry. This wasn't like Gabby. There were so many people watching us. It was as if she wasn't even aware of them.

She pulled back from me, gave me a quick frown, then leaned to nudge my jaw with her nose. My heart stopped and then tripled its efforts. She wanted my neck. Hope gripped me, warring with the worry. Should I let her? Was this really what she wanted?

My gut clenched as her lips skimmed my exposed skin, and my concern vanished. My pulse leapt higher. I let go of her hand so I could grip her, hold her in place. She had to keep going.

Her breathing hitched, and with one hand, she gripped my hair and tugged it hard. I tilted my head, willingly exposing my neck. She made a sound, almost a growl of satisfaction, before she set her lips on my neck once more. She kissed me, and I shuddered. Then her teeth sank into my skin.

There was no pain, only complete bliss. She'd done it. She'd Claimed me.

I closed my eyes with a sigh and opened myself for her. Her feelings flooded me. Desire consumed her. The unbridled need took me by surprise. Why hadn't I scented that? As fast as it filled me, it depleted, replaced with a stunned emotional silence.

She pulled back slightly and eyed my neck. I watched her expression, unsure of the silence over our connection. Behind her, someone moved and called attention to the fact that we still had an audience. Horror drifted over our new link. A Claiming typically occurred in private.

A deep blush stained her cheeks. Embarrassment battled horror. She wiped at her mouth with a shaky hand. Panic bloomed as she stared at me.

I couldn't take it anymore. Whether she'd intended to or not, she'd just given me the world. I reached up and gently touched her hair.

"I've been waiting for that since the moment I saw you," I said.

She scowled at me, and all the horror, embarrassment, and panic fled to be replaced by anger. I could guess why. She'd been after me about talking since she'd first seen me. I laughed and picked her up.

She wrapped her arms around my neck and hid her face as the room around us erupted in cheers. I didn't wait for congratulations but strode for the door. There was so much more I wanted to say to her. In private.

As soon as we were in our room, I closed the door and set her on her feet. I watched the play of emotions on her face and basked in each one I felt across our link.

"Why?" Her voice came out in a squeak. She cleared her throat and tried again. "Why wait until now to talk?"

I studied her and saw her hurt and confusion. I opened my arms. She didn't hesitate, but stepped right into them. Tucking her close, I spoke the truth.

"If I'd spoken, even just one word, I would have never been able to hold back what I felt for you. You would have run." And I would have chased you, scaring you even more, I thought to myself.

She pulled back and met my gaze.

"Can I finally get answers from you now? You'll keep talking?"

I smiled at her excitement and nodded.

"Do you think I'm right about the—"

"Now's not the time," I said, glancing at the door. "We'll talk later." I could smell Sam waiting out there. His heart beat steadily with his patience. If I could hear his heart, he was hearing every word we shared.

"No way. We're talking now. If not about that, then something else. I've waited over six months to hear your voice. You owe me. I bit you."

She made me want to keep smiling. This crazy, adorable, intelligent, and gifted person was mine. Thinking of her gift had me frowning. She'd just used it back there. I was sure of it. Yet, she seemed fine.

"How are you feeling?"

She frowned and seemed to do a self-assessment.

"Good, actually." Her gaze became unfocused, but she didn't wince or pale. "It's weird, but I don't feel sick." After a moment, she came back to me. "I think we need a safe place to talk."

I nodded and glanced at the door again. As soon as we left the room, Sam would want answers. Gabby had asked some pretty crazy questions. I had questions of my own, now.

She slipped from my arms and yanked the door open. Sam leaned against the wall opposite the door.

"Sam, since we don't have any privacy, we'd like to use the conference room. It's soundproofed, and there are a few things we need to discuss."

"I couldn't agree more," Sam said, motioning for her to lead.

"Clay and I, Sam," she said as she stepped from the room. "I don't have any answers for you."

"Gabby—"

"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."

I didn't need our link to know just how pissed she was. But she was also afraid. Of Sam. Still, she turned her back on him and started walking. Sam glanced at me. I arched a brow. He sighed and started to follow her. I followed him.

She opened the door to the conference room and turned to face Sam.

"Sam, I'm trying to do what's best for me, Clay, and the pack. There's a lot I haven't told you and things I haven't told Clay. Give me some time to sort everything out. I need to make sure your goals mesh with mine before I can fully confide in you."

I stood behind Sam as he considered what she'd said. Then, he stepped back and motioned me in with her.

"I'll be out here," he said.

She nodded, gently closed the door, then turned to me. She brushed a hand through her hair.

"I'm not sure where to start."

"Anywhere. I'll listen," I said as I pulled her into my arms.

I felt her smile. "I can see everything, Clay. Without pain." She pulled out of my arms so I could see her unfocused gaze. "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..."

Her immediate blush gave away her thoughts. I smiled.