Ka'Cit's Haven (Riv’s Sanctuary #3)

She couldn’t do that. What type of person would she be if something happened and she left him for dead?

Still, she jerked her head and gave him a nod.

He eyed her for a bit and she wondered if he knew she was lying. Was he going to change his mind? But then he pulled his gaze away.

“I have something to ask of you too.”

He stiffened and his voice was almost inaudible when he replied. “What?”

“Can we send a message to Riv and Lauren from up here? Just to let them know I’m all right. Lauren’s pregnant and I don’t want her to be stressing over me. It’s not good for the baby.”

Ka’Cit jerked his head and pressed something on the band on his arm.

For a few seconds, there was no sound and then the undeniable growl of Riv sounded in the cabin.

“Ka’Cit. I am glad you have contacted me. I… We need your help.”

Ka’Cit cleared his throat. “Help? Does it concern your mate’s…condition?”

Nia kept her eyes on him. The way he said those words came off almost…sad.

“No,” Riv said. “It’s…it’s Nee-ya. She’s…”

A jolt of happiness went through her. “Tell him I’m fine.”

“Nee-ya?” Riv sounded shocked.

“Nia’s there?! Let me talk to her!” There was some shuffling before Lauren came on the line. “Nia?”

Nia drew closer to Ka’Cit so they could hear her better. “Yes, it’s me. I’m fine.”

“Oh my God! It really is you!” She could hear Lauren sobbing.

“Hey, hey, don’t cry. I don’t want you to cry. I’m fine. I truly am.”

Lauren was full on sobbing now. “I—we don’t know what happened. We were looking at the cradles and I turned around to ask you what you thought and you weren’t there. Oh God, Nia, what happened? We searched everywhere!”

Water was starting to fill her own eyes and she forced them away. “I…it’s a long story. I’ll tell you about it when I get back, but I just wanted you to know that I’m fine. I’m unharmed and I am well.”

“Where are you? We can come get you.”

Nia glanced at Ka’Cit. His eyes had gone emotionless, as if a wall was erected behind them.

“I’m…again, long story. But no worries. I’ll be back soon.”

There was some mumbling in the background and she barely made out Riv telling Lauren that Ka’Cit was a good guy, that she’d be safe with him.

“I’m safe,” she repeated. “I’ll see you soon.”

“Okay. We’ll be waiting for you.” Lauren’s voice was a bit reluctant.

“See you.”

As the line went dead, Nia released a breath and leaned back in her seat.

She could head back to the Sanctuary now.

Logic said she should.