The Survivor (Eve Duncan #30)

“That’s not totally unusual,” Cade said. “Just a little ruthless to discard the male. She got what she wanted and then sent him on his way. Sounds vaguely… familiar.”

She gave him a disgusted look. “No, it doesn’t. And I’ll bet no one ever just sent you on your way, Cade.”

He was grinning. “Just kidding. No, they were too busy standing in line for my grandfather’s cash.”

She frowned. “And that’s nothing to joke about. Someone should have been there for you.” She added with sudden ferocity, “I would have been there for you, Cade.”

“I’m touched.” He took her hand and lifted it to his lips. “But I got along just fine, Riley.”

But he wouldn’t have admitted it if he hadn’t, she knew. Well, her own childhood hadn’t been warm or wonderful, either. It was probably what she would have said to him, too. “Bailey was making excuses for him. She thinks they probably each have their own jobs to do, and they have some inner instinct that tells them how best to complete it. She said she’s studied Riva and she wouldn’t mate with any male who would go off and desert her. She has to be the one to be in control.” She shrugged. “And she thinks the fawn is going to be born soon. The way that fawn is kicking inside her, he is ready. Perhaps even tonight.” She got to her feet. “And I promised I’d stay with her in case she needs help.”

“I thought you might.” He stood up. “I’ll come over a bit later and add my support. I have a few more plans to make before I turn in for the night. Though I might go back to the base camp for a while.”

She stiffened. “Why?”

“Maybe because we both have our own jobs to do, and I need to do mine.” He kissed her cheek. “Like Bailey’s Riva. But I promise I won’t leave you in the dark for long.”

“Likewise.” She moved across the cave toward Bailey. “But I’ll be much safer than you will be traipsing all over the mountain in a snowstorm.”

“The snow is stopping. Bailey was right about it not lasting long.”

“She might be clever, but I’d rather not have to depend on her skill as a meteorologist. Be careful, Cade…”

“Always…”

11:15 P.M.

“You know you don’t have to stay with Bailey,” Maya said as she came across the cave toward Riley. “I’ll do it myself as soon as I finish my final rounds.”

“It’s no bother,” Riley said. “She’s good company and it’s not as if I was holding her hand. She had all the shepherds and sentries drop by talking to her and checking to see if they could do anything for her before she curled up and went to sleep.” She grinned. “She’s very popular, isn’t she?”

“They all feel as if she’s one of them.” Maya knelt down and brushed a kiss on Bailey’s forehead. “Maybe she is. She seems to be able to reach out to everyone.” She sat down on the other side of the fire Riley had built in the corner where Bailey had settled. “Except Cade. He’s managed to resist her so far.”

“Not really. He said that he’d drop by and talk to her this evening when he got back.” She made a face. “Whenever that turns out to be. He called me when he reached the base camp, but I haven’t heard from him since.”

“And you’ve been worried about him,” Maya said quietly. “I’ve noticed you’ve been restless for the last hour.”

“You’ve been keeping an eye on me?” Riley asked. “I know Cade can take care of himself.”

“But that doesn’t mean you don’t worry,” Maya said. “He should be back within thirty minutes or so. I had Kirby call me when Cade left the camp.”

Riley tried not to let her see the relief. “Why did you do that?”

“Cade’s on my mountain, he’s dealing with my people. He may think he’s totally in control, but not while I’m still the caretaker. I brought you both here and it’s my duty to watch over you.” She lifted her shoulder in a half shrug. “And it doesn’t hurt if I can make you feel a little better just by sticking my nose in what’s happening out there, does it?”

Riley smiled faintly. “No, it doesn’t hurt.”

“Good. Then I’ll be as discreet as possible, but not—” She broke off as her phone rang. She took it out of her pocket and her smile faded as she checked the caller ID. “Shit! Bevan.”

Riley gasped but Maya shook her head. “It will be okay. The weasel is probably only still trying to talk me into a deal.” She took a deep breath and answered. “Bevan, you son of a bitch. Why the hell are you calling me?”

“Because I thought we needed to touch base,” Nadim answered sarcastically. “You do recognize my voice, don’t you? You’ll pardon me for using Bevan’s phone to talk to you. Since I agree Bevan is usually a worthless piece of shit, I thought it only fair that if you managed to trace anyone’s call, it should be his.” His voice lowered to sleek malice. “And I couldn’t resist the chance to talk to you. Bevan didn’t agree with me that I should indulge myself, but ask me if I care. I deserve any pleasure I can get out of watching you writhe in pain. And they told me that you did suffer in that tent. Did you think of me then?”

“How could I help it?” she asked hoarsely. “There’s no one else who is evil enough to torture a young girl and kill half a village just to bring it to my attention. There’s a special place in hell for people like you. I’m searching for it now.”

“But you won’t find it before I send your girl, Bailey, to join that little toy of mine you’re so bitter about. I thought I’d made it clear that she was next. I can’t tell you how pleased I was when Bevan brought me the info about Bailey. A weapon at last. The scar on that wound where you stabbed me suddenly didn’t throb nearly as bad. I immediately set about making plans.”

“It won’t do you any good,” she said. “You’ve been trying to attack me for years and you haven’t succeeded. And you’re not the only one who has been making plans.”