Raven's Return - Ruby Dixon Page 0,65

he makes it all sound so very exciting and dangerous. He talks of us sleeping and waking up the next morning to find Juth and Pak gone, all of our supplies stolen. He glosses over our interrupted make-out sessions and talks of the hairy lobster migration instead, which makes more than one person squeal in disgust. I admit I shudder thinking about them again.

And he finally concludes with bringing our raft to the shore, led by the distant light of the fire.

Everyone sighs with pleasure when he concludes the story, and Sam claps appreciatively. Steph looks thoughtful, raising her hand and speaking up. "Do you think their culture forbids them from joining us? Or do you think there's a different reason that they left?"

U'dron shrugs. "He is outcast. He will not see himself as welcome."

"Then we need to make them welcome," Raahosh says, and his mate nods. "All survivors are welcome. I do not care what clan they are from. We are all Icehome now."

There are several murmurs of appreciation at that, but I can't help but notice that Shadow Cat remains silent. Of all the clans, they haven't exactly been bending over backward to integrate, and I know some of that is resentment over the fact that everyone seems to have resonated but them.

Well, they're just gonna have to cope.

"We're so glad you're safe and sound, Raven, and no one tried any funny business with you." Liz shoots a dirty look over at M'tok and S'bren. M'tok coughs and averts his gaze, while S'bren looks abashed. "All's well that ends well," Liz continues. "I'm just happy you're back and we don't have to go kick some asses."

I smile at her. "Thank you. I'm happy to be back. It's all thanks to U'dron." I keep my hand on his knee and I squeeze it. Telling the story has made me all ramped up with appreciation for my rescuer again, and I'm looking forward to having privacy so I can tackle him into the furs again. I notice I'rec is watching my hand on U'dron's leg and so I deliberately rub U'dron a little higher, just to make I'rec stew.

U'dron covers my hand with his, a soft noise in his throat. "Not here."

Right, right.

"This must have been so frightening for you, Raven." Gail hugs her son close and glances at Vaza. "I'm not sure how I feel about someone lurking near the camp that won't introduce themselves."

"I'd actually like to help," Steph says, speaking up again. "I want to help put the supplies out for Juth and his son. Maybe we can work on building a rapport with them." Her eyes shine with excitement. "We need to create an environment of trust. Can I come with you in the morning when you put out supplies, U'dron?"

For a moment, my jealousy flares. Steph's so smart compared to me. But I remind myself that U'dron came after me, that he likes me, and my silly jealousy fades. Steph seems far more interested in Juth and his kid than anything.

"It might not be safe." I'rec speaks up, his body language tight with irritation. "The gentlest females should stay close to camp. Look what happened to R'ven."

For some reason, his statement goes all over me, probably because I'm still feeling defensive of U'dron. "Back the fuck up, buddy. She can go if she wants to."

I must have said that really loudly, because the entire camp goes silent.

Steph blinks at me in surprise. Flor's mouth opens and closes.

"Um, you okay, Raven? You don't sound like yourself," Nadine offers.

I bury my face in my hands. Shit. Shit shit shit. Now's the perfect time to spill everything, and yet I'm utterly terrified at the thought. I keep hesitating, because it's so damn hard to get the words out. I can't bring myself to do it. What if…what if they all hate me?

U'dron's tail rubs against my calf, as if he's quietly comforting me. His hand moves to my knee and he rubs his thumb against my skin. He's there for me. He's letting me know that no matter what happens, he's got my back.

I can do this.

With a deep breath, I sit straighter, shoulders back, and lower my hands. "I need to talk to everyone."

24

RAVEN

I decide to go with the lesser of two evils. If they take the whole “stripping” thing well, then I can add the real whammy—that I'm a criminal—afterwards. "I haven't been totally honest about my past. I wasn't sure what you guys would think