they were supposed to keep her safe. There was also the possibility that she was their mate. As well as one or two others that were much less likely to apply considering the circumstances and that Vin had said nothing to hint that it would be something beyond what would be obvious.
“No, that isn’t the question. Regardless of what we do, she won’t be able to keep those secrets for long. Maybe if it doesn’t take long, she’d be able to make it through the time to bring these men to justice. Do you really intend to let her walk away and disappear as you know she means to do? It’s obvious she doesn’t want to be with a Thent. Who would? But that fear isn’t going to resolve on its own.” Linc rose and paced over to the rickety dresser the inn provided for its patrons.
It would probably break apart if he leaned against it. She’d fight having her defenses stripped away and the truth revealed. Doing it could destroy any trust she had in them. It wasn’t that damn easy and his bond brother was part of the reason that it wasn’t simply about revealing her secrets.
“You’re right. She wants to walk away from everything to do with life in a Thent and especially anything to do with Ardin.” Colm looked down at his boots. The muscles along his shoulders bunched, stretching the white material of his shirt.
“Colm, I know you don’t want to lose a mate, but you’re more likely to lose me than you are a female mate. She’ll have the haven we create for her as protection. Anyone coming after her will have to go through our men and us. I’ll be out there fighting right beside you.” Linc knew logic wasn’t going to make him suddenly see that a mate could be a good thing. Colm had seen firsthand the torment the loss of a mate could cause when it happened to his brother. Colm’s brother had fallen apart at his mate’s death.
“I know that.” Colm’s voice roughened.
Linc knew Colm was trying to think everything out and come up with the best solution for everyone. He was trying to work it out rationally and that was last thing that Linc wanted. Colm needed to trust his instincts on this, not his head.
“Colm, don’t shut down on me here.” Linc walked over and grabbed Colm by the arms. With a sharp shake, he drew Colm’s focus back to him. He knew it would get a reaction out of the other man and would prevent cold logic from ruling.
“You’ve made your decision. Why are you making an issue of this? You know I’ll go along with you on this.” Colm stalked over to the window and looked out at the city beyond. Linc was fairly sure he didn’t see anything though.
“Do you want to have to pay for every piece of furniture in this room? Don’t give me that ‘I don’t care’ attitude. It’s your decision too and I’m not going to make it for you so you can resent both me and her.” Linc stalked over and stood beside him. “Do you think that would be good for any of us? Not to mention the fact that she’s gone through enough without having to deal with your foul moods and being treated as if she’s anything but what you want.”
“So what do you suggest, Linc? We have to make a decision. And she’ll have to deal with my foul moods regardless. Do you really think that I can be nice the entire time she’s with us, even if it’s only a short time? Someone’s going to make me angry.” Colm turned his head and narrowed his eyes at Linc.
Linc ruefully acknowledged that that was true. While Colm was even-tempered for the most part, when he did get angry, there was no hiding it. She’d see it at some point.
“I suggest that we get to know her. We don’t have to decide what we’re going to do about her just yet, but we watch and learn. You aren’t the only one with issues here. She’s hiding, Colm, from everyone and everything. She has scars that need to heal and I’m not talking about the marks on her body.” Linc put a hand on Colm’s shoulder and tugged him around to face him.
“And you have no problems of your own?” Colm brushed Linc’s hand on his shoulder aside and took a step forward.
“Not with trusting or the