Free The Renegades (The Superiors) by Lena Hillbrand Page B

are said to be quite successful.” Her heart beat strangely
for a moment. She shivered, but Draven could not determine whether cold or fear
caused it. “I cannot continue calling like this, Cali. Someone will see me if I
return so often. Perhaps, if I only come once in a while... I would like to
know that you are safe. I owe you much gratitude for feeding me all these
nights.”
    “Does
that mean you won’t come back? Like that time back home when you left?”
    He
smiled and took her hand through the bars. “What is this? Will you miss me?”
    She
scoffed. “What? Of course not. Why would I? You only make me weak.”
    “You
have made me stronger, my jaani . I will miss your taste.” When he moved
to take his hand away, Cali held tight. “What is it?” he asked.
    “Do
you know when he—Master, will bring him here?”
    “Byron
is not one to waste time. But still your mind, little pet. I’ve seen humans who
were no more than children give birth quite successfully. If it’s motherhood
you worry over, you’re already a mother. And your mate seems suitable enough,
although I find no surprise that he is unable to perform the duty correctly
himself.”
    “What
does that mean?”
    “He
treats you well, yes? You’re fortunate that you are kindly matched. I imagine
he will be quite adept at helping you with your baby.”
    “No,
why’d you say that other part?”
    Draven
smiled. “Oh, I don’t know. I do not wish to be involved in your match. If you
are well cared for, that is enough for me to know. If only your master would do
the same.”
    “Why
won’t you answer my question?”
    “You’re
intelligent enough, Cali. You must know that your mate likes men.”
    “Oh.”
Cali ran her thumb along his. “I did know that.”
    “Sometimes
that changes with time. For Superiors, anyhow. Some like both. It’s good that
yours is trying.”
    “Wait,
Superiors are like that, too?”
    “Some.”
    “Oh.”
She paused “You do, too?”
    He
pulled his hand away. “No. I’m a man who very much likes women.”
    “So
you think Shelly will change?”
    “I’d
like to offer you reassurance, if that is what you seek. I’m certain your mate
cares for you and will share the burden of raising your offspring once they are
born, even if he is unable to give you one. The more often you try, the more
likely you’ll succeed. Byron will likely hire breeders any time you are without
offspring, if you are unsuccessful with your mate.”
    “Would
you have chosen him as a match for me?”
    “I’d
not choose a match for you until you requested one. But if you convince yours
to join us, I’ll take you both.”
    “You’re
not very good at answering questions.”
    Draven
considered his words before answering. “I’d not choose a mate for you unless I
thought you well matched. Choosing a male who prefers males is not the best
match. I’m surprised Byron didn’t notice. If he wanted you bred quickly, he
should have chosen differently.”
    “You
really think Byron will make me keep having babies?” Cali asked, turning away
from Draven again and focusing instead on the soil in her garden.
    “I
could speculate, but you would not like my answer.” Cali began to speak, but
Draven held up a hand. “A car approaches. I must go onto the roof. Will you
wait a moment?”
    “Yeah,
a minute.”
    Draven
swung up the bars and leapt onto the roof. He crossed to check the parking
area. Moments later, he dropped onto the bars above Cali and made a sound to
alert her.
    “I
must go,” he said. “Your master has returned with a human male.”
    The
wind rushed past him in a cold burst. Cali pulled her towel tighter around her
shoulders. Her eyes had grown very large. “A breeder?”
    “I’ve
no means to know his purpose.”
    “But
he’s a human? Are you sure?”
    “Quite.”
    “Then
take me with you.”
    “You’re
certain?”
    “Yes,
now hurry. One of the bars comes off. But you need tools.”
    “Really?”
Draven asked, leaning