Free Electric Storm by Stacey Brutger Page B

avoid thinking about them waiting for her in her bedroom.
     
     

 
     
     
      Chapter Eight
     
     
    DAY THREE: PREDAWN
    B y the time she entered the bedroom, Jackson was ensconced on the couch, his broad back toward her. Taggert lay in the center of her bed. Neither were asleep. Her heart thumped heavily in her chest at their invasion.
    The image of them there made everything all too real.
    She hovered near the desk nestled against the wall by the door. She set the computer down, then hesitated, uncertain what to do next. Nerves hummed under her skin, too tightly strung for her to pretend to be normal.
    “The bed smells like you.”
    The muscles of her shoulders tightened as she straightened her already neat desktop. She worked hard to keep her scent hidden. She hadn’t known her body betrayed her in sleep, but she should’ve. A little spark of curiosity zinged through her at his contentment at such a small thing. “What does it smell like?”
    “The air right after a fresh rain. Ozone. Clean.”
    She turned and saw him gazing at her quizzically. “It upsets you that I can pick up your smell.”
    “It’s not always in my best interest to be noticed.”
    A delicious smile appeared, brightening his eyes in a sexy, confident way that reminded her that he was all man when she desperately needed to see him as the boy she rescued. “You’re good. I’m just better.”
    “Because you’re a wolf?” She tucked her hands behind her back, toying with her fingers to cover her awkwardness.
    He shook his head, a bashful expression on his face. “No, it’s my talent.”
    Raven nodded, wandering closer, drawn as much by the lure of knowledge as by the invitation in his eyes. “I’d think that would be a valuable trait.”
    The smile slowly faded, his eyes dropped to his hands, and he shrugged.
    “Why were you at the auction? Why didn’t they snatch you up?” Raven wished she never spoke when an air of shame rose from him, and he wouldn’t meet her gaze.
    “Lights out.” Jackson’s voice boomed in the room. She hadn’t forgotten him, that would be impossible, but she’d thought he’d remain silent. She should’ve known better.
    Raven didn’t remove her gaze from Taggert. When he leaned back, the chain around his neck drew her attention. A scowl crossed her face at what that hideous necklace represented. “Why are you still wearing that?” She nodded to the delicate thread of metal, a twisted combination of silver and gold. Something so beautiful shouldn’t be allowed to represent something so horrible as slave status.
    “Once the council agrees to the match, they’ll unlock it.”
    “This Council of Five.”
    “Yes.”
    The area around the neck appeared an angry red and sore to the touch, pissing her off all the more. Shifters wanted to be treated as equals to the rest of the population, but then they go and do something so asinine.
    “Is it allowed to be taken off sooner?” She examined the metal, easing onto the bed when she didn’t see the clasp. Time stretched, and she grew uncomfortably aware of her knee pressed against his hip, his heat temptingly close.
    “They’re unbreakable.” Jackson rolled over and studied her so intently her insides quivered.
    Would he trust her with information about his pack? It surprised her how badly she wanted that trust. When he spoke again, a breath of relief eased out of her lungs.
    “If the slave is not selected and the chain not removed in five years, it kills them.”
    Five years. It was incomprehensible. Raven didn’t meet their gazes, though she could feel theirs alive against her skin. The thought of Taggert dying didn’t sit well with her. “What say you we give it a closer look?” She winked at Taggert to give him a sense of calm she wasn’t feeling.
    He gave a nod.
    She picked up the delicate metal, turning it around, spotting iron underneath the silver and gold lines.
    “The chain is unbreakable.” Jackson stood, but didn’t interfere.
    “I