Free Dark Ice by Connie Wood Page A

hilt of his sword, a sneer of disgust the only emotion he betrayed before he shielded himself, making his face stoic.
    Anger coursed through Dane and he fought for control not to turn into a bear, rip through all those standing in his way and take Lea back to his den. It was what the animal in him demanded he do. But his human half tried to force logic into the situation. Both sides of his nature fought for supremacy. Neither won, but he couldn’t control the growl that escaped his lips as he took a step toward Rin, ready to do battle if need be.
    “Rin protected the human on my orders. He saved her when you were unable to do so.” Tithe moved closer but stayed out of arms reach. Whether being cautious or respectful, Dane didn’t know. “You spill Rin’s blood, then you spill mine.”
    Darius stepped forward and stopped by Dane’s side. Dane knew together they would be almost unstoppable. But he hadn’t come here for bloodshed. He came here for Lea. She stood there, behind and slightly to the left of the venator. He could feel her fear and uncertainty. She caught his gaze and her golden brown eyes widen, but she lifted her chin almost defiantly. He felt her heartbeat pounding intensely and he wanted nothing more than to calm and soothe her.
    With great difficulty he tore his gaze from Lea and glanced at Rin. Dane knew he was a good man, similar to the venator Tynan. Both had a respect for the enemy and the rules. And Dane, almost grudgingly, respected them both. Rin had kept Lea safe when Dane was unable to be there. The idea bought bile to his throat, but without his assistance, Lea could have been dead by now.
    Dane extended his hand toward Rin. “Thank you. I am indebted to you.”
    Rin hesitated for a fraction of a second and finally removed his protective hand from Lea’s shoulder. Dane saw the indecision cross his almost emotionless features. Rin’s handshake was strong and short before he released Dane’s hand. He bowed his head and stepped sideways. Dane noticed his hand never left the hilt of his sword. Not that he could blame him. Centuries of bloodshed and violence made a man rely not only on his instincts but also on procedure and rules.
    Lea now stood directly in front of him. Her beauty astounded him. She was exactly the same as in their dreams. But somehow more electrifying. Looking at her, Dane fought to control his breathing. It felt as if the air had been sucked from his lungs.
    An unknown emotion hit him hard. Uncertainty seeped into his stomach. What if she didn’t want him? He’d always been certain about his place in the world. About what he was and all that he could handle. Now, in the space of a few short hours he’d been bombarded with unsettling sensations. Today he’d learnt fear, shame and uncertainty. They were all hard lessons to learn. Especially when they all pertained to the thing he yearned for most in the world.
    And she was standing in front of him. Her eyes showed his uncertainty reflected back at him. Her fear had lessened; he felt it ebb away from her to be replaced by the familiarity and bond they forged in their dreams.
    “Will you come with me?” Dane asked and he was relieved to hear the assuredness in his voice.
    Her hand went up to feel for the pendant at her chest which was no longer there. She dropped her hand when she realized it was still missing, the habit obviously too strong to break. Dane thought of the beautiful necklace lying on the pristine white snow back at his den.
    Lea stepped forward, close enough that Dane could now feel heat radiating from her. He clenched his teeth and forced himself to remain in control. He extended a hand to her, palm up, in a sign of friendship. His heart pounded ferociously, nervous energy cascading through him.
    She glanced from his hand to his face and trembling, she reached out. Dane felt a jolt of electricity the instant her small hand was engulfed by his. A small smile touched her lips.
    Dane swallowed. It seemed like he