Free Species Interaction by Cheyenne Meadows Page A

honesty. That's the best policy right? Or I could play dumb. Or, there had to be something behind Curtain number three to choose as well. Decisions, decisions.
    "Who said I was there?" Innocence behind Curtain number three. Good choice.
    His chest rumbled as he drew in a deep breath and exhaled heavily. "I can pick up your scent anywhere. You were there. You and Ducian." He made it a pointed statement. "Now, why?"
    Biting my lip, I found my shoes enthralling. "I… I'm… helping to locate your missing item." The words tumbled out. Honesty. Curtain number one.
    "You what ?"
    Oops. Maybe I should have gone for what was behind Curtain number two.
    "I thought I told you…"
    That comment had my head jerking up, meeting his eyes. "Don't go there," I snarled back.
    My defensive outburst seemed to catch him off guard as he slammed his mouth shut before trying again. His stance didn't ease, however. "This search is Familia business. Not to mention, it can get downright dangerous." He puffed out a breath. "Look, this isn't a lost library book. The Talisman Stone is powerful, rumored to have great magical potential. Whoever stole it must have known that. We're not talking about a petty thief, more along the lines of a deadly, determined criminal with magical abilities to use for nefarious causes."
    "So?" I tossed back.
    His arms crossed once more. "So humans and shifters alike have died over this object. I don't want you anywhere near it or the danger."
    My mouth gaped open for a second. Chivalry? That was going to work… not. "Hello. Gopher to the big bad deadly Enforcers here." He didn't respond, so I rushed forward. "Did you forget I blow up things? Motorcycles come to mind."
    His face pinched. "Not a good time to remind me of that."
    He had a point, but I certainly wasn't going to admit it. Instead, I shrugged and waved my hand as if wiping the slate clean with one flick of the wrist. "I really can help, you know." I tried to reason with his illogical brain.
    He stepped close and lowered his voice to a gravely growl. "I said no."
    Crossing my arms across my chest, I took a lesson from my boys in debate. "I'm not a child."
    "Prove it," he flung back. "Stay out of it. Misha and I can handle this."
    "But I was thinking about…"
    He leaned in until we stood nose to nose. A low growl rose from his chest.
    The hairs on the back of my neck rose in reaction. Intimidating he could do, and well.
    "You will do as you're told."
    Stubbornly, I stuck my chin in the air. "I will do as I please. I'm an adult after all."
    My words earned a deeper growl, baring of fangs, and a hard shake as his hands clasped firmly on my upper arms. "You will obey or else."
    Obey? Obey? Oh, he didn't just say that, did he? A hot cauldron of anger shot to the fore. I jerked out of his grasp and glared daggers. My mouth opened and closed a handful of times before I clammed up. Words spun through my mind, all great comebacks, wonderful ideas on where he could go, along with a simple "Kiss my grits." Some tiny sane part of my brain warned me to bite my tongue now or I would pay the price later.
    "Moronic pig." Pushing past him, I stormed out the door, slamming it shut in my wake.

Chapter 9
     
    I crawled into bed late that night, still grumbling about overbearing liger boyfriends and their penchant for obedience. After tossing and turning, I finally managed to close my eyes and sink into restless sleep only to wake up in a very strange place.
    I found myself in a large room, artwork hung on every facing wall, while a full set of ancient armor occupied one tidy corner. A sturdy looking ax rested in the metal hand. Glass cases and windows reflected what little light existed in the large open room.
    No. It couldn't be.
    I scanned across the room once more. Yep. Sure enough . One more quick glance to my right confirmed my suspicions. The huge multicolored rug hung from the ceiling, blanketing the far wall. I had seen that rug numerous times in the past.
    Sure enough, I