Free Turning Point by Lisanne Norman

isn’t very far, David. I can manage fine by myself,” she said, walking past him and into the corridor.
    David hurriedly caught up with her and frowned at Kusac as the cat padded silently between them.
    â€œCan’t you leave that animal at home? I don’t like him; he unsettles me.”
    â€œKusac is as free to come and go as you. If you want to see me back to the Inn, you’ll have to put up with him, too,” she replied shortly, pushing the outer door open.
    â€œIsn’t it time you got rid of him? He looks perfectly fit to me. You can’t have him trailing after you for the rest of his life.”
    â€œI’m not going to get rid of Kusac to please you, David, so you had better get used to that,” Carrie said, stopping to glower at him. “If you think we look ridiculous, why do you bother being seen with us?”
    â€œDon’t be silly, Carrie,” chided David, moving round to her other side and taking her by the arm. “Besides, you’re drawing attention to yourself.” He nodded vaguely in the direction of a squad of Valtegans nearby. “I don’t know how you’d manage without me around to keep you from getting into scrapes.”
    â€œI coped well enough before I met you,” she muttered, allowing herself to be led past the interested Aliens. “Kusac gives me all the protection I need. The Valtegans don’t like him either.”
    â€œThat’s as may be, but you know their attitude toward women, especially one as beautiful as you. Their very presence is a threat. You need to be accompanied when they are around. You are too independent at times for your own good.”
    Again Carrie stopped. She was seething. He really was too much!
    â€œDon’t get me wrong,” he continued, unaware of her anger, “I value your independent streak, but sometimes you don’t act in a completely rational fashion. I was going to mention it before now, but I was sure it was only a phase.” He smiled at her. “With the right kind of guidance and responsibility you’ll grow out of it.”
    â€œAnd you think you can do this?” she asked quietly.
    â€œI could if you gave me a chance,” he admitted. “You’ve got the makings of an ideal wife, once you’ve settled down.”
    Speechless, Carrie stared at him as if seeing him properly for the first time. His face reminded her of some animal, with its long, pointed chin and small dark eyes. A ferret, that was it! As for modesty, it was not one of his weaknesses. He was only too aware of his own worth as he saw it.
    â€œNot for you, David,” she said finally, shaking her arm free. “You don’t want a wife, you only want a pliant female to mold in your own image.”
    â€œYou’re still young and want your freedom for a while longer. I appreciate that, and I’m prepared to wait for a few more months.” He reached out for her again but found Kusac standing between them.
    Carrie took advantage of the opportunity and moved quietly away from him.
    â€œGood-bye, David. I’ll manage the rest of the way on my own,” she said over her shoulder.
    Â 
    â€œDamned animal,” David swore, aiming a kick at Kusac and just missing him. He badly wanted this alliance with Carrie’s family. Her father was respected by everyone in the town and her dowry would be generous, and useful, considering the expansion he planned for the paper mill. Besides, she was not an unattractive girl.
    One way or another he’d get her. Since that business of her sister’s death, all the other men—far too young for her anyway—had backed off, leaving him as her only suitor. Superstitious fools that they were! Still, their stupidity was his gain.
    If he went to the Town Council and pressed his suit, they’d agree to it without question since she was a couple of years past marriageable age already. In fact, maybe just dropping a