Rising, he wrapped the blanket around his waist, then rummaged through the cupboard until he found a few strips of dried venison. He ate three pieces, then, grabbing a cast-iron pot, he went outside to fill the container. Returning to the cottage, he lit a fire in the hearth, hung the pot from the tripod to heat.
His gaze returned to the woman. Her hair fell over her shoulders like a waterfall of auburn silk. He sucked in a deep breath as he remembered the feel of it against his cheek, the flowery fragrance that clung to each strand.
Why hadn't she left last night?
He noticed the soft curve of her cheek, the slender line of her throat, the arch of her brows, the swell of her br**sts beneath the blanket.
The woman stirred, but didn't awaken.
Desire stirred within him. She was here. She was his to do with as he pleased. The words whispered through his mind, urging him to take her, willing or not.
It was tempting, so very tempting. Had she not come to his aid the night before, he might have surrendered to the longing that burned through him, but she had not only helped him, she had stayed with him through the night. He could not repay her kindness by forcing himself on her.
Lost in thought, it took him a moment to realize she was awake and staring at him, the look in her eyes telling him that she knew every lustful thought that had crossed his mind.
"Good morrow," he said, his voice gruff.
She nodded, her gaze moving over his bare chest and the blanket tightly wrapped around his waist.
"Thank you for tending my wounds."
"You're welcome," she murmured.
"How did you get past the gates last night?"
She stared at him. Was he so foolish as to think she would tell him?
Reyes nodded. "Why did you not leave here when you had the chance?"
Her gaze slid away from his. "I know not."
"You should have gone when you had the chance," he said curtly.
She looked up at him, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "You could let me go now."
"No, I cannot." He gestured toward the hearth. "There is hot water if you wish to bathe."
She nodded, but made no move to get up.
Grunting softly, Reyes left the cottage.
Throwing back the covers, Shanara slid her legs over the edge of the cot. Did she dare bathe with him prowling the grounds outside?
Keeping one eye on the door, she found a chunk of soap and a piece of toweling. Moving quickly, she washed her hands and face, then removed her stockings to wash her legs. She was drying her feet when he knocked on the door.
"Nay, do not enter!" she cried, her heart pounding at the thought of him seeing her bare legs.
Moving quickly, she finished drying her feet, then drew on her stockings and shoes, smoothed her skirt, ran a hand through her hair.
He knocked on the door again.
Shanara took a deep, calming breath, then called, "Enter."
Reyes stepped into the room and moved toward the hearth.
Shanara's eyes widened as he reached for the cloth she had used. "Do you mean to bathe?"
"Aye."
"I will wait outside."
"No."
She stared at him, speechless. "You cannot expect me to stay while you wash!" she exclaimed in horror.
"And how long would you remain if I let you but of my sight?"
The rush of color in her cheeks was all the answer he needed.
When he reached for the soap, she quickly turned her back to him, her arms crossed over her br**sts.
Grinning, Reyes dropped the blanket.
Shanara stared at the wall, trying not to listen as he washed, trying not to imagine how he looked without the blanket. She knew it was shameless of her, but she couldn't seem to help herself. Having five brothers, she was no stranger to naked men or the male body, but Reyes was not kin and, truth be told, none of her brothers was as tall as her captor, nor did any of them have shoulders as broad. Certainly none were as handsome…
She shook the thought aside. The man was her enemy. He was keeping her against her will, hoping to trade her life for her father's, and though she had little love for her father, he deserved her loyalty.
"Let's go, lass."
"Are you decent?"
"Not always, but I am covered."
She turned to find he had wrapped the blanket around his waist and tied it in place with a leather thong.
"Do you often find yourself naked in the woods?" she asked, then clapped her hand over her mouth, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.
"Not often." Opening the door, he waited for her to cross the threshold, then followed her outside, closing the door behind him.
They walked for a time in silence. Shanara was acutely conscious of the man at her side. He towered over her. Bare-chested and barefooted, he looked more like a barbarian than ever. His skin was very brown. Dark bristles shadowed his jaw. His wounds looked red and painful. In truth, she was surprised that he was on his feet at all.
From time to time she could feel his eyes on her, as tangible as a touch. What was he thinking? She shivered, wondering what he would do to her when her father refused to take her place.
She slid a furtive glance in his direction, her mind filling with questions.
"What is it?" he asked gruffly.
"Nothing."
He made a dismissive gesture with his hand. " 'Tis obvious you want to ask me something. Ask it."
"How long have you been cursed?"
"Since I reached manhood."
"Were you frightened, the first time it came upon you?"
"Aye."
"Does it hurt? I saw you one night, from the window. It looked…" She shivered, unable to find the words to describe what she had seen.
"It hurts," he admitted quietly. "Every time."
"And you have no control over it?"
"Some, but very little when the moon is full."
"What does it feel like, to be a wolf?"
He looked down at her. "Like nothing you can imagine. Everything is magnified. Sounds. Smells. I can hear a leaf falling from a tree, see clearly in the darkness, run for miles and miles…"
"It rather sounds as if you like it."
"In some ways, I do."
"Can you change at will?"
"Aye."
"And if you have a son, will he be accursed, as well?"
He nodded curtly.
"Why was your father cursed in this way?"
"He angered your father's witch," he said, his voice bitter.
"Do you mean Melena?"
Reyes nodded. "In return, she decreed that all males in my father's line would be cursed to run with the wolves when the moon is full."