A Love Untamed by Pamela Palmer

him that she was not a woman to be seduced, but instead slowly and carefully gentled. Which was an extraordinary thought given her indisputable strength.
    But his instincts with females were usually dead-on.
    Olivia patted his shoulder. “Are you okay?”
    He smiled at his old friend, throwing his arm around her shoulders and hauling her close for a quick hug. “Jagabelle suggested I take a break and two-foot it for a bit.”
    She snorted. “You two amuse me.” But there was a sadness in her eyes that tugged at him.
    â€œWhat’s the matter, Olivia?”
    Her red hair gleamed in the sunlight, but her eyes suddenly turned bright with unshed tears. “Kara. I’m so worried about her.”
    â€œWe all are.” He squeezed her shoulder. “You’ve become close friends, haven’t you?” He’d known Olivia for more than a century and knew her well.
    â€œMore than friends. The Feral wives . . .” She shook her head. “We’ve become sisters. That sounds silly, I know, but it’s true. I love her, Fox. They can’t have her. ”
    â€œWe’ll get her back.” And they would. The need burned inside of him as it did all the Ferals.
    He glanced over his shoulder at the two Ilinas walking close behind, unable to ignore Melisande even if he wanted to. She glared at him, but the glare didn’t quite reach her eyes. Was it possible she was beginning to soften toward him?
    Olivia caught the glance back. “Determined to tame that tornado, are you?”
    â€œI’m not sure tame is the right word. To be truthful, luv, I’m not sure what I’m doing. I just can’t seem to look away for long.”
    â€œSmitten,” Olivia whispered.
    â€œNever,” he whispered back.
    With a smile and a shake of her head, she pulled away. Catching up with Jag, she slid her hand along her mate’s spotted tail, running her fingers through his fur.
    Fox watched, filled once more with the desire to know the feel of Melisande’s fingers in his own fur. He paused long enough for the two Ilinas to catch up with him, then fell into step beside them.
    â€œAnd how are you ladies holding up?” he asked, even as his gaze scanned the surrounding vistas, searching for signs of Mage. Or Castin. Or Kara. His warrior’s instincts were so well honed he didn’t even have to consciously pay attention. He was always aware of what was going on around him. Always. Regardless of whether or not there was a female in his company he badly wanted to bed.
    Phylicia slipped her arm in his, her long, black hair brushing his hip. “You’ve no idea how wonderful it is to be able to walk the Earth freely again. We were trapped in the Crystal Realm, hiding for so long that I thought we’d never be free.”
    â€œYou’ve a lot to make up for.”
    She cut him a seductive look. “I do indeed.” Her mouth tilted attractively. “You know, if we were to take a little break, I could mist you right back to your companions the moment we were through.”
    â€œPhylicia . . .” Mel warned.
    Did she really think he’d abandon Jag? “A tempting offer, pretty one.”
    Phylicia beamed at him.
    â€œBut my duty is here. Kara comes first.”
    She smiled, the heat never leaving her eyes. “I’m here whenever you have time, warrior.”
    â€œSpeaking of Kara,” Melisande said coolly. “Go check on the other team, Phylicia. I want to know if they’ve found anything.”
    Phylicia rolled her eyes and, a moment later, disappeared.
    Fox eyed Melisande wryly. “Jealous, pet?”
    She huffed. “Hardly. She’s distracting you. And Kara doesn’t deserve that.”
    They needn’t worry. He’d miss nothing. But he leaned toward her, his voice a whisper. “You distract me far more. You distract me just by breathing.”
    With fascination, he watched her cheeks