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bristled; they could at least give her a choice. Swallowing, she considered her options. I can still fight my way out. But then I’d lose any ground I’ve gained with them. And I don’t know how many shifters are here. She didn’t want to wait until morning, but Charles did make a good point. Injuries were a hindrance that could get her killed. If she stayed tonight, she would get a warm meal, a bed, and a chance to shift and heal. If she were going to help her family, she needed to be in her peak.

Chapter Four
    N ate watched as the sleek black cat darted through the leaves. Tess’ feline form was beautiful, and she moved with a grace and agility that no wolf ever could. It was interesting to see the movements of other shifters. All species had their strengths and weaknesses. Werebears were strong, but slow compared to wolves. The snakes and birds were limited in their forms. Birds were tiny and restricted to the air. The snakes were sluggish with their movements and while they were quiet and sneaky, they relied heavily on their venomous bite. Nate had always assumed wolves were the superior shifters, but this werecat was giving him pause. He’d never realized how tiny leopards were, or how quick. Perhaps he should have shifted too. Tess could easily and swiftly take him out in her feline form if she wanted to.
    She’s not going to hurt you. He didn’t know why he felt that way—he just did. Maybe his mom had it wrong about werecats. Tess wasn’t a threat, in fact, he saw her as an ally. Were all feline shifters like Tess, or was she special? He’d never been this close to one before to know. You’ve never seen a werecat period.
    Her lithe form ducked behind the back of the building and he heard the snapping and crackling of breaking bones. After a moment, Tess emerged from around the corner dressed in a pair of jeans and a form-fitting tee. The borrowed garments were too big on her, but not so large that they hid her curvy frame. Her long cinnamon hair whipped in the wind, filling the air with her intoxicating perfume. She looked mesmerizing.
    Tess gathered her hair at the nape of her neck as she came to a stop in front of him. She twirled the long locks and then dropped them over her shoulder.
    “Feeling better?” he asked. His eyes darted to her side where the bullet wound had been.
    “It’s completely healed,” she replied with a smile. “After a bite to eat, I’ll be as good as new.”
    “Good.” He looked down at his silver watch. “Dinner should be ready. Come on let’s get something to eat and then I’ll show you to your quarters,” Nate said, knowing that she would need to replace the calories burned by shifting.
    “When will we be leaving tomorrow?” Tess inquired, falling into step with him. “I’d like to leave as soon as possible.”
    “We usually leave at sunrise. We can double check with the guys at dinner. They usually like to eat early and are probably already in the mess hall,” he explained. The guys would want to get the mission over with quickly. He was sure they wouldn’t have a problem leaving early.
    “No girls are going?” Tess asked curiously.
    “No. Of course not. Why?” he asked surprised by her question.
    Tess scrunched up her face. “I’m not looking forward to a long car ride with all men.”
    Nate shook his head. “Our women here are coveted. They don’t leave the confines of Sanctuary unless it is absolutely necessary, or they are with a security detail.”
    “Why? Women are good fighters too,” Tess scoffed and Nate turned on her, taking her in fully. She was tiny—short and thin—maybe a touch too skinny. Even though she was small, he had a feeling the feline would put up one hell of a fight if needed. Still, she couldn’t be serious. Female shifters were always protected. They were dainty and not considered fighters. The women cared for the children and the compound. Females ensured their species continued on. Mating with humans tainted the