The moment their gazes met, she saw clearly the shame he felt at having been caught undressed like this. He immediately dropped the towel and retrieved his leather shirt so that he could cover himself.

Completely mesmerized, she watched as he fastened the front and wound the intricate straps and buckles down his arms, leaving parts of his skin exposed while covering enough to give him protection without inhibiting his movements or holding body heat. In fact, the leather cloth was a strange mesh-like texture that gave as much protection as battle armor while venting the wearer so as not to overheat them while fighting.

Andarions certainly knew how to battle and design clothes for it.

In an almost bashful manner, Hauk stepped over his damp shaving implements to approach her. “I didn’t know you were conscious.”

She gestured toward the small copse of bushes. “I… um… you know.” As she started for them, she stumbled slightly and winced.

Suddenly, Hauk was by her side to help her.

“I can do it.”

He snorted at her bravado. “You’ve lost a lot of blood, and while I’m not a human medic, I’m pretty sure it takes more than a day for those kinds of injuries to heal.” He swept her up in his arms and carried her to the bushes, where he deposited her. “The kids are off, probably trying to kill each other, but in theory they’re supposed to be hunting breakfast. So you can take your time and not worry they’ll return soon. Experience has shown me that the whole concept of hurry has eluded them.” He indicated the camp over his shoulder. “I’ll get you some supplies and when you’re finished, if you want, I can help you wash.”

Again, she was mystified by him. “Why are you being so nice to me?”

“You’re injured.”

“But you think I tried to kill you. I can see it in your eyes that you still don’t trust me.”

Hauk shrugged nonchalantly. “Don’t take it personally. I trust no one. Not even me.” He gave her a charming, lopsided grin that was completely at odds with his massive size and intense stare. “Besides, you haven’t killed me yet.”

Cocking her head, she scowled at him. “That makes no sense. In any universe or capacity.”

He laughed deep in his throat. “To a human, probably not. In my culture, we tend to let overt attempted murder slide.”

And still it made no sense to her. “Andarions are supposed to be vicious warriors. I thought you killed over any insult.”