“Is that called coercion?” Saria asked, her fingers touching her lips as if holding his kiss to her.

Pauline sighed. “Just marry him and put you both out of your misery,” she counseled.

Saria laughed. “I can see I’m in the minority here.”

Satisfied, Drake concentrated on his dinner. It was late. He was tired, and his body hurt, but Saria sat close and the room felt comfortable. His men were close and would take over the watch so he could get rest.

“Miss Pauline,” he said. “I have to say, you’re a magnificent cook.”

“Thank you, Drake. I do love to see people eat.”

“I intend to do a lot of eating and I can guarantee my boys will be perpetually hungry.”

She laughed, nodding her head as if satisfied.

“We’re heading upstairs. I think I’ll soak in a hot bath to get the kinks out,” Drake announced. “I’ll see you first thing in the morning.”

Pauline nodded and Amos lifted a hand. Drake forced his body into a standing position. His bum leg didn’t want to work, burning all the way into his buttocks. He stood for a moment, letting the pain consume him, accepting it, before he took that first step. He was used to battle and the results after his leopard had gotten into a vicious encounter with another male, but it always took him by surprise, that sweeping pain roaripaiough every muscle.

Saria took their plates into the kitchen, giving him just a couple of minutes with Joshua. The man was waiting by the stairs.

“I haven’t had the chance to tell you, we’ve got two men out in the swamp. Jake sent for reinforcements and as soon as they heard you might be in trouble, they came running. Conner Vega and his woman are staying with Jake to cover there. Elijah is spending the night out in a blind. We figured if Saria saw lights near Fenton’s Marsh more than once, it’s possible whoever is using it as a dump site will still continue to do so.”

“How’d you get a couple men in the swamp without a guide? In fact, how’d you find me?”

“Followed your woman’s scent. The woman is putting out some pretty potent pheromones. Her leopard is close.”

Drake let out his breath. Another complication. There was no question the Han Vol Dan was close. Saria was a virgin and would need an introduction to sex before her leopard took her over and went ballistic on them. He had to get her away from all the other males before her leopard decided to show itself again. He couldn’t chance killing a friend.

“Who’s with Elijah?”

“New kid goes by the name of Jeremiah Wheating. Don’t know much about him, but he listens and Elijah and Conner vouched for him.”

“Elijah has a bad reputation. Could get him killed here.”