“You’ll still help us then?”

“Yes.” Conner spoke tersely, aware he could never walk away from her. She still didn’t know just how strong the pull between their cats would be. He knew how strong the pull between the man and woman was, but she had every right to reject him. He had to find a way to redeem himself and if that meant he had to seduce another woman, as abhorrent as it would be for him—and for his cat—he would do whatever it took to convince her he was serious about atoning. Words weren’t going to convince her, only action. And action was something he was good at.

“Can you teach me more things like climbing the tree?”

He nodded. “You’ve learned martial arts, and you’re not bad, but you aren’t utilizing your reflexes. You need to be more confident. We can work on that as well.” He flashed her a faint grin. “Of course I’m not certain I want you to learn to be a better fighter. You have a penchant for using your skills on me.”

She managed a slight smile, her stomach settling. “I liked being in the canopy,” she admitted, striving for civility. She’d summoned him to her and now it was a case of “being careful what she wished for.” She had to live with her decision and apparently so did he. Finding she wasn’t alone in her desperate, clawing need, made dealing with it much easier.

“I do too.” He stepped away from her and gathered the fallen man’s weapons along with the gun she’d left on the ground. “Let’s rendezvous with the others and make our plans. We’ve got a lot to do before the party if we’re going to pull this off. And we have to find a way to safeguard Adan’s grandson.”

Relief flooded her body. “Do you think there’s a way? Or do you think she’s already had him killed?”

“It wouldn’t make sense for her to kill him until she’s disposed of Adan. She’d want to make a point, but if Adan capitulates, by some miracle, it would be a huge victory for her. He’s the most respected elder the tribes have. If he caves, so will the others.”

“So she sent these men out after him knowing they might fail?”

“This is his turf. He’s at home in the rain forest; these men aren’t. She has two rogue leopards on her payroll. She would have sent them if she wanted to make certain Adan died. He trains Special Forces from all over the world in survival. She knew he might survive and she’s hoping if he does, he will have gotten the message she’s willing to play hardball with him.”

“He won’t open her routes for her. He feels very strongly on the subject.”