Rachael’s eyebrow shot higher. “Nice to know ahead of time there seems to be a double standard in your society for women. I already come from one of those societies, Rio, where women are second-class citizens, and I didn’t particularly enjoy it. I don’t intend to join another one.”

“My mother wasn’t second-class, Rachael. She was a miracle to anyone lucky enough to know her. And running free in the forest cost her her life.”

“It was a risk she took, Rio. You take it all the time. I took a risk when I let go of the boat and slipped into the rising river. It was my risk to take. In any case there’s no point in arguing, I’ve never shifted into any other shape but this one. Well, sometimes my weight goes up and down a bit and as I get older I think it’s redistributing and maybe changing my shape, but that’s not what you mean.”

“You’re one of us, Rachael. Drake knew it and so did Kim and Tama. You’re close to the Han Vol Dan. It’s why you get edgy and moody.”

“Edgy? Moody? I beg your pardon! I do not get edgy and moody. And if I do, it’s only because I’m stuck in this bed.”

“Maybe that wasn’t such a good description. I’m trying to be discreet.”

“Well forget discreet and just say it.”

“All right. But don’t get mad at me. You’re close to the change and with it you’re experiencing a powerful sexual drive, much like a female cat going into heat.”

She threw the pillow at him. “I hardly think I’m acting like a cat in heat. I didn’t go after every male in the room.”

“No, but they wanted to go after you. It can be a dangerous time. You’re putting out signals, both scent and body signals.”

“You are crazy.” Rachael glared at him. “Are you trying to tell me you made love to me because I was putting out some kind of scent?” His back was to her again but she saw his shoulders shake. “If you dare laugh, I’m going to let you know exactly what a woman getting hot entails.”

“I wouldn’t think of laughing.” Sometimes lying was the better part of valor and the only way to save a man’s butt. “I made love to you because every time I look at you I want you. Hell, I want you now. I can’t think straight when I’m around you, but you already know that.”

Rachael tried not to be mollified by what he said, but it was impossible not to be pleased. She rather liked the idea he couldn’t think straight around her. “Seriously, Rio, why would you even consider I’m any other species other than human?”