“I don’t need to know about your family, Rachael. We’ll talk about it when I get back. Wait here for at least forty-eight hours. If something goes wrong, head upriver toward Kim and Tama’s village. Ask them to take you to the elders. The Han Vol Dan is your first changing. You can’t allow it to happen until your leg is strong enough to stand up to the change. You’ll have problems with sexual feelings. Emotions will continue to heighten, the heat, the need, the edgy, moody feelings you can barely control. You have to stay in control, especially if you haven’t gone through the Han Vol Dan. The combination of the two passages can be explosive.”

“Do you know how completely ridiculous that sounds? If I was watching a movie, I’d burst out laughing.”

“Except you know what I’m saying is true. You’ve felt the animal roaring to get out. I’ve seen you come close to the change.”

“Why wouldn’t my mother tell me? In all the stories she told me, she never once mentioned I could assume another form.”

“I don’t know, Rachael, but I’m certain you’re one of us.”

“And if I’m not?” Her dark eyes moved over his face. “If you’re wrong, would that mean that we can’t be together? Are you allowed to be with someone that isn’t a part of your people?”

His palm cupped her face, his thumb sliding over her skin. “I’ve been banished, sestrilla, no one can tell me what I can or cannot do.” He leaned down to kiss her. “I’m coming back for you.”

“You’d better come back for me. I don’t want to wrestle alligators by myself.” She tried not to cling to him, although she wanted to hold him to her. There was nothing she could say or do to stop him. Rachael knew how stubborn he could be. It was impossible to argue with him when he made up his mind to do something. She shook her head to clear her thoughts. Whatever past they may have had seemed to intrude at the worst times. She knew him. She knew what he was like. “Just go, now, while it’s dark. Remember, if you’re right and he followed us, he could already be searching the riverbanks to see where we came out.”

“You’re upset.”

“Of course I’m upset. I’m stuck here with this stupid leg and you’re going to risk your life to stop this hit man.” She shoved her hand through her hair, angry and near tears. “Don’t you realize he’ll send another? And one after that? And another and another? He’ll never stop.”

Rio nodded. “I figured as much. It doesn’t matter, Rachael. We’ll take them one at time and if necessary, I’ll have a little talk with him.”