Rio ignored the elder sitting so quietly on the verandah. He was already banished, condemned for all time for a deed he could never take back. He might as well do something worthwhile and remove all threats to Rachael’s life while he was racking up the sins.

“I love my sister,” Elijah answered quietly. His voice came out in a croak. “You don’t have to believe me.”

“I have to believe you if you’re going to live. Rachael deserves a life.”

“Yes she does. I’m not her enemy.” Elijah stayed very still, aware that at no time did the knife waver from his throat. He had learned patience in a hard school, knowing most of the time there would be a moment of distraction when he could make his move, but there was no give in the man behind him. The dozens of defense moves he had perfected would never work against that viselike grip. Elijah sighed. “Two reasons. I followed her here to save her life. And better than that, if you don’t release me, she’s going to be so pissed with you, you’ll wish you’d stayed in your animal form.”

Rio glanced at the open door where Rachael stood with her hand pressed to her mouth. She looked a bit shocked but it wouldn’t last long. She shook her head at him in silent appeal, her eyes anxious.

Rio slowly eased the razor-sharp blade from Elijah’s throat and stepped away. “Put all your weapons on the floor in front of you. Be very careful, Elijah. You know our people. We see everything in hunting mode. Right now, consider me a hunter.”

Elijah, with deliberate slowness, removed the weapons and stacked them neatly on the verandah. Rachael stared in horror at the growing pile.

“Take them into the house, sestrilla,” Rio said, keeping his voice as gentle as possible. He waited until she’d gathered up the guns and knives and disappeared into the house. “Turn around, very slowly.”

Elijah turned around to face Rio for the first time. They stared at one another, two strong males with ice-cold eyes and a dangerous temperament disguised with a carefully cultivated civilized demeanor.

Rachael’s brother spoke first. “I’m Elijah Lospostos, Rachael’s brother.”

“You’re the one who put a million-dollar price on her head.”

“I had to move fast. I figured between the government officials and bandits, everyone would work very hard to keep Rachael alive. Our uncle would have to use his assassins to hunt her. He wouldn’t find anyone willing to give up that kind of money, not and kill her. I made it too irresistible to pass it up. No one was going to kill her.” He tilted his head to one side studying Rio. “You’ve forgotten your clothes.”

Rio shrugged, the knife never wavering. “Bad habit of mine. Have you had any coffee? I could use something to drink.”