"I can't just leave and abandon Sarah. It wouldn't be right."
Zurian approved of her loyalty, but he would not allow her to put herself in danger.
"You won't do her any good if you are taken, as well."
"I suppose you're right, Charles. Have you seen Natalie? I haven't heard from her in almost a year."
"No, but I'm sure she's all right. She knows every inch of that mountain. My bet is her TC failed."
Julia nodded and, with a wave, he turned and walked away. She closed the door and leaned her head against it, looking small and fragile. When he found her friend and brought her to Julia as a gift, she would smile at him the way she smiled at the puny male. Zurian dropped the camouflage.
Still with her back to him, she went absolutely still. Like a deer scenting a predator, she froze in p
