He took a cleansing breath to calm his racing heart.
Draven wanted to enjoy his newfound happiness, to hold Ashley’s warm body against his forever. But he knew trouble was brewing in his perfect little paradise. Weapons were slowly being taken from the storage lockers, and plans were coming into shape to overthrow his power. He felt it. And his instincts rarely led him astray. Every man and woman within the walls of his compound had been welcomed in. He offered safety, food, shelter, and as close to a normal life as possible in their twisted new world. Apparently, that wasn’t enough for some of them. He began to regret being so generous.
Ashley stirred in her sleep. He stroked her hair, tucking her closer. The rhythmic rise and fall of her chest soothed him. He wanted to keep away all her nightmares, to give her the life she deserved. He would, despite the uprising in the works. He was on top for a reason, and he’d soon root out his enemies and make examples of them.
If Ashley became pregnant with his child, he needed to create a safe haven for a baby to grow up in. No way would he have his family living in fear.
His inner thoughts kept nagging him, so he quietly slipped from the bed, careful not to disturb his woman. He walked over to the window and rolled out his shoulders. Draven tugged the sheer curtains to one side, staring down at the courtyard. Despite the raging storm and late hour, he noted a flash of light low in the distance. It bobbed up and down until it disappeared behind a wall.
Normally someone carrying a flashlight wouldn’t concern him. Things were different now. He tugged on his jeans and a rain jacket as he readied himself to investigate. Draven was careful not to wake Ashley.
He’d be back before she woke up.
The echo of the rain filled the stone stairwell as he descended. It was just after three in the morning, so unless there was some kind of emergency, everyone should be asleep.
He weaved around the obstacles in the courtyard—stacks of storage boxes, a wagon, and the water tower. Rain continually blurred his vision. He wiped his hand across his face as he tried to focus. There was little light, the moon hidden by heavy cloud cover.
“It’s a little late to be up, no?”
The dark figure whirled around, rain dripping from her hair.
Luanna.
She froze, and he half expected her to try to bolt. Instead, she crossed her arms over her chest and stood her ground.
“What are your plans for us?” she asked.
He shrugged, narrowing his eyes. “Why are you up this late?”
“Something’s not right.”
Draven was cautious of his surroundings every second, always aware and ready for trouble. He’d become increasingly paranoid lately. “You shouldn’t be out here at this hour. If you can’t follow the rules, maybe this isn’t the place for you.”
“But you’re okay keeping Ashley because she’s a fertile. That’s not why I brought her here.”
“Then why did you bring her here?”
Luanna paced, the rain making it difficult to hear her. “I don’t know. Maybe so she didn’t end up like me. I thought this place was a paradise. I tried to find it for the longest time.”
“And now you’re here. Lurking around in the middle of the night at exactly the same time traitors are stealing my weapons and planning to overthrow my reign. You know anything about that … Luanna?”
“What are you talking about?”
Draven didn’t answer. He just stared her down, trying to unravel her secrets. Could she be one of the conspirators? Things had only started going to shit after they arrived.
“Look, I don’t know anything about weapons or overthrowing anything. I was just looking out for my friend. My only friend.”
He took a breath. “She’s asleep in my bed. Of her own accord. You brought her here to be safe, and I can guarantee it.”
“When can I see her?”
There was no reason to humor this woman. He had what he wanted already. But Draven wasn’t a monster. “After breakfast, I’ll let you have a brief visit with her,” he said. “In my room. I’m not risking her safety until I can ensure there’s no threat.”
“Fine. That’s fair enough.”
“Good, now how about you get some sleep.”
She slipped away into the darkness, and he stayed rooted in place.