An Alpha's Tempest (Water Bear Shifters 4) by Sloane Meyers Page B

less than pleased that I escaped with one of their test subjects and lost one of their boats.”
    Ben leaned back in his chair and ran his fingers through his hair. The lazy way he spread his legs out on the seat of the chair drew Rhythm’s attention to his groin area, and she forced herself to look up at his face. His brow was furrowed, and he had a faraway look in his eyes.
    “I wish I could tell you that you’d be perfectly safe here,” he said. “But the truth is that you’re right—these guys are dangerous. They will likely be coming after you. But I swear to you, my crew and I will put our lives on the line to protect you. We can’t be around one hundred percent of the time, but we’ll be there as often as we can. And the other guys all have amazing women. Aubrey, Jade and Caroline. You’ll love them. They can keep you company, and you’ll feel safer just having other people around. And they’ll help protect you, too. They’ve all learned how to use guns for their own protection. They can teach you, too, if you want to learn.”
    Rhythm noticed that Ben hadn’t listed a woman for himself. Was it possible that this hunk of a man was actually single? Maybe she should stay, and get to know him better. As soon as the thought crossed Rhythm’s mind, she pushed it away. He wasn’t asking her to stay because he wanted a girlfriend. He was asking her to stay because he needed help outsmarting the scientists. She didn’t have a lot of information, but maybe what she did know could help them. She wasn’t sure if she could ever shoot a gun, but, then again, she’d never had her life threatened before. She might feel differently once she was facing down someone who wanted her dead.
    Rhythm took a deep breath and looked over at Ben. “Okay. I’ll stay for a while. But I’m not kidding. I really do need food and a place to stay. I have nothing. The only possessions to my name right now are the clothes I was wearing under the survival suit when you guys plucked me out of the water.”
    Ben gave Rhythm a relieved smile. “Don’t worry, we’ll take care of you. One of the girls probably has stuff in your size, and we can take you to get some new clothes of your own, too. And you’re welcome at any of our houses. We all have extra room. I’ve got a complete guest suite with its own bedroom and bathroom, even.”
    “That sounds great,” Rhythm said. “I’d love to take a hot bath right about now.”
    Ben grinned. “It’s settled then. Stay in my guest room. The bathroom has a large garden tub, perfect for a relaxing bath.”
    Rhythm felt her heart skipping a beat as Ben grinned over at her. Despite her efforts to push away any romantic thoughts of Ben, she couldn’t help but feel excited at the thought of sharing a home with him, even if it was just on a temporary basis.
    Ben’s face turned quickly somber, though, as he started talking again. “The other thing I came here to talk to you about is Evan,” Ben said.
    Rhythm felt her heart tightening in her chest. “How is he?” she asked, even though she was pretty sure she already knew the answer.
    “He passed away last night,” Ben said. “I’m sorry to have to give you that kind of news.”
    Rhythm nodded and looked down at her hands again as tears welled up in her eyes. Despite her efforts to keep them at bay, several salty drops spilled over and ran down her face. Evan’s fate had been so unfair, and so unnecessary. Rhythm felt ashamed once again that she had been part of the scientists’ operation. She wished with everything in her that she had found Evan sooner, when there might have still been time to really help him.
    “Sawyer wanted me to let you know that Evan passed away in his own bed, surrounded by his family and closest friends. He died at peace, and with dignity, thanks to your heroic efforts.”
    “I wasn’t a hero,” Rhythm said. “I was just doing what any decent person would have done in that situation. And it didn’t