WarriorsWoman by Evanne Lorraine Page A

refilled and heated water in the big kettle, washing, rinsing and drying until everything in the kitchen sparkled, including the window over the sink. Now that glass was clear he had a view of a pristine snow-covered forest and a sentry trail. Sometimes he caught sight of Vilmos trudging past on his rounds.
    The next time the mech headed by, Lorcan filled a thermos with hot chocolate—Vilmos’ favorite—and hurried out to meet him. Before the back door shut, Nigel scooted through the gap and Lorcan gathered the cat in his free arm, crossed to Vilmos, and offered him the thermos.
    “Thanks.” Vilmos stopped and poured a cup. After a few swallows, he sighed. “Wonderful, I appreciate it.”
    “You’d do the same for me.”
    Vilmos nodded. “However, I would burn the milk.”
    “True.” Lorcan laughed.
    “I made a shelter for Nigel.” Vilmos waved shyly toward a pile of fresh-cut boughs layered into a cat-sized lean-to on the sheltered southwest corner of the cabin.
    Lorcan studied the neatly shoveled path leading the cat shelter. “What for?”
    “Privacy. Set him down and see if he approves.”
    The cat took his time exploring before he finally disappeared inside Vilmos’ improvised cat outhouse. Lorcan didn’t say a word about the litter box he’d set up in the carport.
    The mind link opened, but Batzorg didn’t initiate a dialogue.
    After a few seconds, Vilmos said, “She is a remarkable woman is she not?”
    Lorcan had no trouble following his change of subject. “Sure is.”
    A snort of agreement came from Batzorg. Minka is even more amazing than I imagined.
    When he and Vilmos both remained quiet, the triad leader continued. Minka is free to decide when and who she wants to make love with. You are both free to court her, but I will not tolerate any form of coercion.
    Of course not , Vilmos agreed.
    Lorcan added a heartfelt, Thank you for sharing .
    Do not thank me. Minka decides, not me. His tone said they should be damn thankful he wasn’t the one calling the shots.Then he added, You would both do well to remember Minka is destined to become one of the founders. While I cannot recall her husband’s name, she marries one of the men who formed the original colony of survivors. There can never be anything lasting between her and the triad.
    I’m willing to settle for anything she’ll give me , Lorcan tossed back.
    Vilmos joined in, I expect nothing from Minka , but I still dream.
    The triad leader reminded Lorcan to take second watch before he ended the mental communication as unceremoniously as he’d opened it.
    Cool, I’m going to do everything I can to seduce her. Aloud, Lorcan said,“I need to get back to the kitchen, since I’m relieving you in a couple of hours.”
    By the time Minka came in everything was as clean as Lorcan could manage. Fragrant sticky buns were cooling, he’d brewed a fresh pot of coffee, and a hearty sausage casserole was ready to come out of the oven.
    Nigel wove an affectionate figure eight around his ankles.
    “Good morning.” She sniffed delicately. “Do I smell real coffee, heavenly pastry, and something rich, meaty and delicious?”
    “I hope so or else I’ve wasted lots of time.” Lorcan winked and filled a mug for her. “Sorry, I can’t offer you cream, but there’s milk and sugar.”
    “Black is actually perfect.” Minka reached for the coffee.
    “Let me.” He set the mug on the kitchen’s small table and held out one of two ladder-back chairs. When she sat, he scooted her closer to the table, brushing a kiss on the tender spot under her right ear.
    She shivered and a pretty pink blush colored her cheeks. “Thanks, big guy.”
    Her use of his special nickname patched some more of the holes in his hope.
    “You’re welcome.” He removed the casserole from oven and set the still-bubbling pan on a cooling rack, inverted one batch of sticky buns on a plate, then retrieved the bowl of pears he’d prepped earlier. After setting down the pears and