Even though they were deep in the cherry grove, twenty-five yards from the nearest path, it didn’t seem possible to be this close to a large crowd without anyone being aware of what was happening. But the drumming had become louder. It sounded like several drummers now, pounding out a hard, syncopated rhythm that ricocheted back and forth across the meadow. The noise from the crowd had increased, too, as more and more people arrived for the midsummer festival. Her heart sank as she realized that even if she called for help, not even a fada was likely to hear. They were on their own. Rui glanced at her. For an instant, the mate bond flared to life. She felt his protectiveness, his determination to defend her and Merry no matter what. His need. She sucked in a breath, shocked at all he’d been hiding from her. Then he turned back to the earth shifters and the only thing radiating from him was a cold so intense she gave an involuntary shiver. The mate bond clamped shut as if he’d stomped on it.
