Frustration, fear of the unknown and possible heartache battled. “You didn’t tell him I was coming and you said he gets angry just hearing my name. It’s obvious that he won’t want to see me. I’m not going to do that to myself.”

“Do what?”

“Watch him reject me,” she admitted. “It would tear me apart.”

“Leaving without talking to him would do the same. You won’t know how he reacts until you face him. Both of you were once bonded. The attraction could still be very alive.”

It was on her part but Obsidian might have grown to resent her. All the fears she’d had of him using her for a crutch to get past the pain of losing his mate and waking in a new world brought her insecurities to the front again.

“You’ll regret leaving if you don’t at least say hello. What could it hurt?”

“It would destroy me from the inside out if he looks at me any different than he used to,” she whispered, admitting her deepest fear. “I still love him. I never stopped.”

Breeze sighed softy. “You won’t know until you face him. Love is so complicated. I’m glad I don’t suffer from it and hope I never do. It’s amazing how smart, strong people turn into frail, frightened idiots once their hearts are involved.” The hand dropped away. “Let’s go and get this over with. At best, you’ll be dealing with a male who is starved of sex and he’ll make up for lost time between you two. At worst, he’ll state that your coming for this visit was a mistake. You’ll have your answer either way.”

“I’m terrified.”

“He won’t harm you physically. I can guarantee that.”

“That’s not what I’m afraid of.”

“I know. I was trying to use humor during a stressful moment. Big fail on my part. Let’s go. You’re still stalling.”

“Shouldn’t you warn him first or something? Give him a minute at least to let it sink in that I’m here before he’s confronted?”

Breeze latched on to her hand, tugging. “Good try but no dice. Now is a good time.”

Alli stumbled a few times, her legs leaden with dread. Her world might be about to come crashing down on her head. There would be no mental barriers she could erect that would protect her if the time they had spent together were moments he regretted.

The game was still in full swing when they left the side door of the dorm. Some males were sitting on the grass in the shade of the building. Alli could feel their stares turning her way but she only had eyes for Obsidian. He was bent slightly, watching the ball about to be tossed in from the sideline where it had gone out, but frowned when the one holding it paused.

The other players began to turn in her direction, watching her approach with Breeze. They were either fascinated by two women at the game or they knew who Dr. Allison Baker was. Obsidian finally realized there was a stir and glanced their way.

He spotted Breeze first and smiled openly, welcoming her presence. His gaze shifted to Alli. She stopped walking, unable to move when his expression hardened, became closed and his dark eyes narrowed.

“Allison has come to speak to you,” Breeze stated loudly. “Doesn’t she look wonderful, Obsidian?”

Someone growled and Alli was pretty certain the unhappy sound had come from the man she loved. It hurt when he turned his head away to say something to one of the males closest to him. She wished the ground would open under her, just take her somewhere dark, where she could fall apart privately away from the prying eyes of everyone within sight. He obviously wasn’t happy to see her as he continued to ignore her.

Her heel caught on the grass when she stepped back to make a hasty retreat. Breeze saved her from an embarrassing fall by gripping her arm. The Species hissed. “He’s being an ass.”

“Thank you.” She gently wiggled out of her hold. “I’m leaving.”

“Don’t. Give him time.”

Alli spun, carefully watching her step as she fled. It was difficult to keep it to a fast walk when she really wanted to run. The man she’d known never would have shunned her but he had. It seemed more than his appearance had changed. Grief threatened to spill out loudly, along with the tears she fought to contain.

She made it to the front of the building where an escort leaned against a Jeep. Flame smiled when he saw her.

“That was fast. Are you ready to leave, Dr. Allison?”

“Yes.” She desperately tried to keep it together until she could fall apart in private. “Please.”

He noticed her distressed state. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” she lied.

He nodded sharply. “Is there anywhere else you’d like to visit while you’re at Homeland?”

“No. Just take me to the main gate.”

She inwardly winced at the way her voice cracked. The Species officer studied her face suspiciously. His next words confirmed it.

“Did a male inside frighten you? You are not fine.” His hand snatched hers, long fingers curling around the back of it, and clung. “I’m here. Talk to me and tell me what happened.”

“Don’t touch her,” a deep, masculine voice snarled.

Alli’s spine stiffened. She’d remember that harsh, angry tone anywhere. And the man.

“What’s wrong, Obsidian?” Flame let go, frowning at something behind her. “I wasn’t harming her. She’s distressed about something that happened inside.”