I could just wear some furs? She shook her head. That would be too hot, too heavy, and she'd still feel half naked in them. A few hours in yesterday's clothes wouldn't kill her.

  Dressing quietly, she fished through her pockets for reminders of home. There wasn't much. Car keys, apartment keys, a few dollars in change, and a check. The check. She looked at it, remembering how she had come here: it felt like forever ago, but it had only been a day. $1,000 was enough to fix a lot of her problems at home, and surely Dr. Hughes and his colleagues would pay more for her story once she was back? They'd been trying to move her across a room and had sent her to another world instead, and that had to be worth something.

  She bit her lip, deep in thought. Last night she'd almost forgotten about Earth in Zovak's arms, but the check reminded her that she had a home to go to. If she wanted to, and if she could cross back. The ache of homesickness ate at her heart even though she knew her life hadn't been great before. It might not have been wonderful, but it was her life. Her choices led her there.

  Here she had no choices at all.

  Behind her, she heard Zovak stir. Emily turned, her face flushing guiltily as she looked at him. His eyes were open now, and she wondered how long he'd been watching her with that sad look on his face.

  "Good morning," she said, trying to sound cheerful. But the reality of her situation, trapped on an alien world, was settling back on her and she couldn't force herself to sound happy.

  Sitting up, Zovak stretched and shook his head. His eyes locked on hers, considering her for a long moment before he sighed softly and shook his head. When he looked at her again his gaze was full of a powerful melancholy she couldn't interpret.

  "Good morning to you, Emily," he said, his deep voice sad. Emily couldn't meet his gaze. He stood and offered her his hand. "Come with me, we must go now."

  I don't like the sound of that, she thought. "What's wrong?"

  He led her out of the tent, into the bright light of the single sun that was above the horizon. The chill of the night still hung in the air and Emily shivered, though even naked it didn't seem to bother Zovak at all.

  "Emily, you have been clear," he said, squeezing her hand. "You were stolen from your world and I will not force you to remain against your will. Not when I know how you can return home."

  Home? Emily's heart leaped. "I thought I was trapped here. I thought I couldn't go home ever again. Darya said that she couldn't help me."

  "No, love. She said that she wouldn't," Zovak said. "Believe me, it was tempting to say nothing, to let you believe that it's impossible. But I am Zovak son of Koth and you are my mate. I will never lie to you by word or deed, Emily. The way to your home is in your grasp."

  "But... what about your family, your Clan?" Emily asked, struggling to keep up as he guided her to the outskirts of the camp. There were a few others of the Clan up and about, but it seemed that most were still sleeping. Those who were awake paid no attention to the pair leaving the camp.

  Zovak was silent long enough that she thought he wasn't going to answer. But once they were away from the camp, he turned to take both of her hands in his.

  "You are more important to me than the Clan's politics," he snarled, and she almost flinched away from his anger though it wasn't directed at her. With a visible effort, he calmed himself. "You've made it clear that you are not happy here, and your happiness is more important to me than anything else. If any of them give me trouble over that, then I will teach them not to question me."

  The intensity of his stare was frightening, and Emily closed her eyes against it. Her heart hammered at the thought of going home, of leaving him and returning to Earth again. The choice tore at her, and she didn't know what to say.

  Zovak didn't give her time to say anything. He pulled her against him and held her tight in an embrace for a moment before letting her go. "I will return you to the Worldwalker's Gate and from there you can travel back to the world of your birth. You will be safe."

  "Come with me!" The words burst out of Emily's mouth before she had time to think about them, and the look Zovak gave her showed that they cut him like daggers. Now it was his turn to look away in pain.

  "I cannot," he said. "My father is old and someone must lead the Clan. Only I can take up that burden and protect the Clan against the Fire Wolves, and I will not abandon them. Besides, Emily, your world is not mine. How could I live there?"

  He was right and she knew it. An alien man like Zovak couldn't exactly hide, and who knew what the government would do with an alien warrior stranded in their midst? It wouldn't be good. Emily shivered at the thought of Zovak tied to a table surrounded by government scientists wanting to find out what made him tick.

  She had to go home. He had to stay.

  There was nothing more to say, and Zovak turned away again. As Emily watched, he changed, shifting into a great blue wolf. Emily stared, wide-eyed, remembering his transformation at the Gate when she'd just arrived. I guess that wasn't a dream, that really happened. It seemed impossible but it was real, real as anything else on this strange world, and at his wordless urging she climbed on the mighty wolf's back. He was magnificent; she could appreciate that now that she wasn't so afraid of him. The strong muscles under his thick fur carried her easily, and she clung on tight as he pointed them north.

  He set off at a run, bounding across the landscape and quickly leaving the Sun Shadow Clan's camp behind. Emily clung on for dear life, and in another time and place it would have been an exhilarating experience. Here and now, though, she was too distracted by the pain and doubt in her heart to enjoy it.

  She'd been unconscious for the journey to the camp so this was her first chance to see the landscape of the planet she'd landed on by accident. It was, she had to admit, beautiful. Stark and empty for the most part, but strange trees grew in small groves amongst the hills, something like reddish grass blowing in the morning breeze. Everything looked different from Earth, subtly or obviously, and she found herself wishing for the chance to examine her surroundings more closely.

  I can't take the time, she reminded herself. If I don't go home now, I'll lose everything anyway.

  Ahead of them, the hills dropped down to barren plains and in the distance, she saw the ruins where she'd arrived. The Worldwalker's Gate, as Darya had called it. Zovak came to a halt at the sight of it and as she got off his back he shifted back to his human form. His back to her, he stared down at the plain below, and the Gate. There were figures outside it now, distant enough that she couldn't make out any details, but she guessed they meant trouble.

  "This is Fire Wolf territory," he said, turning to face her. "It seems they've left guards and they are not going to be pleased to see me. So when I take you to the Gate, you must be swift. We will have no more time for goodbyes."

  "I don't even know what to do once I'm there," she protested. "How do I use the Gate?"

  Zovak brushed her cheek with one strong hand. "The Ancients were clever, Emily, and their technology still is. There is no great trick to it: go to the center of the Gate and think about the place you desire to go. The machine will know where you mean and send you to the receiver on your homeworld. Your scientist must have created a link to the Gates by accident to send you through, and that means the Gate can send you back to it."

  I hope Dr. Hughes' lab counts, Emily thought, remembering the pieced together mess of wires. It was so different from the majestic ruins that still functioned after centuries of neglect, but it would just have to do. It sent me here, surely it can take me back. She took Zovak's hand, bringing his palm to her lips and kissing it. The pain of saying goodbye was too much to bear and she felt the hot tears running down her cheeks.

  Zovak understood. There was no need for words between them, not when they both felt the same pain. He turned, transforming again into the blue-furred wolf. Emily watched him shift, marveling at the transformation that changed him so completely but left him unmistakably himself. The wolf was Zovak and there was no mistaking that, it wasn't just the look in his eyes that let her recognize him. It was as though she could see his soul and knew that it was the same.

  She approached him again, climbing on his back and running her fingers through his fur. The sadness they shared weighed them both down a moment longer, and then he tensed under her. She understood. If they were going to do this, better to get on with it and get it over with: no good would come of clinging to the moment.

  Emily grabbed on tight and they were off at a run.

  10

  Zovak

  The weight of his mate on his back didn't slow Zovak at all, though the weight in his heart pulled him back. But he had set himself on a course, and he had made his mate a promise. He couldn't turn his back on it now.

  He didn't want to think about what would come after this, when she had returned herself to the icy winter-world she clung to. That was a worry for the future and he told himself it could wait. It wasn't easy to ignore, though, and it preyed on his thoughts as he raced down toward the Worldwalker's Gate.

  My father will be displeased, he thought, and almost laughed at the idea. It would be a great disappointment that he'd found his mate and then sent her away, but at least it would be a unique achievement. No one in the history of the Clan had been so foolish — his name would live on forever.

  The second sun had risen now and the day was heating up as he ran. At the Gate, someone saw him and a warning cry went up. Zovak felt Emily's hands tighten in his fur but he didn't change course. He hadn't expected to arrive unnoticed, after all.

  By the time he slowed to a stop beneath the walls, the Fire Wolves had gathered. Five of them that he could see, and there might be more around the building. Not good odds if he had to fight them all, but Zovak didn't care. He wasn't going to fail his Emily no matter how many stood against him.

  Emily dropped off his back as he came to a stop, and he took a couple of paces forward before shifting. The leader of the Wolves stepped out to meet him, smiling an unpleasant smile. Zovak recognized him, though he'd been in wolf form the last time they met — it was the same Fire Wolf who had threatened Emily when she'd first stepped out of the Gate.

  Zovak met his gaze, taking the measure of his opponent. The man was big, as tall and muscular as Zovak, and had the scars of a warrior along with his tattoos. Though he'd run from their first encounter, this was no easy target for a fight.

  Good. I need someone I can take my anger out on, Zovak thought with a snarl.

  "I didn't think you'd be so foolish as to return," the Fire Wolf said. "You tried to rob our Clan, you stole my prey, and now you come back. Why?"

  "I have come to deliver this woman home," Zovak replied, gesturing to Emily. "Let her use the Worldwalker's Gate and I will have no quarrel with you."

  He knew that it wouldn't be that easy, but honor demanded that he try. The Fire Wolves exchanged looks and laughed.

  "No," their leader said. "You have trespassed on the lands of my Clan and I, Gorvar son of Tark, will see that you pay for it. Once I have slain you, I will kill the female too, for she is my prey by right."

  Gorvar. It was a name he knew, the cruel son of the Fire Wolves' Ard. A man who had to prove himself worthy of leading his Clan, just as Zovak had to show his own worth. Nodding, Zovak smiled a grim smile. One of them would get what they needed today, and he would make sure it wasn't the man who threatened Emily.

  "No, Gorvar," he said. "If you wish to fight me, so be it. Let us settle the matter between us as men and fight for the honor of our Clans. But this does not concern Emily: she will travel through the Gate while we fight."

  Gorvar shook his head, grinning broadly and confidently. "Why should I let her past? What does it gain me?"

  Zovak shook his head in turn, growling low as he stepped closer.

  "There is no honor in killing her," he said, quiet enough that the other Fire Wolves couldn't overhear. "She is weak, helpless. I am your prize, and no one will remember what you do with her. Send her on her way and you will be remembered as a magnanimous leader. Or threaten her again and I will tear out your bloody throat, but you will not touch her."

  Gorvar's smile died on his face and he paled slightly. There was no mistaking the deadly seriousness of Zovak's tone. After a moment Gorvar forced a laugh and waved to his men. "Fine, let her through. She is no fit prey for a true warrior."

  Emily tugged at Zovak's arm and he stepped back, keeping a wary eye on his enemy.

  "What are you doing?" Emily hissed. "They'll kill you."

  "No," Zovak said with a confidence he didn't entirely feel. He would take his skill as a warrior against any Fire Wolf, but if they teamed up on him he would be in trouble. That would be dishonorable, of course. The question was whether they had any honor to count on. "I'm not worried about me, beloved, but you are in danger if you stay. Go, go now."

  Tears welled in Emily's eyes as he spoke, it took an effort for him not to show the pain he felt. No wound the Fire Wolves could inflict on him would hurt as much as saying goodbye to his mate.

  Grabbing hold of her, he pulled Emily close and kissed her firmly. If this is to be the last time I see her, then I will make it count, he thought as he lost himself in the passion of their embrace. Emily's arms wrapped around him and he felt as though his heart was going to explode with the warring emotions.

  It wasn't just for her safety that he needed her to leave now. If she stayed any longer, he knew his resolve would falter and he might not be able to let go.

  "Now, get inside. Quickly," he told her as he put her down. She blinked tear-filled eyes, backing away.

  "Goodbye, Zovak," she said, voice small and sad. "I will never forget you."

  "Nor I you, beloved," he said. Pushing her toward the break in the wall, he turned away. He couldn't bear to watch her leave, and he couldn't let her see how much pain it caused him.

  The Fire Wolves watched from a safe distance, and he had to grudgingly respect them for not interfering in his goodbyes. Two had shifted to wolf form and the rest looked on with grins that told him they, at least, were confident that Gorvar would win a heroic victory.

  Let them think what they will. I will teach them the truth.

  He strode forward, eager to get to grips with his foe. Emily still needed to actually use the Gate, and he didn't trust the Fire Wolves to keep their word and leave her safe if he wasn't there to protect her. That meant he had to keep them focused on him until she'd had time to get through to her homeworld.

  Gorvar seemed just as keen to fight, striding closer and lowering himself into a ready crouch. His hands flexed as the two closed on each other, and Zovak bared his teeth in something that could only just be called a smile.

  As soon as the two were in reach of each other they pounced. The warriors slammed into each other with blinding, bruising force, grappling and twisting, each trying to get the upper hand. For a moment, they were immobile, straining at each other. Zovak had time to be impressed. There weren't many men who could hold him in a contest of strength, and Gorvar was skilled as well. Then he gave up on rational thought, letting his wolf come to the fore.

  Roaring, he twisted and flung his opponent to the ground. But Gorvar held tight and pulled him down as well, and the real fight began.

  11

  Emily

  Descending into the darkness of the ruined Worldwalker's Gate, Emily flinched at the sounds she heard behind her. But Zovak would be safer, she knew, if she left. He had his people and his home here. He'd win his fight and go home and be happy.

  If I wait, I'll only bring him more pain, Emily told herself. She wondered if she really believed that or if she was trying to convince herself, but in the end, it didn't matter. Pushing forward into the dim interior of the Gate, she left the sounds of combat behind her.

  The chamber at the center of the building was as she remembered it, though this time, less confused, she paid more attention. The walls had faint marks on them, perhaps the remains of ancient decorations barely visible in the faint glow that lit the room. The chair she'd fallen from on her arrival was still there in the center of the chamber, a strange sight from home in this alien room. Emily hurried to it, not wanting to give herself time to overthink what she was doing. If I have to do this, let's get it over with. No point in hanging around.

  Sitting on the chair she tried to think about home, but found that it wasn't easy. Her thoughts were dragged back, time and again, to the man who had carried her here. The alien warrior who had made it his life's goal to give her what she wanted, even if it meant giving up his own happiness for hers.

  No one's ever cared for me like that before, she thought. And now I'm turning my back on him.

  She put that thought aside, pulling the check out of her pocket and staring at it. That was an anchor to her life, to her home. It represented a chance at freedom, a chance to pay off enough debts that she might be able to start saving money again. It represented another chance at life. But only if she went now. Tomorrow, she'd have missed a day's work and probably wouldn't have a job to go back to.

  Above her, she heard something shift like gigantic machinery coming to life somewhere in the building. Her skin tingled as a charge filled the air and she could feel the world weaken around her, just as it had in Dr. Hughes' laboratory. Suddenly, that memory was clear as day, and she tried to focus extra hard on that picture. The walls with notes scrawled on them, the wires trailing everywhere. That's where I want to be.

  Except... she remembered how she'd felt the last time she'd sat in that chair. The wish that the machine would take her somewhere, anywhere, away from her life in the cold. That it would send her somewhere she could be happy.

  And then it had taken her here, to this place. To the world where she'd met Zovak.

 

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