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“Zan, we can’t. We have things to do.” I giggled when he buried his head in the crook of my neck and nipped at my throat. “Put me down.”

He let out a groan. “What do you have to do? You wanted them to train, I did that for you. The blood has been rationed, but we have enough right now. What else do you need to do today?”

“I haven’t talked to Keeva yet.” By now we were in one of the tunnels where I couldn’t even hear the Shadows.

He sighed, releasing his hold. “I’m going to admit this, fully aware that I sound like a selfish asshole. But I hate having to share you.”

“I have family, just like you do. The difference is, I didn’t grow up with her like you did your brothers.” I lowered my voice to a whisper. “I don’t think she likes me.”

His gaze softened. “Give it time. She’s been here less than a week. I think she’s even less trustful than you, and that’s saying something.”

“I know.” She had valid reasons for how closed off she was. I’d just thought she’d open up to me more. “I’m going to go find her.”

He kissed my forehead. “I’ll see you later. Don’t be long.”

“Impatient as always,” I muttered, giving him a teasing smile.

“Don’t test it, Kali,” he warned, desire flooding his voice. “I can only be patient for so long.”

I laughed lightly even though I knew he was dead serious. I pulled the collar of his shirt, bringing him to my height and giving him a quick kiss before striding down the tunnel. I could feel his burning stare on my back, but kept my eyes forward, knowing my self-control would snap and I’d go with him instead of finding Keeva.

I wandered through the tunnels, throwing my hearing, but I couldn’t hear her voice. My sense of smell was getting better every day, but I couldn’t track her scent either. Where was she?

After searching around for a while, I finally caught her scent. I took three wrong turns before her smell became stronger, and I was finally getting closer.

“Keeva,” I called out when I spotted her turning down another tunnel.

She paused, looking over her shoulder. “Oh. Hi.”

I hesitated, her brush-off hitting me hard. But I kept walking toward her, determined to make a connection.

“I’m a little busy,” she said, a frown on her lips as I fell into step with her.

“With what?”

Her jaw clenched. “Just exploring.”

She waslying. I studied her out of the corner of my eye, slightly caught off guard that even the way we walked was identical.

“This place is huge,” I said, trying to make conversation. “But it ends right up here.”

“I know.”

She continued on, and I nodded at the Shadow who was standing at the ladder, guarding the entrance.

“I’ll see you later.” She grabbed the side of the ladder and began climbing up.

Both the Shadow and I made protests, and I rushed forward, grabbing her ankle as she climbed the ladder.

“Stop,” I hissed. “We can’t go outside.”

“Why?” she shot back. “We are hours from anywhere. I just want to see the sun. I won’t be long.”

“Keeva, don’t. If PARA or the vampires find us, all of this will be for nothing.”

She kicked out her leg, attempting to shake off my tight grip. “I am not a prisoner here. I spent years in the dark. All I want is to feel the grass under my feet. To experience the sun warming my skin. Give me five minutes. Please.”

My hold relaxed at the pleading in her voice. It was the same way I’d felt when I fled from Project Hope.