"Bianca!" Jule called. He turned to Yully. "She's a Healer. She can bring people back from the dead."
At Bianca's sunny smile, Yully could see the woman cheerfully helping the injured. The Hispanic woman hopped down from the fence and shielded her eyes to see them as they approached.
"Did you get a horse?" Jule asked, looking at the animal in the paddock.
"Yeah," Bianca said. "He's a rescue from a local rancher. He was headed for the dog food factory. Fixed him up, and he's good as new. We have dogs now, too."
"I always wanted a dog," Yully said. "You rescue them, too?"
"Yes."
"What you're saying is that you rescue pitiful animals like your mate," Jule said.
"Jule!" Bianca gave him a disapproving look that quickly melted into a smile. "He was lost when I found him. I think all these Guardian-men are."
Yully smiled, at ease with the two women she'd met so far. She hadn't had friends since she was twelve. The idea of spending her days with the reserved Sofi and cheerful Bianca was surprisingly appealing, though she couldn't help feeling intimidated by their happiness. She didn't think she was capable of such an emotion after living in fear for so long. Her gaze went up to Jule.
"Dusty around?" Jule asked.
"Probably in the gym with Darian," Bianca answered. "We'll see you for dinner, Yully?"
"Yes, of course," Yully answered.
Jule led her away, and Bianca returned to the railing. Yully looked up at Jule again.
"You ever think we have a lot to learn about each other?" she asked.
"We do," he confirmed. "But I know what's most important about you. The rest we can discuss over a lifetime."
"I like that idea," she said, surprised to find she did. "I kind of have your soul, don't I?"
"No kind of about it. You claimed me the first time you touched me," he said with a smile.
"Okay, good." She didn't have to wonder about him as she had her father. She'd never known what would set him off, or what would earn her a blow. Jule was right; she'd learned who he was in the alley, when she'd first touched his soul. He'd never hurt her, ridicule her, or think she was the freak of nature her father called her.
"What're you thinking about?" he asked.