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“The restroom after I get the bags. Thanks.”
With her luggage in our trunk, we got into the car after she used the restroom, Monroe in the front seat while Ansel took the back. She protested only a tiny bit then took the seat with a smile.
“Are you sure you’re not hungry?” I asked. “In a few miles, we will be leaving the city, and there won’t be any places to stop. Of course, we could cook you something when we get home.”
“No. I’m okay. I’m a bit nervous, and I think it’s affecting my appetite. Once I’m settled, it will be fine.”
“Nothing to be nervous about, female.” Ansel reached forward and put his hand on her shoulder. “We won’t bite.”
Yes, we would. But not tonight.
When we arrived home, Monroe’s eyes widened. She already knew we had a larger house from her bathroom comment, and there was more proof in the pictures we’d put on the app. The overly sweet scent of her unease took over the cab of the car.
“It’s just a house.” I patted her hand, wishing she would thread her fingers with mine. I would’ve done anything to have her touch me even in the most innocent way.
She snorted. “Yeah. Keep telling yourself that.”
Ansel rushed over to open her door, and she gasped softly.
I turned off the engine and walked around as well. “We’ll carry your bags to your room if you want to explore for a bit.”
Her body tensed. Her shoulders squared off. Fingers flexed. Warming up for a fight, it appeared. So defensive and shielded. I wondered who in her life forced her to do that. “I’m very tired and just want to rest.” The sternness in her voice was cute and all, but we were alphas, and she was lying. There was no hint of tiredness in her smell. She was also a bit hungry. Another lie.
Feisty little female needed to be taught to submit when necessary.
“Come inside and we can talk. Get to know each other better, and we will make you something to eat.”
We opened the door to our home for her and she walked in, arms crossed over her breasts. Ansel ran out and came back with all her bags. He carried them easily, of course, because of his strength not only as a shifter but as a bear.
“Would you like a tour?” Ansel didn’t wait for her answer. “Or we can show you to your room.”
“Yes. I’d like to see my room, please.” Her tone was hollow, void of emotion.
We led her up the stairs and into the suite that we had prepped, thanks to my sister-in-law’s help. The linens and towels were all brand new but washed. The best we could find on such short notice. There had been no one in here, so nothing was used. We’d even cleaned the room ourselves, to make our den perfect for our mate.
“This is for me?” she murmured, reaching out to brush the satin finish of the table near the door.
“Yes. Well, the whole house is yours to roam and make yourself comfortable. We have nothing to hide, so you are welcome in any space. If there’s anything you or Mavis need, please let us know.”
She nodded and forced a fake yawn. The sun hadn’t even begun to set yet. “I think I’m tired. I’m going to rinse off in what I can imagine is a huge shower with lots of hot water and then tuck in for the night. Thank you for picking me up and bringing my things to the room.”
The lies coming off this female were incredible.
“What do you know about shifters?” Ansel asked. Neither of us moved a muscle.
“Not a lot. Only what I’ve read in books.” Truth.
“We can scent lies. They smell like rusty metal. So, if you’ve come here and you don’t like us or want some time to yourself, that’s fine, but being dishonest won’t work.”
Her gaze locked him in place. I could feel the resistant energy coming off of her.
My grizzly found it enticing, to say the least.
“Fine. I’m overwhelmed and find this place a bit obscene. I mean, all of this for only you two? What are you compensating for?”
I shook my head and let out a low, menacing growl. Not to scare her but as a response to her spewing more lies.
“More of your dishonesty after what we just told you, Monroe? We don’t tolerate that here. Now, since you are neither tired nor overwhelmed, we are going to go downstairs and have some food and enjoy the night. When you are tired, you can get some sleep. There’s no reason for all this sass and defensiveness, no matter how much my bear is enjoying the back-and-forth.”
