Page 111 of Ice King

“What’s it like being married to a wolf? I hope that’s not too personal.”

“Not too personal at all. I could tease about many aspects of my life spent with Patrick and they’d all be true, but the most important thing is how he makes me feel, which is as if the sun rose and set on me. Even after all these years. My parents never liked him. In truth, they only recently discovered their daughter had married into a mixed breed family.”

Her laughter was as infectious as Ford’s. “Do you ever worry about the hunters out there?”

“Of course, but what’s the difference in anyone facing discrimination? Shifters aren’t the only beings on this planet facing bigotry. That’s what the boys are discussing, if the hunters are getting too close. Sometimes we wonder if the townspeople will be behind us. However, you can’t let it get to you. You just ask yourself if Ford makes you happy.”

“He does.”

“Then push all the other fears aside. But one piece of advice. Don’t lose yourself in the process. I understand you would like to continue your studies in medical school.”

I laughed. “There are no secrets in this family.”

“Not when shifters with keen hearing are involved. Patrick happens to know a few people at the University of Washington School of Medicine. They are ranked number in the country in research. And with Seattle being less than three hours away from Portland, you and Ford could live somewhere in the middle perhaps.”

“You’re so certain he’s going to get an invitation to Portland?”

Her smile was as if she knew what I had up my sleeve. “I have a feeling everything you both want is going to come together. Mark my words.”

With a wink and a quiet nod, she walked away. What was it about powerful women in shifter families who seemed to know everything about what was going on?

I bit my lip and stared at my phone. Maybe it was time to set that plan in motion.

After a quick glance over my shoulder, I dialed the phone number, pumping my fist when my call went to a personal voicemail. “Mr. Young, this is Georgia Wallace. We met a few weeks ago when you were passing through North Bend, Washington. Hopefully, you remember me. Anyway, I was calling to offer you a proposition I think you might like. Is there any chance you might have some time on your schedule next Friday?”

As I rattled off a couple of thoughts, my nerves immediately shot to the edge, so much so my breathing was coming in pants.

Just like a wolf.

The thought brought a smile as I ended the call, doing a little dance by the lake’s edge.

“What are you up to?”

I managed to slap my hand across my mouth before I screamed, jumping around to face Roxanne, who was bubbling over with laughter.

“I didn’t mean to scare you, but since I did, that means you’re up to something.”

With a deep breath, I glanced over her shoulder this time to ensure no big ears were within hearing distance. Still, I lowered my voice. “Maybe. Can you do me a favor?”

“Hmmm… That depends.”

“Can you see if your father has a little time to meet with me tomorrow?”

“Gosh, I’m sure he’d love to see you. The new season is around the corner. Wait. You’re not quitting, are you?”

“No, but I need his help with something.”

“I tell you what. Why don’t I go find him right now?”

“Okay, but make certain no one knows.”

Roxanne grinned. “I cannot wait to hear what you’re up to.”

“Oh, you’ll know. If this works, you’ll know very quickly.” I grinned when catching Ford’s eye. Maybe Margaret knew more than she was letting on. As if there was some shifter magic in the air.

“Then I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere.”

“Don’t worry. I don’t plan on it.” After she walked away, I enjoyed my bird’s-eye view of the property. Without a doubt, it felt as if I was home.