Page 47 of Ice King

I’d felt this level of a tethering mechanism one time in my life. Now it was being stretched in a way that prevented me from controlling my mood or my actions. Being so cautious and so completely uncomfortable around her had already grated on my nerves. Tonight, she carried a scent with her that reminded me of my mother’s home.

Apples and warm cinnamon. Of course I realized she’d consumed a flavored iceplex beverage in spiced apple cider, but the fragrance lingered, which when I was trying to ignore my desire for her was about the worst thing possible.

I’d known awkwardness in my life, but around her, the lack of articulation had become an artform.

“So your family owns a sawmill?” She rolled her finger around the rim of her glass, her sudden shyness in asking me anything as surprising as the strength I’d seen in her earlier.

“Why don’t you just ask me what you want to know. You’re curious what it’s like being inhuman. Right? I’m sure you wonder like everyone else whether or not we eat people in our off time. Maybe we have a grill or spit roaster dedicated to using for the humans we catch. We all get together and have a barbeque, drinking a few brewskis while drawing straws for who eats the eyeballs. Right?”

Georgia’s stare moved from surprise at the vehemence I used to her more classic expression of absolute disdain. “Wow. How heavy your crown must be.”

The words hung in the air and I felt like a shit. “I’m sorry. You have no idea how many times the question has come up.” I’d caught the video of what she’d said to that woman, amused and jealous as if she’d been talking about another wolf.

Fucking him.

Ridiculous, but I couldn’t help myself.

“Honestly, I’ve yet to process this new reality, but I do feel bad that you and every other shifter is forced to deal with such discrimination. However, you’re not going to have your ragebucket filled by me. You’re doing that just fine on your own. I was merely interested in learning more about your family, who I understand are pillars of this community.”

I had to admit that she was the best at putting me in my place. Maybe that’s why it felt as if a weight had been lifted.

Maybe this was my cue to get her back for teasing me with such perfection. “So, I thought you’d want to be thorough in your examination.”

“What?”

“You mentioned shifters were good in bed. I’m certain you want to ensure you weren’t lying to people. I’ll volunteer.” When I reached for my belt, I thought the girl would slide under the table. She waited for long enough that I was about to pull my zipper down. A little tigress who refused to lose.

“Don’t you dare!”

“Gotcha. Can’t take the heat. Ms. Wallace?”

“Bastard. Just answer the question. Sawmill?” She was forced to fan her face and my balls tightened.

“You’re no fun. Yes, they do own a lucrative sawmill and wood refinery. My father took it over from my grandfather who took it over from his father. A real family business.”

“Wow. That’s impressive.” At least she tried to relax, but I gathered a strong whiff of her desire. Why was it so easy just to be myself around her?

“My summer job. We all work there when we can, although my sister was given a reprieve while attending college.”

She had another faraway look in her eyes. “Family is important.”

“Why did you take up for me?” The question just slipped out. “You were… powerful.”

I’d surprised my companion, her mouth twisting while she tried to figure out what I was talking about.

“You mean with that woman or the reporter hounding me?”

“Specifically, the woman with the petition. There aren’t a lot of people who’ll openly take a stand like you did. So why?” Every time her face flushed, I could swear I was able to read her thoughts.

Maybe it was wishful thinking that she was wondering what I was like in bed.

“Because I would do so for anyone. I can’t stand people who believe they have any right to criticize anyone else based on that person being unlike them in some way. There’s way too much bigotry in this world. What I’ve heard some people say, the horrible signs I’ve read, I don’t know how you and your family take it. I would be enraged every day. You’re a shifter. So what? You can turn into a wild, fearless beast. Okay, that’s kind of cool if you ask me.”

“You think?”

She licked drops of wine from the rim of the glass and I sensed my control slipping. “Absolutely. I can almost envision you running through the forest, your dark gray fur gleaming in the full moon.”

The way she described my joy in running free was adorable. “How do you know I have gray fur?”