Page 59 of Sky’s Edge

A new smile hit his face, this one arrogant.

“We found something new you like to do outside,” he stated. “When I do the renovations, should I set up a bar out here so you can mix yourself a cocktail and enjoy it while you play with the kits?”

“You’re still speaking,” I warned.

He kept grinning, and this time, when he approached, he threw his arm around my shoulders and turned me to the pen.

“Right, let’s introduce you to all the rest.”

For the next half an hour, I kept frowning.

But it was all for show.

The setup they had was impressive (there was even a medical building where Tanyn told me visiting vets would check on the recuperating or pregnant animals, inject vaccinations or do what they needed to do if there were any new injuries). The adult lynx were gorgeous. And the kits, Avie and Hurley followed us everywhere we went.

Best of all, Tanyn seemed very un-Tanyn the whole time we were there.

There was nothing broody or blank about him.

I wouldn’t say he was animated, per se.

I would say he was in his place. Settled. Comfortable. Familiar.

He wasn’t overtly happy, like he didn’t bowl me over with a bevy of smiles, but he was most assuredly content.

And I was drawn even closer to him.

We were out there a long time.

By the time Avie crept off into the trees, Tanyn secured the gate to the pen, and we made our way back to the SnowSprint, this far north, even if it was still early, dusk was beginning to fall.

And the whole ride back, pressed close to Tanyn’s back, my face now completely numb with cold, I was quiet and withdrawn.

Because now I knew I hadn’t only screwed myself.

I was in trouble.

Serious trouble.

And I knew that because I understood it.

But now I wasn’t sure I wanted to find my way out.

Chapter 7

Time

I was sitting in the window seat in Tanyn’s room.

I could feel some cold seeping through the window, so I had a throw wrapped around me.

And I had my Palm in my hand.

But now I didn’t know if I needed to comm my besties.

Or my mom.

I was confused. I was muddled.