Page 61 of Facade

“They do… but with the skur activity, this bear probably didn’t get to eat enough to hibernate or hadn’t found a spot,” he responded. “Or the skurs have it unsettled."

“You’re sure you didn’t sense anything else?” Aiden cut in. Dimitri’s brows furrowed at the interruption, but he nodded

Aiden’s jaw clenched. “We need to head out.”

Dimitri wordlessly got up and went to the bar. He whispered something in Marigold’s ear, then cast a glance at Aiden before he followed her into the kitchen.

I pulled my coat on as I followed Aiden, trailing behind Malachai.

“Are we being followed?” I glanced around, making sure no one could hear, even though no one else was there. The way these males acted was giving me a streak of paranoia.

“Just taking precautions,” he responded with a tight smile before stalking toward the stables.

I stopped at the sight of the fresh blanket of snow covering all of Brixton. Pristine. Untouched. Until Aiden and Malachai traipsed through it, marring its beauty. If I don’t get my damn feelings in line, then Aiden might leave a similar mark on me.

A huff of air shot from my nose at the thought as I squatted and scooped the icy substance into my palm, rubbing it between my fingers.

“Have you not seen snow before?” Dimitri asked as he approached from behind.

“I don’t know,” I said, running my fingers through the cold fluff.

“Pretty, but annoying. I can’t smell or track shit in it,” he responded dryly.

“I thought you told Aiden you didn’t smell anything last night?” I stood, rubbing my hands together.

“I didn’t. Not a lie.” He winked. “This’ll be a nightmare to travel through and an even bigger pain in the ass when it freezes over. Especially with it happening right before the damn cliffs.” Color leeched from my face. The way he said cliffs didn’t sound good at all.

Aiden approached and without prodding, Dimitri made himself scarce,

“Here,” Aiden held out a pair of fur-lined black gloves. “Thought you could use these.” I stood and took them, avoiding eye contact. Unfortunately, my shame and embarrassment were beginning to pile up like pancakes when it came to him. Only, there was no sweetness—just bitterness on my tongue.

“Thank you. You shouldn’t have.”

“Is there a reason you won’t look at me this morning?” He crossed his arms, one brow raised.

“What? No, I just…” Just had a dream about you that ended with another male’s face.

He smirked, stepping close enough that I craned my neck.

“Is this about yesterday?”

My eyes widened. “I mean, I’m not reading into it or—thinking it means anything.” Liar.

He reached a hand out, pulling my chin up. “It meant something to me.”

My feeble wall crumbled. Every reason not to want him disintegrated in my mind as he looked at me like I was the only female he saw in the world.

Snow crunched as someone approached, and Aiden dropped his hand, but didn’t move. Malachai stalked past, eyeing us curiously, a reminder that we’re not alone. Aiden shifted closer anyway, just enough that his body heat warmed me.

“For someone with no memories,” he murmured low enough so only I would hear, “you know exactly how to drive a male to the edge of his restraint. I could smell your desire when I got back last night. And that moan…” He bit his bottom lip, gaze hooded as he inhaled through his nose. “It’s on a loop in my mind.”

Death. Death would be better than the humiliation I would drown in from this.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I cleared my throat, forcing myself to hold his gaze.

“Don’t worry,” the corner of his mouth lifted as he backed away. Not a smile—something more dangerous. “When you stop pretending you don’t want me, I’ll be waiting.”

I gaped after him as he walked away, my body burning as his words settled heavier than the ice and snow around us. Desire rooted me in place as my body trembled with need. How could he want me at all? I’m just a human.