“Yep, it is definitely you, Darlin’.”
I would worry about that, but right now, I’ve got bigger problems.
Namely, the gorgeous, furious, honey-scented woman in front of me who I can’t let slip away.
Her arms are crossed. She’s glaring. The mistletoe’s still hanging over her like it’s waiting for me to screw up again.
So, I do what any self-respecting Badger Shifter would do when his fated mate looks like she’s about to bolt.
I scoop her up, toss her over my shoulder, and start walking.
“Eb!” she gasps, pounding on my back. “Put me down!”
“Nope,” I say calmly. “Not until I’ve said what I came here to say.”
“You’re the one who ran!”
“True. But I’m here now.”
She tries to twist free.
Slaps my shoulder.
Pulls my hair.
Pinches my ass.
“Ow!” I yelp—but I think maybe I like that?
Shit.
My cock starts to stir.
Okay, I definitely like that—makes mental note to revisit the hair pulling, spanking, and maybe a little biting later.
“Ebenezer Rogers! You put me down right now!”
So. Fucking. Adorable.
“I know I’m an idiot,” I tell her, loud enough for anyone eavesdropping under the fake snow to hear. “But I’m your idiot. I’m a dumbass Badger who’s absolutely crazy about you, Honey. And I’m not leaving without you.”
Uncle Uzzi appears amidst a group of party revelers looking on in amusement. Somehow the old Witch is not surprised in the slightest.
“Excuse me, my dear. Marigold, are you alright?”
“Uh, yeah? I mean, I think so. Maybe ask again in ten minutes,” she mutters.
“I see,” he says with a sage nod and a twinkle in his electric blue eyes. “Ebenezer,” he now directs his attention to me, “if the lady says no, understand I will use all my power to assist her escape.”
“Yes, Uncle Uzzi. I understand, and I appreciate your stepping up for her, even if it’s unnecessary. But she won’t say no,” I reply, tightening my hold as she wiggles.
“Oh, really? How do you know?” she growls.
I give her a gentle shake, keeping one hand on her sumptuous ass and another on her calves, so she doesn’t kick.
“Because you’re meant for me, Honey. Only me. And I sure as hell am the only man meant for you! All the way down to my cranky, tunnel-digging soul.”
Marigold growls something under her breath that sounds a lot like a plot to maim certain parts of my anatomy.
