What just happened?James was in shock as he and Sorcha walked away from the cabin.
From his mate!
It was as if his world had lurched sideways, the frozen ground shifting beneath his feet. Each step he took away from the cabin, away from his mate, was harder than the last. As if every part of him knew this was a mistake.
So, why are we walking away?His bear prowled restlessly beneath his skin, agitated and impatient.We should go back. Go back. NOW.
We’ll see her later tonight at dinner,James replied, trying to calm the primal urge surging through him. His fingers trembled as he tugged at his collar, betraying a crack in the composure he fought to maintain.
But we could see her now, be with her now,his bear roared.
It would be all too easy to turn around and go back to her. He could make some excuse about needing to check the wiring, or the stove, or…
No, he had to keep walking forward. But it was so damn hard. The cold bit at his cheeks, sharp enough to sting, but it was nothing compared to the ache inside him. Every breath puffed out in a shaky cloud, too quick, too shallow, like his lungs couldn’t quite pull in enough air without her.
His body leaned backward instinctively, a traitorous tug toward the cabin behind him.
One more step and he might have turned around entirely—if not for sheer stubborn force of will keeping him moving forward.
Sorcha finally broke the tense silence. “So...” she said, fixing him with a direct look, her breath forming small clouds in the cold air. “Are you going to pretend nothing happened back there?”
“No.” James winced at how strangled the word sounded. He sounded like a man desperately trying to hold on to his sanity.
Tell her. Tell her now. She’ll help us,his bear urged.
James clenched his jaw. He’d never been great at hiding emotions on a normal day. Today was anything but normal.
“Doreen is my mate,” he admitted quietly, the words barely audible above the whisper of wind through the pines.
Sorcha reacted instantly. A high-pitched squeal burst out of her, loud enough to scatter wildlife for miles. Before he could react, she flung her arms around his neck, nearly knocking him backward.
“Iknewit!” she exclaimed, practically bursting with excitement. “The way you looked at her! The way you stumbled with all that luggage! Oh, James… Iknewit! This is the best news ever.”
Damn right,his bear rumbled in agreement, the wild thing inside him finally settling as Sorcha’s infectious joy spread through him.
Her enthusiasmwasinfectious, and James found himself grinning like a fool. However, just as quickly, her expression shifted, excitement giving way to concern as she stepped back to study his face.
“Just… be careful,” she said quietly.
His smile faltered. “What do you mean?”
“Doreen’s been hurt badly. She doesn’t trust easily.” Sorcha looked toward the cabin with a protective sadness. “She does notknow shifters exist. None. And she’s been through more than she lets on.”
“How so?” James asked.
Sorcha pressed her lips together. “It’s not my story to tell. But Doreen went through a painful divorce a few years ago. It’s left scars. Deep scars.”
James felt the words like a claw to the chest. Scars. Someone had carved hurt into the woman meant for him, leaving pieces of her bruised and tender. His bear pressed hard against his ribs, wanting to shield her with his whole body, with his whole being. The thought of anyone dimming her spirit made something primal and furious rise within him, something that vowed he would spend the rest of his life undoing that damage.
His bear growled.We should find this man and make him pay.
No,James said firmly.
Just a little mauling?his bear urged.
No,James repeated.
Maybe a warning growl…his bear said hopefully.
