“Yes.”
“Did you return the sentiment?”Gregory asked, no longer kidding around.
“My tiger wanted to, but I had to hold myself back.I almost knotted in her,” he added.
Ivan issued a low whistle.“That’s rare.”
“Yes.”
“You’re true mates,” Gregory added with wonder.
“Clarice is gonna be pissed,” Ivan said.
“I don’t intend to tell her,” Mikhail said.
“She’ll see your mark and grasp the meaning,” Gregory said.
“Not necessarily,” Ivan said.“Clarice is human.Marking isn’t common with our friends, and although Clarice is aware of shifters and has shifter friends, they’re not feline.Invent an excuse.An acceptable one if she asks questions.”
“If Edwina is your mate, how will you touch Clarice?”Gregory asked, going for the practicalities as was his nature.“She’s useful to have on your side for her contacts.”
Mikhail scrubbed his hands over his face and groaned.“I thought marrying this girl would make my life easier.Instead, my entire plan has backfired, making my problems worse.”
“You didn’t mention your marriage to your grandfather when he called,” Ivan said.
“Shush.No more of this discussion until we’re alone.Edwina is coming.”
She appeared in the cabin, her expression uncertain.The scent of coffee followed her, and some of Mikhail’s tension dissipated.Breakfast would offer a distraction.
“Edwina, have a seat with us.Breakfast is almost ready.Did you sleep well?”he asked.
Her gaze went straight to his neck and the mark he’d concealed with his collar.Pink crept into her cheeks.Her throat worked in a swallow, and her steps slowed.
“Come and sit by me,” Ivan said, his tone innocent while his blue eyes twinkled with devilment.“It’s about time Mikhail introduced us to his lovely wife.”
Mikhail barely restrained his snarl of displeasure.He didn’t want any man close to her.Ivan got this and didn’t care if he pushed Mikhail’s buttons.Edwina perched on a seat, her subdued conduct making Mikhail want to curse.She’d acted brave earlier, but her behavior had changed since she’d marked him.Shock, most likely, since that was what he was suffering right now.He’d never thought of finding a true mate.
So many bloody complications.
Rissa appeared with a tray of coffee and pastries and set it on the small white table between them.
“We’ll pour the coffee,” Mikhail told her.
She offered a respectful nod and retreated to collect the rest of their breakfast.
“Ivan and I take black coffee.Gregory takes his coffee white,” he said to Edwina.
Her hand trembled a fraction as she reached for the coffeepot, but as he’d hoped, the actions steadied her anxiety.The quiver retreated, as did her jumpy behavior.She settled in the chair properly and poured the coffee.Mikhail accepted a mug and took a sip.
“I thought we’d go straight to the house on our arrival.You can sleep, and we’ll organize clothes for you,” Mikhail said.
“I’d prefer not to sleep until nighttime,” she said.“It’s the best way to get my body clock in sync with the local time.”
He inclined his head.“I’ll be busy, but my housekeeper will show you around and organize clothes.”
“Thank you.”She handed Ivan and Gregory the plate of pastries before offering it to him.
“No, thanks.”
