“You’re doing the human movements again.”He walked around to stand in front of her and then knelt down so they were eye to eye.Callon took his large hand and gently stroked over her head and behind her ear.She leaned into it because, daaaaamn, it felt good.He chuckled, which snapped her out of the petting stupor.She hissed at him, then quickly swiped out a clawed paw.But Callon was fast, really fast.He jumped back, a grin stretched across his ridiculously handsome face.“I really like this feisty side of you.The animal seems to be strengthening it.”
Bite me.Lola lifted her muzzle and bared her teeth at him.He didn’t look the least bit intimidated.Instead, he continued to stare at her, though it was from a couple feet away.She simply looked back then let out a yawn.She was tired, and it was the middle of the night.They were standing at the door that led into Callon’s suite of rooms.
So she had freaked out.So what?What was she supposed to do?Act like she knew what it was like to be in a serious, committed—as infor life, basically married, gonna be together for a long-ass time—relationship?She hadn’t read that in the supernatural relationship handbook.Oh, wait.That’s because there wasn’t one.
“You’re looking at me like you want to say lots of things.”Callon crossed his arms and leaned against the wall beside the door.“And I want to listen to all of the things you have to say.But until you learn to communicate in that lovely form”—he motioned to her—“you’re going to have to be in your human skin for us to chat.”
Lola rolled her eyes.The action was really weird to do as a feline because her eyes just sort of lifted up, instead of actually rolling.To be honest, it took away a little of the effect.
Callon pushed off the wall, turned, and opened the door.He strolled inside, leaving her out in the hall.What the ever-loving animal-king hell?Lola looked back and forth down the hall as if she were somehow doing something wrong, standing outside the prince’s room.Good grief, she was his damn mate.But it was so freaking new, like a day new.Paint took longer to dry.Okay, not really.The good stuff dried in a couple of hours.Why the hell am I thinking about paint?I need Maddie.And Katy.And to not hyperventilate and pass out in the hall.To return to her human form, she just needed to picture it.Thankfully, the clothes manifested with her, as long as she was clothed when she shifted to her animal form.
Lola envisioned herself standing in front of a mirror.She imagined every detail, and when she opened her eyes, she was once again standing on two feet.The door where Callon had disappeared stood open, and she could see a living room beyond.Okay, she couldn’t stay out in the hall all night.And she was curious as to what his living suite looked like.
“Lola, get your beautiful, nosy butt in here now.”Callon’s voice came from inside, making her jump.
She huffed, shook out her hands, and then stepped inside.Lola closed the door behind her and stepped farther into the suite.She knew that it had to be luxurious considering it was basically an apartment inside of a mansion, but this was, wow.
Lola’s eyes widened as she took in the opulent space.The living area she’d glimpsed was furnished with plush ivory couches and glossy mahogany end tables.A massive stone fireplace housed flickering flames, warming the room.
Her feet sank into the thick, cream carpet as she advanced toward Callon.Beyond the sitting area was a sparkling kitchen with gleaming appliances and marble countertops.
“I rarely eat here.Usually, the warriors eat together in the big dining area.”
“Cool, right, of course.”She nodded her head as if she knew all about the dining rituals of beastwalkers.
“But my life is different now.”
Lola was already reversing the direction of her head motion, shaking it as she held up a hand.“Nope.Uh-uh, Buddy, I will not bethatfemale.”
He frowned and rested his hip against the kitchen counter.“What female?”
“The one that expects you to change everything for her.That’s not who I am.You’re a warrior.It’s what you do.You do warrior things.”
He pressed his lips together, and she could tell he was trying hard not to laugh.“I…” He cleared his throat.“Warrior things?”
She made a flapping motion with her hand.“You know what I mean.You do the battle teaching?—”
“Combat training.”
“And animal flipping.”
“Beast shifting.”
“And your princely duties.”
He opened his mouth to correct her, then snapped it shut.“My what?”
Lola stomped her foot, then pointed at it.“Pretend I didn’t just do that.”
“Pretend you didn’t?—”
“I’m nervous,” she blurted out because she figured if they were really going to do this, then she was going to have to get over herself and learn to communicate.And communicate meant more than just word vomit questions when her curiosity got the best of her.
Callon straightened and strolled toward her.She wanted to drop his gaze.The intensity of his eyes seared her skin, making her feel naked and vulnerable, but she forced herself to hold the golden stare.When he was a foot away, Lola tilted her head back so she could still meet his eyes.He reached out and cupped her face so gently it made her shiver.“Why?DoImake you nervous?Am I doing something?”
“No,” she answered quickly and shook her head.“No, not at all.It’s just…” Her gaze bounced around the suite and then back to him.“I don’t know what you expect.”The last word was practically whispered and hung between them.She saw the instant her words and their meaning registered, and she felt his emotions flow into her—concern so tender in its care that Lola felt like she could wrap herself up in it and be cocooned from the world.
“Lola,” he whispered as he leaned toward her.“I don’texpectanything.I hope you will allow me to sleep in the same room with you, but if you’re not ready for that, I’ll sleep on the couch.”
