An incredible new world lay before him, a gorgeous princess with wings he was itching to examine if she’d let him, and his biggest risk of staying was missing some time from Earth and his crew assuming he died? Sorry, Noah, but he wasn’t going anywhere.
“I’ll stay and I’ll help you, Princess, on one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“I’m a scientist and I’m curious about your world. I’ll expect you to answer my questions when I ask.” Liam stared her down, hands still on his hips.
“Deal.” Her wings lifted slightly. Fascinating how he could read her mood by their position.
After a beat of silence as he contemplated where to start, he scowled when he realized he was dressed in only his base layer. “And I’ll need appropriate clothing.”
Chapter
Five
The first time Charlie had seen Liam, she’d thought he looked like a bear. She hadn’t expected he’d also have the personality of one. The man never smiled, spoke as if he was barking at her, and was about as warm as the sheet of ice she’d retrieved him from. In fact, there seemed to be a permanent crease in his brow.
Based on his disposition, she might have concluded all human men had terrible tempers except her uncle Nick, Rowan’s mate, was human and wasn’t anything like the grumpy Liam. Which left her with no choice but to assume that he was the problem. Oh well, he’d promised to help her with the Christmas. That’s what she wanted after all. Did it matter how much he snapped? He wasn’t a pet she meant to keep.
At least he wasn’t hard to look at. She might have enjoyed carting him around the kingdom in the clingy red outfit he’d arrived in, but alas, she’d given into his demands and found him something to wear thanks to Uncle Alexander, who’d kept his clothing from his time on Earth. Alexander hadn’t exactly reacted positively to her introduction of Liam and their situation, but he’d agreed to help her nonetheless. Only now, as they stood outside the bathroom in his chambers waiting for Liam to finish changing, his foot tapped like the tail of an annoyed cat.
“Is something wrong, Uncle?”
He scratched the back of his head. “Are you sure about this, Charlie? I don’t think Raven and Gabriel would like you jumping dimensions without their permission. And bringing a hapless human here? You’ve made better choices, kiddo.”
Chewing her lip, she bristled at the “kiddo” epithet. She was no child. Still, he was right about one thing—she hadn’t considered that her parents might believe Liam was a security risk. “It was an innocent mistake. I was going off what I’d read in the book—”
“I can appreciate that. North Pole, red suit, beard. Anyone might have made the same error. That part is reasonable. What I don’t understand is why he’s still here.”
“He volunteered to stay. He said he knows a lot about Christmas and is willing to help me.”
A low rumble vibrated from her uncle’s chest. “What do you really know about this human?”
“Practically nothing. He’s a human scientist who was studying ice at the North Pole. That’s about it.”
“Then how do you know you can trust him?”
She scoffed. “He’s helping me throw an Earth Christmas-themed party, not counting the palace’s dragmars.” She turned to face him, folding her arms. “Are you questioning my ability to manage a hapless human?”
He released a sigh. “Don’t get me wrong, Charlie—I think Avery will appreciate the party, and I think it will show Raven you have the skills to organize something big.”
“But?”
“But you brought a stranger into the palace without permission.” Alexander tugged on his ear as if this entire situation was making him twitch.
“You’re right. I did. And if he was dangerous in any way, I’d consider it a poor choice on my part. But he’s just a human. I could split him in half with a single blast from my hand.” Flipping one hand over, palm up, she allowed her power to dance across her palm, a tiny electrical storm. “I won’t let him out of my sight.”
“But, uh, Charlie, there’s more to this than that.” Alexander shifted uneasily.
“I’ll wipe his mind before I take him back to Earth, okay? There’s nothing to worry about, Uncle.”
He frowned. “What about while he’s here? Where do you plan to have him sleep?”
She spread her hands. Where was he going with this? What were the options? “My chambers.”
His head shook vehemently. “No. I am not comfortable with that. At all.” Alexander lowered his voice. “What if he attempts to take advantage of you?”
The whirling ball of lightning in her palm returned and grew larger with her rising anger. “Let’s find out. Pretend you’re him.”
