Conleth straightened his jacket, doing his best to look like a man who knew what he was doing rather than a dozen panicked weasels stuffed into a business suit. He had to regain control of this situation, and fast.
“Perhaps I should introduce myself.” He offered her his most charming smile, though not his hand. If he touched her, he’d never let go. “Conleth Tiernach-West, business advisor and camp manager. Amongst other things.”
Paige showed no indication of understanding what those ‘other things’ might be. She just nodded, still not quite looking at him. “Pleased to meet you, Mr. Tiernach-West.”
“Not as pleased as I am to meet you.” This was not only the understatement of the century, but possibly in entire recorded history. “And it’s Conleth. Just Conleth.”
She moistened her lips, sending a bolt of pure need down his spine. “Conleth.”
Dear God. It was all he could do to maintain his casual smile. Just seeing her mouth shape his name had him desperate to shove her against the nearest wall.
If Paige was feeling the same burning, all-consuming desire, she was doing a sterling job of concealing it. She fidgeted with a strap of her backpack, glancing around. “I should go find the head counselor. She must be wondering where I am by now.”
“There’s no rush,” he said lightly, though every inch of his skin ached for her touch.Control, damn it.“Induction and training won’t begin for some time. And she knows I make a habit of greeting every new member of staff. In fact, I was particularly eager to meet you.”
That got her attention. “Me?”
Was his pegasus right? She was finally looking at him, yet there was still nothing in her face except wary bafflement.
No hint of a shared secret. No sign that her heart saidMinewith every beat, like his own.
“Yes.” He was almost certain now. “Given your unique position here at camp.”
“Oh.” The worried crease between Paige’s brows smoothed out a little, though it didn’t vanish. “You mean, because I’m human.”
She wasn’t a shifter.She wasn’t a shifter.
It took every ounce of willpower not to sag in relief. She hadn’t rejected him at first sight after all. She didn’t even know he was her mate.
Then tell her!His pegasus reared, wings beating with impatience.Tell her we want her, tell her we need her, more than air and sky. We have waited for so long, and she is here, now, at last! Tell her she is our mate!
But that would be madness. At the moment, Paige had no reason to welcome the news. He couldn’t let himself be ruled by emotion and impulse. Not now, of all times.
Paige was still looking a little worried. “I understand if you’re concerned about me being the only non-shifter here. But I’ll work hard. I can do the job, I promise.”
“I don’t doubt it.” She had to be strong enough to cope with anything, given her fated mate. Out of genuine curiosity, he added, “Though what on earth would bring a non-shifter to Camp Thunderbird?”
“It’s my little brother.” The slightest grimace crossed Paige’s face. “He was a camper here last summer, and, well, this was the only way we could afford it again this year.”
“Giving up so much of your time is quite a sacrifice. I hope he appreciates it.”
Paige let out a sigh. “Not exactly. He’s embarrassed that I’m working here. I just hope it won’t ruin his whole summer.”
“I’m sure he’ll have a good time,” Conleth said, privately resolving to make sure Paige’s brother, whoever he was, would have the summer of his life. “And who knows? Perhaps you will as well.”
Oddly, Paige stiffened, as though even the suggestion she might enjoy herself was somehow scandalous. “I’m here to work. This might not be where I ever expected to spend my summer, but I’ll do my best.”
“I’m sure you will.” He leaned in a little closer, deliberately adjusting his voice to a lighter, more teasing tone. “To be honest, working at a children’s summer camp wasn’t on my five-year career plan either.”
To his relief, the tense line of her shoulders relaxed a little. “I have to admit, you don’t look like you work at a summer camp.”
He glanced at his suit jacket in resignation. “Let me guess. It’s my hair.”
“Not exactly.” She tilted her head, expression turning more curious. “Okay, since you mentioned it, I have to ask. Whyareyou wearing a suit?”
He had to stay in control, yet he couldn’t help the smile that spread across his face—a real smile, for once, with nothing feigned at all. “I had an important meeting.”
It was true, after all. A kind of giddy joy filled him. She was here. His mate washere, against all odds. And he had all summer to win her heart.
