“It’s stupid that they have all these shifter rules.”
Our eyes locked, hers ringed with exhaustion and sadness.
“I have a favor to ask you,” I blurted, readjusting the strap of her bag so it was still securely out of her reach.
“What kind of favor?”
“My mom’s health is really failing. She lost her mate last year. Without the bond, she’s…well, let’s just say, she isn’t herself.”
“I’m so sorry. But what can I do? It’s not like I’m a doctor.”
“I have three brothers. None of them are mated. My mom always wanted to see us settle down before she passed.” My throat constricted around the last word, as if even speaking it could make it happen. “My oldest brother would pull his own teeth out before taking a mate. My younger brothers are both commitment-phobes. That leaves me.”
Angie cocked her head, as if she knew what was coming next. “I need you to be my mate a little longer. Come to my mom’s birthday party in Glacier Run.” Her eyebrows shot up, so I hurried to add, “In exchange, I’ll come with you to confront your ex. You can pretend you’ve already moved on.”
I flexed one of my arms and gave her a winning smile. “I’m sure I’m at least taller than the guy.”
My smile stretched as Angie laughed, shaking her head. “But aren’t mates like husband and wife? How will you explain it to her when I go home to Seattle?”
You won’t, if I have anything to say about it.
“I’ll come up with something. I might have to return to Seattle for work in a few weeks, anyway.”
“Where is Glacier Run, exactly?”
“It’s a few hours outside of Fairbanks. I can show you on the map.”
“Are you one of those—what are they called? Wild ones?”
This time it was my turn to laugh. “Wildlings.And no, Glacier Run is as modern as it gets in rural Alaska. We have houses, electricity, water—even a coffee shop. There are just as many humans as shifters.”
I didn’t know Angie yet, but I could tell by the sparkle in her eyes that she found the idea exciting.
“I didn’t know there were shifter towns.”
“Glacier Run is one of a kind—for now.”
“Will I have cell service if I decide you’re driving me to a remote location in the Alaskan wilderness to have your wicked way with me?”
I clenched my fists, trying not to let my own excitement scare her off. “Most of the time, yes.”
“How long are we putting on this ruse?”
“One day and one night. Just until the party is over.”
She pressed her lips together, pretending to consider. I could tell by the smile she was holding back that she already had her mind made up. “It should be a red flag that you’re willing to lie to your mom, after you were willing to lie to the gate agents, but I think you get a pass because your heart is in the right place.”
I slid my fingers through hers, unable to keep myself from touching her any longer.
“I never lie. I just stretch the truth.” I led her to the baggage carousel, using my free hand to heave my suitcase onto its wheels. “Okay,babe, time to meet my family.”
Chapter 3
Angie
Assomeonewholistenedto more true crime podcasts than music, I should be freaking out. I was alone in a car with a man I met hours ago, watching the sun go down and trusting him to drive me to a small town in the middle of the Alaskan wilderness to meet his family.
But he was a shifter. Shifters weren’t serial killers, were they?
