He’d noticed.
The realization sat warm in my belly, right next to all the other observations I was trying very hard not to catalog.
“Sleep well?” he asked, his tone casual.
I met his gaze over the rim of my cup. “Fine, thank you.”
His smile returned, slow and dangerous. “You seemed comfortable enough this morning.”
My ears went hot. “I was asleep.”
“You were draped across me like a blanket.”
“Involuntary positioning during sleep. It happens.”
“Does it?” He leaned back in his chair, studying me. “And here I thought you might actually like sleeping next to your husband.”
“You’re reading far too much into unconscious physical proximity.”
“Am I?”
I set down my cup. “I want to discuss the northern creek tributary.”
His expression shifted, his amusement fading to something more guarded. “No.”
“I haven’t even asked anything about it yet.”
“You’re going to ask to go there. The answer is no.”
I reached for the jam, spreading it across my bread. “I need to investigate the contamination source. Multiple affected pack members reported hunting or visiting that area before symptoms appeared. It’s the logical starting point.”
“I have meetings this morning. Border patrols to coordinate. Three separate disputes that need mediation before they turn into major challenges.” He counted them off on his fingers. “I don’t have time to escort you into the forest.”
“Then I’ll go by myself.”
“Absolutely not. It’s too dangerous.”
I cocked my eyebrows. “For a witch who can do this?” I pointed a finger at the cold fireplace and with a quick spell, set the dry wood aflame.
“Cute trick, but the answer is still no.”
“You don’t have any say in what I do.”
“You think not, wife?”
“Stop calling me that,” I snapped.
“You’re my wife. It’s natural to call you that.”
“Fine, then I’ll ask Kirk to take me.”
His face went ruddy. “You absolutely will not.”
“He seems like a nice shifter. I’m sure he’ll be happy to help me.”
His growl rang out. “You will not traipse off into the woods with another male.”
“Now you’re going all alpha on me.”
