He nodded. “I figured it would be better that way. Less chance of things going bad in the winter. Wedohave a few generators, but those are for emergencies.”
“This place really is a labor of love, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, I think so. I’m not even sure why I started it, but here we are.”
His leg brushed mine as he adjusted in his seat. The touch sent flashes of memories through my mind. My stomach dipped as I remembered everything we’d done right here onthiscouch. Doing my best to push the mental images away, I walked him through what I’d done that day. As I spoke, Levi leaned closer to me.
“Wait, you organized the storage building?”
“Yeah,” I said, turning to look at him. He was so close, his breath ghosted over my skin. “Uh…why wouldn’t I?”
The smile on his face sent butterflies raging through my stomach. That, and the look in his eyes, told me everything from yesterday had been forgiven. We were back on good terms.
“I figured you’d come up with a plan, and I’d get some of the guys to do it,” he said.
“Oh.” I chuckled. “I did fine by myself. You can have them spread the word about the sign-out sheet and the diagram though.”
He held my gaze. My lips tingled, and all I could think about was kissing him again. I threw out mental waves of energy, prayers, and hopes that he’d lean forward and press his lips to mine. The flickering flames cast orange shadows over his jaw and cheeks, accentuating his handsome face.
An instant before I decided to lean forward and kiss him, he turned away.
“You did an amazing job, June. Honestly, I don’t think I could have done more myself.”
I tamped down my disappointment. “Thanks. I tried.”
“Come on,” he said, “Let’s go grab some dinner. I’m starved.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
I stood and followed him out, wondering if I’d done something wrong, or if he simply hadn’t noticed the sexual tension like I had. Either way, I was just happy he wasn’t still angry with me.
20
LEVIATHAN
Isprinted back to my cabin, the sun overhead warming the fur on my back. The last of the snow from the storm two weeks ago had melted off, making the forest look nothing like it had that day when I’d found June. I’d spent over six hours out running the forest, patrolling for Red Maw members. Only June, Rainier, and I knewexactlywhy we had people watching the woods, and why I didn’t want anyone wandering too far.
Rainier was waiting for me on my porch, whittling a piece of wood.
“Are you ready for tonight?” Rainier asked as I strolled up to my cabin.
I frowned. “Ready for what?”
“Holy shit, man.” Rainier shook his head as he tucked his knife back into his pocket. “Pack meeting. We talked about it last month. I scheduled it and everything. The whole pack’s gonna be there.”
“Shit,” I hissed, pressing a hand to my forehead. “I forgot.”
He pointed the piece of carved wood at me. “I figured you might. Hence, why I came by. Been a little preoccupied with Miss June, have we?”
I growled as I stepped onto the porch. “You know damn well I have.”
Rainier smirked and glanced at the building where her room was. “Are you all good after that fight?”
“It wasn’t a fight. It was…I don’t know, a disagreement.”
“A disagreement where you screamed at her?”
He was only joking, but it still sent a stab of shame through me. Each time I thought about it, I felt like a jackass. Every moment since then, I’d been trying to get back on June’s good side.
