Gunnar’s mouth ticks up at the corner. “I’ll catch you if you do.”
Just like that, I’m ready. Gunnar’s here, and he has my back. Quite literally. He keeps a hand on my lower back, encouragingme to arch toward the sky. Water muffles all sound, and the gray clouds are all I can see. It’s peaceful, and I don’t panic when Gunnar removes his hand from my back. I rest my head on Gunnar’s shoulder, smiling up at the sky.
“I like this.”
Gunnar hums softly. “The world disappears; it’s just you and the sea and sky.”
It’s just us for the month we have left. The reminder that he made the decision without me makes the water feel colder against my skin. “I think I’ve had enough. Can we go back to shore now?”
“Aye, of course.”
Gunnar leads me back to the beach.
“What made you decide on a Friday?” I ask.
Gunnar averts his gaze. “Ah. Is that what it’s called nowadays? Here we call it Frigg’s day.”
“That makes sense. Goddess of love and all that…”
Why didn’t he ask me?
It doesn’t matter. It’s not like we don’t have time to prepare.
But I thought we were in this together.
“Just out of curiosity, why didn’t you ask me?”
Gunnar’s lips twist like he tasted something bitter. “I, uh…”
“Were you worried I’d say no? Try to drag this out a little longer?” I try to keep my voice casual but fail miserably as anger seeps in. “Because if so, that’s cowardly of you.”
Gunnar balls his hands into fists. “I’mnota coward. They asked for a date. I gave them one.”
I chew the inside of my lip hard so I don’t snap at him. “You know, this thing between us may be fake, but how is anyone going to be convinced we’re madly in love if we can’t even communicate properly? Goddess, Gunnar! I know it’s been a while since you were with anyone, but come on—”
“You want to get onmeabout communication, Lo? You didn’t think to tell me your friends and family hated ulfhednar. Why, didn’t you trust me to agree to this foolish plan if I knew?”
I want to say he’s wrong, but he isn’t. I should have been honest with him, should have trusted him, but the last time I trusted a wolf, he almost killed me.
“You’re right. I should have told you. I just…” I blow out a sigh that shivers on the way out.
“Cold?” Gunnar grabs a blanket he left on the beach in preparation for our return. “Here.” He drapes it over me, taking care that it covers me completely then spreads one out and invites me to sit on it with him.
Gunnar’s a good man. He’s got a metric ton of commitment issues, but so do I. He deserves better than what I’ve given him so far.
“I… knew a wolf shifter for many years. He was my best friend.” I take an interest in a loose thread in the blanket. “I trusted him with everything I had. He made me regret it.”
The blanket bunches in Gunnar’s fist. “Did he hurt you?”
I attempt a smile, shrugging my shoulders. “Nothing I can’t hide with a bit of magic.”
His brows furrow. “I… I am sorry to hear that. If it’s any comfort, a berserk wolf cannot harm his fated mate. You’re in no danger from me. I swear it.” One of his hands settles over mine, squeezing gently.
My breath catches at the tender gesture. “I wish I could say I do trust you. I may not be there yet, but… I’m going to try, Gunnar. You deserve it.”
Gunnar’s mouth lifts in a smile. “I appreciate it.” The smile drops from his face when he hangs his head. “I know I’m not the best with words. I used to be. I was a skald for years, you know. I loved telling stories.”
“What changed?” I ask. Then it hits me with a sudden ache. “Oh. When you lost—”
