Page 24

When I found her kissing Hunter in the woods, I worried she preferred him to me. Surprisingly, my wolf didn’t want to rip out his throat. No, he liked the way the woodsman held our mate still for us while we brought her pleasure. He doesn’t consider Hunter competition for her affection. Not like my human half does. Or did until he turned her to face me in the forest and invited me to join them.

The urge to reach out and touch her as we follow Hunter to his cottage is hard to resist. Especially if she slows or seems unsteady. I know the contact wouldn’t be welcome. Not now.

Once she calmed after her orgasm, I sensed her panic. Her heart beat too quickly, and her scent soured. Our tryst frightened her somehow. I can’t understand why she’s so afraid of me, but I’m willing to give her time if she needs it.

The woodsman’s cottage comes into view. Even though I have no use for material things, I must admit it’s a lovely picture. A fence wraps around the cottage, protecting the garden from woodland creatures. The garden itself is a riot of herbs and spring flowers and a smaller section with seedlings sprouting from the earth, likely the beginnings of his summer crop. On one end of the garden, there is an open space with only short grass and a small shed, and I wonder if that is where he makes his furniture and other items.

Scarlett stops beside me, her feet planting and her face flushing a bright pink.

“This is your house?” she asks, the question more of a gasp.

The woodsman stops and turns toward her. “Yes. It is. I purchased it last month.”

“You… you…” Scarlett stutters. “I can’t believe you.”

Hunter stares at her in obvious confusion. “Can’t believe me? About what?”

“This was supposed to be my cottage!” she yells, stomping her foot.

My wolf comes to attention at her anger, but he remains beneath the surface. Emotions have a scent and, despite her yelling and stomping, our mate isn’t truly furious. Irritated, yes. But not enraged. Once again, I notice how in tune he is with me. Neither of us believes she needs protection at the moment. She is venting. The energy surrounding her is…invigorating.

“Your cottage?” he repeats.

A sound of disgust tears from my mate’s throat as she paces in front of the garden gate. “I’ve been saving every coin I’ve collected for years because I wanted to buy this place! The blacksmith knew! He knew! Why would he sell it to you?” she asks, whirling to point at the woodsman.

“Um, well, he didn’t want to sell it at first, but I offered him an extra five gold coins, so he finally gave in.”

“I can’t believe this,” she rants. “After the two orders I’m fulfilling in Grimsgate, I was finally going to have enough money! What am I going to do now?”

Her arms wave, and the movement makes the neckline of her dress droop. I try not to stare at the flesh revealed, but it’s nearly impossible. The sight of her bared cleavage erases any thought I might have about resolving the situation. It’s also nice to know I’m not the only target for her annoyance.

“Would it make you feel better if I promised you the largest bedroom with its own bathing chamber?”

“No.” Scarlett harrumphs, crossing her arms over her chest. “Especially since it’s your room.”

“I can move out of it.”

“No, thanks.”

“Would you rather stay somewhere else?” he asks. “I’m sure Conall would be happy to have you.”

My wolf perks up at the question. We both enjoyed last night tremendously. I curled up around her body, holding her close all night. But my cabin was too cold. She shivered more than I liked, even with my heaviest blanket and my body surrounding hers. I also don’t have a bathing chamber. I usually wash in the stream, and the water is too frigid for a human this time of year.

No, it would be better at the woodsman’s cottage. It is sturdily built and has three chimneys, which means there are three fireplaces to keep it warm at night. And he has a bathing chamber.

“Here is better,” I mutter.

Scarlett turns to glare at me, but the woodsman seems pleased with my words.

“Would you like me to show you the bedrooms so you can pick one?” Hunter asks her.

“No. I’ll figure it out.”

She marches into the house and lets the door slam shut behind her, leaving me in the garden with the other male. For the first time since we saw her, my wolf isn’t urging me to follow. Somehow, he understands that she needs time and space to herself. He’s also satisfied that she will remain here, close by.

“I think we should talk.”

I force my eyes away from the cottage. “Very well.”