Wolf's Wager (Northbane Shifters)

by Isabella Hunt

  “It’s mutual,” I said dryly, and he laughed, then came around to sit. “Hey, what do you think of a late summer wedding? Down on the beach?”

  “I told you, I don’t care when, as long as it’s sooner rather than later,” Luke said.

  “Luke.”

  “That sounds nice,” he said. “Although whenever I think of you and the beach, I think of sand tornadoes, giant Excris fighting to the death, Skrors, and magic wolf guides.” I smacked him. “What I’m saying is, let’s make some new beach memories.”

  “I love my bench,” I said and moved closer as Luke grinned, stretching his arm across the back. “And I love you, Luke Swiftlore.”

  “I love you, Reagan Grace, you unassuming wild hippie witch who stole my heart and—”

  I cut him off with a kiss because he wasn’t the only one who could use that move. When we pulled apart, Luke ran a hand down my side and squeezed my ass.

  “You know, both of us need to take a shower, and there’s only one shower.”

  “Bit of a conundrum,” I said, and he growled, his hands lifting me against him.

  “Why do you tease me like this, woman?” Luke asked.

  “Payback,” I said. “Never should have won me in a game of dice.”

  “You need to let that go.”

  “You need to kiss me—”

  “Reagan?” Drue’s voice echoed up the hill.

  Luke gave me a look, shaking his head. “Again?”

  “I didn’t,” I whispered and turned. “Hi, Drue, honey, we’re up here.”

  “You planned this,” Luke said and kissed my cheek.

  Drue, Bix, and Gabriel tumbled up the hill, Drue running ahead, while her brother and Gabriel ran alongside in their shifted forms. Gabriel let out a happy roar.

  "I did not," I said. "Hi, guys. What are you doing?"

  “We wanted to see you!” Bix yelled, shifting back and doing a cartwheel. “Wow, cool bench. Can I sit on it?”

  “I’ll get you back later,” Luke whispered in my ear.

  Drue hopped up, squeezing between us, and Luke ruffled her hair and smiled at me. His blue eyes were soft and happy. My breath caught.

  “I swear, I didn’t,” I whispered.

  He shrugged. “Forget it. It’s good practice for me and you.”

  “Forget what?” Bix asked.

  “What didn’t you do?” Gabriel frowned. “And you shouldn’t swear.”

  “What’s good practice?” Drue piped up.

  “I think you might have a point,” I said and kissed Luke over Drue’s head, causing the three kids to groan and beg for us to stop. At that, Luke rose up and began to chase them around, shifting and tackling them, rolling in the dirt.

  I stood up, looking between them and the bay, happy to be home.

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