“You’ll have to fake a break-up, I assume,” Laia said furiously.
“Well, that’s fine, I guess,” I said and gulped. “Bit embarrassing.”
“And it could be dangerous,” Sierra said. “Being a Northbane Alpha mate doesn’t always guarantee you get the royal treatment. Sometimes it gets you into trouble.”
“Oh, man,” I said and slowed down, my hands pressing on my stomach. “And what about Kal? I mean, his future mate might not be happy about this.”
The other three women stopped and exchanged bemused glances.
“You are way too nice,” Sierra said with a warm smile.
“Kal would be lucky to have you,” Reagan said and squeezed my arm.
“He’s a big boy—he’ll be fine,” Laia summed up dryly.
“Still, this is kind of my fault…” I muttered and was met with three dissenting hisses.
“It is not,” Sierra said and stepped forward, throwing an arm around my shoulders. “It’s stupid pack politics. I warned Xander about this. The Northbane are uniquely positioned right now. Powerful and the only territory to really get along with the Tiselk. Mainly because they let them do what they want. But I knew it could piss off the other packs. Hell, they’re the ones who would pay extra for dirt on each other. It’s gross.”
“I didn’t mean for it to come to this,” I said.
“Iris, you are not to blame,” Sierra said emphatically, and the other two nodded vigorously. “You got saved by Kal in a spectacular and noticeable fashion, which is so not Kal. But now he’s given the Greyclaw an opening at a bad time. That’s all.”
“Xander is trying to prevent you from becoming a political pawn in these shifter games,” Reagan explained. “Only, well, we’re a bit worried he might have made you a Northbane one.”
I nodded and glanced around at them, trying to muster a smile and ignore the tumult in my stomach. “So, shopping?”
Laia smiled. “Let’s go.”
A few hours later, and it was like I’d always known these ladies. They insisted I call them by their first names, told me I could ask them any questions I liked, and made me buy extra of everything. This was further abetted by Corinna, Kal’s cool and effusive little sister.
Corinna, who pronounced me “exactly his type,” and hugged me for almost a minute when we first walked into her shop. “I was always afraid he’d end up alone, and now he’s got the sweetest, prettiest mate,” she gushed. “We’re going to dress you in all his favorite colors.”
By the end of that sentence, I was glad Reagan, Laia, and Sierra were there. I didn't think I could have handled this day by myself. The reality of what I'd signed up for had sunk in. Suddenly, I could see what the three of them meant. This plan might have initially forestalled the other territories, but it could backfire, and badly.
Worse, what about Kal’s family? Was his mom here? Did she want to meet me? Would she hate me when she found out I’d faked the whole thing?
Hour by hour, more and more questions piled up, as did my anxiety. I really needed to talk to Kal. As much as I loved these three women, only he could answer the questions I had.
Shopping and the ladies helped distract me, though. With the treaties and the peace that had settled over the Northern Wilds, there were “creature comforts galore,” as Laia said. And “no more black tanks and camo uniforms,” Reagan pointed out.
When we finally left the last store, laden down with bags, and with some of it being sent over to Kal’s house, I realized it was getting pretty late in the afternoon. We’d had lunch, and I knew the three of them had to be home for dinner. Reagan’s little son Caleb would be waking up soon, and Laia had two small kids who needed to be picked up.
“Thank goodness I was able to get Auntie Lily and Rett’s mom over,” Laia had told me. “But they’ll be coming by at some point, I’m warning you, hon. The Deacons are as tight-knit as the Llarys.”
“What do I do? Tell them the truth?” I’d asked.
“Let me talk to Rett and see what Kal wants to do,” Laia had sighed, and shaken her head. “Honestly, those boneheads. I realize that there’s a certain mythos with Alpha claims and mates, but they didn’t have to say it was that. They could’ve implied it.”
I’d wanted to ask her more about that, but I hadn’t had the chance.
Now, walking with the three of them to Kal’s house, my heart in my throat and my stomach tight, I couldn’t form the words.
“A claim,” Reagan had explained earlier, “is an instant connection. Usually between a shifter and someone important to them. But not always. It’s almost like this person triggers a protective instinct. A code of chivalry among shifters.”
Is the claim fake, too? I’d wanted to also ask.
The path to Kal’s house twisted and turned up a steep hillside. Hills swelled around us, and the golden light had thrown a deep glow through the autumn woods. Everything had a surreal and dreamlike feel. I kept expecting to wake up in my apartment.
We climbed a set of stone stairs set into the hill and finally arrived, catching our breaths and laughing a little. Glancing around, I saw everything here was a little overgrown and wild. I loved it.
“Is Kal home?” Sierra asked as we approached the house.
I didn’t hear the answer. I was drinking everything in. First, Kal’s house, a lovely and rustic place. A blend of sharp-angled eaves, glossy wood siding, and gray stone accents. Wide stairs led up to a set of double doors, their panes reflecting the umber glow of the west.
As the girls went in, I lingered for a moment. Trees clustered behind the house, but to the sides and front, it all fell away and revealed the land around it. To the east, a stream tumbled through the rocks nearby, snaking down to a river, and, in the distance, a thread-like lake. Mountains reared up beyond, snowy peaks tinted crimson, with low purple clouds hanging overhead.
Up here, you were on top of the world. Cobalt was hidden by a line of trees, but you could see the ocean through a break off to the west.
“Wow,” I said. “Not bad, Deacon.”
“What are you doing?” Sierra called, and I turned. She was hopping down the steps. “And what are you smiling at?”
“This whole place, Winfyre. This house. Everything.”
Sierra nodded. “I’ve barely been here over a year, and I still get like that. Now, come on in.”
With a deep breath, I entered Kal’s house.
Chapter Eleven
Kal
Skulking outside my own damn house, I’d heard the ladies guiding my guest in a minute too late. Ducking behind a tree, I had watched as they’d come traipsing up the stairs and across the yard, heading right into my house without even knocking.
Only Iris had lingered outside, a slow, amazed smile spreading across her face. She was gazing at the sky, the land, and the house in absolute awe. Watching her, it was like she caught all the stray light from the landscape, and I couldn't help but think she looked…
I caught myself now, wondering how long I’d been staring at her. Hell, no. No. I wasn’t going to think she looked any kind of way. Because that would be inviting more madness into this farce Xander had cooked up.
“You gonna go in or what?" asked a voice next to me. I jumped a mile. Turning, I saw Tristan grinning at me, well out of arm’s reach. Smart man. “What are you doing?”
“Debating making a run for it,” I growled and walked forward. “What’s that?”
He had a bag slung over his arm and boxes in the other. “Food. Dinner. Me and Sierra are gonna keep you company.”
“That isn’t necessary,” I said, and Tristan made a face. “Fine.”
“So hospitable,” he commented as we went inside.
Fallon was the first person I saw as I walked in, and my stomach clenched. Who else was here? My mother, stepfather, and sisters? That was the last thing I needed.
Walking over, my tall, blonde cousin gave me a once-over and gestured for Tristan to keep moving. Right now, she looked more li
ke me than her younger brother Rett. Tristan laughed and called over the gaggle of women. Too many people. I was getting a headache.
“So, a mate, huh?” Fallon asked.
“Stop it,” I growled.
“Ironic that the man who was always so against them because he thought it would undermine his ability to protect Winfyre now has to have a fake one in order to protect it.” A smile flashed at me, and I glared. Fallon had a diabolical side few suspected. She gave me shit where few others dared, even her little brother Rett. “You really will do anything for this territory.”
I blew out a long breath through my nose. “I pissed off some packs when I saved that woman’s life. That’s all. And you and I both know this farce was all Xander.”
“Oh, please." Fallon’s grin widened. “I have eyes.”
“I don’t see how humoring a Greyclaw temper tantrum helps Winfyre,” I muttered, ignoring her dancing expression. “And don’t read into things, Fallon, I’m beggin’ you.”
“You mean like, say, Iris Lisay?” I didn’t answer. “Very sweet. Very warm. And very pretty.” Again, I made no comment. “She’s got good taste if she likes you.”
“What?” I asked.
“Well, I only just met her, but when she found out I was your darling cousin, Iris proceeded to ask me a million questions about me, the family, and you.” Fallon glanced over her shoulder and then back, her smile growing sweet. “And who knows? Stranger things have happened…”
“Stop,” I barked.
“Oh, you like her,” Fallon trilled.
“Iris is…” I rubbed my forehead.
“Listen, Kal,” Fallon said. Now she snapped into Vixen leader mode. “I know none of this is ideal, but I’m with Xander. It’s in everyone’s best interest. Especially Iris’s.”
“Until she gets my mother’s hopes for grandkids up.”
“Hm, I’ll see what I can do about that,” Fallon said. “I’ll get Corinna and Laia to help, too.”
“Oh, I feel better already,” I drawled.
“Don’t get snarky with me, cousin,” Fallon said. “Or I’ll rescind my offer.”
“How about you take her?” I asked, my voice pleading. “You’d be a far better host.”
Fallon gave me a crooked, not-so-sympathetic smile. “I’m not the one who went on a little tear in the south and threw his big Alpha weight around.” She clasped her hands. “But it was all to save his precious mate. How romantic.”
“Go to hell.”
“Go take a shower,” Fallon retorted and swung away. “You reek.”
For a second, I hovered in the foyer and considered making a run for it. Bolting right out the front door, into the cool night, and off into the woods. Maybe going to explore the far reaches of the Tiselk. Hell, why not? I rubbed my face, and when I looked up, Iris was there. My heart jolted.
“Hey,” she said softly and then let out a rush of words. “I wanted to say thanks and that I’ll do my best to stay out of your way—to make this as small of an inconvenience as possible.”
“Uh. Okay,” I said, and she went to move away. “Hey. Don’t forget you’re my guest, Iris.” I had to resist the urge to reach out and tug on her curls. “Let me know if you need anything.”
Iris nodded and bit her lip. “Try and get some sleep tonight, Kal.”
Bit by bit, standing here with her was causing the tension in my body to leave. Shoulders loosening, I nodded, a little absently, and Iris’s eyebrows contracted with concern as she looked me over. It was nice to have her worrying about me.
“You’ve got a good eye, Lisay. Keep it up.” I hesitated before I added, “Don’t worry, I will. The beds aren’t half bad in this joint.”
“Good to know,” Iris said and smiled.
Chuckling, I watched her go. When she went around the corner, I came back to myself with a start and knotted up my hands so hard, I thought I heard tendons pop.
I was doing it again.
And again, I wondered if Xander knew it wouldn’t be too hard for me to play along with this plan and treat her as though—
Not going there. Taking a deep breath, I stopped myself. I needed to play it cool and keep my distance. Be as good a host as I could, but that was it. We could never be more than polite acquaintances even if we lived under the same roof.
I began to strategize then and there, on the stairs and all the way up into the shower. Scrubbing a bit harder than necessary at my skin and hair, as though trying to wash away my mistake, I came up with a decent, simple plan.
First, of course, I’d be polite. So polite even my old drill sergeant Hampkins couldn’t find fault with it. I’d be like the tucked-in beds and smoothed blankets he liked so much. Neat enough to hurt the goddamn eye, boys! Not the polite you brought home to meet the parents, though. A sharper and more standoffish one.
After I’d determined the first line of attack, to keep Iris comfortable without unnecessary closeness, I decided to minimize any time we spent together in Cobalt or Veda. There, we’d have to act more mate-like. The thought of that sent a hot spike through my body that almost had me reaching for the cold-water knob. In that same vein, I’d limit my time with her at home.
To make up for that, I'd encourage Iris to spend as much time with Reagan, Sierra, and Laia as possible. Especially, Laia, whom I had never gotten along very well with. The three of them would gladly close ranks around Iris and protect her.
I sighed and leaned into the shower wall, my forehead and arm resting on it. More than anything, I wished that I'd go downstairs and find an empty house. That Fallon would realize Iris was better off with her. Everything could return to normal, and I'd have my solitary hill back.
But then my treacherous mind spun off in a different direction.
What would it be like when I had Iris to myself?
You’ll know soon enough, came a satisfied growl in the back of my head.
Swallowing hard, images began to unspool in my brain. Tentative at first and then burgeoning into a life of their own.
Until I wanted everyone but Iris out.
Iris sleeping in a room right down the hall. Iris doing laundry and insisting on helping with mine. Iris folding my socks because she was definitely that kind of person. Iris wearing my sweatshirt and curled up on the couch. Iris running up to the door and greeting me, checking me over for injuries. Iris following me around the kitchen as I cooked, asking if she could help.
Iris sitting across from me at the table at breakfast, her thick hair pinned back and in a loose tank top, reading a book and looking up with a smile.
Smiling to herself in this very shower, eyes closed and face lifted to the water…
Stop.
Fist knotting above my head, I caught myself from going over the edge. But her smile lingered in my mind, and my fist loosened as I approached that edge again.
I wondered if maybe under all that sweetness, Iris could handle my rough edges. I’d had a few glimpses of a steely-eyed woman who’d have no problem calling me on my shit. Or maybe her sweetness more than equipped her for someone like me. Evened us out, so to speak.
Opposite charges did create a bigger spark. My entire body tensed as my blood burned with the need to know. Not just imagine it but taste it.
Taste her, then take her.
In this space with me, with her damp curls, half-lidded eyes, and quick breaths—
My eyes snapped open, and I reached behind me, fumbling for the cold-water knob with one hand, while the other hand had found the part of me that wanted to know a little too badly.
After allowing a few gallons of cold water to bring me to my senses, I stumbled out of the shower and hid away in my room. Briefly, I reached out to Tristan telepathically, asking him if he and Sierra could take care of Iris. At his surprise, I lied and said I wasn’t feeling well.
It occurred to me that maybe the only plan that made sense was avoiding Iris altogether.
What I didn't realize until hours later, though, was that I’d be up
all night, wracked with guilt and desire that drove me out of my own skin.
Trying not to think about her. How close she was. How I’d kind of missed her today.
How I’d woken up two mornings ago, having shifted in my sleep and wrapped my arms around her. It was then that I’d begun to wonder if I could be trusted to be around her.
Of course, Xander has to go and make her my fake mate.
Finally, exhausted as the sun rose, I nodded off.
But she followed me into my dreams.
The scent of caramel, with that delectable underlying bite of saltiness, filled my nose and made my mouth water. My hands pushed through her curls and held her in place.
Her smile became more playful. She’d seen through me. She knew my hunger for her was only outpaced by how much I wanted to fill her with bliss from head to toe.
She was like holding sunlight in my hands. Warm, soft silk and happiness.
Her arms wrapped around my neck as I buried my face in her shoulder, inhaling her. A groan escaped me, and I pushed her down onto the bed, letting her feel the weight of my want.
“You knew all along, didn’t you?” I murmured.
“No,” she said, and I pulled back, surprised. Her fingers hovered on my chin. “I had no idea.”
“I’ll have to make it up to you.”
“Don’t go.”
“Never,” I murmured and lowered my head.
Suddenly, it was hard to keep my eyes open, and her presence slipped away, turning cold and empty…shadows blinded m,e and my hands were empty.
“Iris?”
Bands of iron caught around my chest as I flailed, trying to find her, and a burst of light hit me.
“Kal?”
Her voice, distant and puzzled, echoing through a vast number of empty rooms.
“Where are you?”
“Where—”
I woke with a start, hands hovering above me, and a groan rumbled out of my chest. Letting my arms fall back to the bed, I watched the sunlight play across the ceiling and got my breathing under control. But when I sat up, I saw the blankets were twisted around me, and the pillows were on the floor. A deep, bone-aching tiredness filled me and hollowed me out.
Ice Bear's Bid (Northbane Shifters Book 4) Page 9