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For the first time, I could visualize the berserker warrior, charging into battle naked. I pressed my tongue to the roof of my mouth. “You’re teasing me with this outfit, aren’t you?” I asked, running my fingers over the bra and pantalets.
“I am not.” Though his hands remained fisted, his lips twitched at thecorners, enchanting me. “Long ago, husbands wished to show off the beauty of their chosen mates. I must say, I’m glad the tradition stuck. Also, you shouldn’t encourage the attention of others unless you want to watch them die.”
“A death threat? Seriously?” I snorted. “Are there berserker-tied punishments that are a little less drastic? A stern talking to maybe? I mean, I get that you’re super old, but leadership theory has really advanced. Focus on encouragement and a tailored approach. Anyway, back to the topic at hand. Give me armor. This man-hungry genie costume isn’t doing your iron-king brand any favors. I’m basically a fantasy come to life, and you can’t deny it. Guys are gonna steal an extra peek, and that’s the truth. Why ruin the day with endless bloodshed?”
Voice dipping to a gravelly rumble, he asked, “What are you offering to stay my hand of vengeance?”
Was he teasing? I gazed at him through the thick shield of my lashes and nibbled my bottom lip. “For starters, I’ll admit I’m with the hottest guy there, so everyone else is invisible to me.”
His pupils expanded over his irises, a sure sign of his interest. I should shut up now.
I didn’t.
“For enders, what else would you like?” My voice lowered, too.Red alert! Red alert!I think we had passed teasing and dipped our toes into flirting. A dangerous thing to do, all things considered.
Not my husband, not my husband.
“I’ll let you know,” he said with a flash of a genuine smile. There and gone, but devastating to my defenses all the same.
He strode forward, opening his fist to reveal an exquisite diamond and sapphire choker in thelight.
My eyes widened. “I get to wear that? Me?”
“Lift your hair,” he rasped in lieu of an answer. He motioned with a twirl of a finger; he hadn’t removed his signet ring. Did he ever take it off?
Trembling, I turned and obeyed, baring my neck. Being a schoolteacher, expensive jewelry had never really figured into my life’s expectations. Don’t covet what you’ll never get, right? But the sapphire glittered, dazzling me. “This is…wow.”
His soft chuckle brushed warm air against my skin, and I shivered. My gaze snagged on his reflection in the mirror, shock nearly buckling my knees. For once, he wasn’t masking his emotions. I saw heat, confusion and intrigue. The moisture in my mouth dried. His knuckles brushed me, raising goose bumps as he fit the piece around my neck and closed the clasp.
The combination of cold metal and sizzling flesh jolted me. Without thought, I reached up and clasped his wrists, holding him to me, not letting him pull away. Not ready for the incredible sensations to end.
“You wantin’ something, lass?” His exhalation fanned over me a second time, even softer, and my breath hitched.
Would he take me into his arms if I offered encouragement?
What are you doing? Resist!I looked away a moment after his gaze collided with mine in the glass, saving my common sense. “We need to be somewhere for something important, yes?”
He stiffened and drew his arms to his sides, severing contact. “Aye, we do. Come.” Off he strode.
I followed him out of the closet, my nerves kicking up again. Cool air kissed every inch of my body, as if I were naked, and fresh goose bumps sprouted. Wringing myfingers, I said, “Remind me of the ceremony’s rules. You know, the dos and don’ts. I might have forgotten.”
He remained stiff and silent as we exited the room. Then my mind blanked entirely. Two lines of armed guards dressed just like him stood shoulder to shoulder, creating a path in the hallway. No one looked at me.
I gaped at the array of beefcake as Callen reached back and took possession of my hand, tugging me along. The flesh-and-blood walls didn’t stop at the staircase. They stretched along the driveway all the way to our car. After helping me inside, he slid in beside me. The door shut, and we motored forward.
“The dos and don’ts,” he said without preamble, reclining in the seat. But he didn’t relax. “You are Her Majesty, Queen of the Bruce territories, Lady of the House of Wolves. Do remember you represent me. Your actions are my consequences.”
“House of Wolves? I know you have an internal wolf, but doesn’t that particular name suggest you rule over shifters?”
“Just like there are good and bad humans, there are good and bad wolves. The shifters lost control. I will not. I am master of my beast. As for the purpose of the ceremony, it’s simple. Together, we will prove you are my firebrand and well able to calm me from my rages, thereby saving our people and innocents.”
Whoa. Hold up. “I’m supposed to calm you? But what if I fail?”Breathe. Just breathe.
He frowned. “You have nothing to fear, Elle.”
Confidence infused his reassurance, and I almost relaxed. But he didn’t know the truth. Wasn’t prepared for my failure.Breathe!
I swung my gaze to the window, searching for a measure of calm formyself. Sheep and rolling hills whizzed past as we bumped along unfamiliar roads. Nope, no peace to be found.
