Page 63 of Gunnar

“Where?”

“Probably in the forest.”

I shudder. “You say that like someone stopping at a drive-through.”

Gunnar considers it. “Yeah. I guess it is. Only the food’s still running around.”

He pauses. “And the squirrels don’t do supersize shakes.”

I laugh.

“Go on,” he says. “Eat.”

I do. And it tastes even better than it smells.

“My mom always said kitchen skills would come in handy someday,” he says.

“Looks like she was right.”

“Never really believed her until now.”

His eyes linger on mine.

I take another bite, but I’m not tasting it anymore.

I glance around the room to distract myself, taking in the soft glow of the lamps and the firelight flickering across the walls.

“Thank you,” I say. “For the electricity.”

He shrugs. “You don’t have to thank me.” His gaze holds mine. “Your life just got turned upside down. And you’re probably used to a little more… comfort.”

I sigh. “City girl through and through.”

“Exactly,” he says, but the look he gives me is teasing. “So, I want to make things easier for you if I can. I know you’re probably scared and freaked out and wondering if you’re ever gonna get your old life back.”

I blink rapidly.

“For a giant grizzly bear, you’re awfully perceptive.”

He flashes a grin. “Not always a bear.”

I take a long drink of my beer before my emotions well up. “I appreciate that,” I say softly.

His expression changes, just a little.

For a moment, neither of us says anything.

Then I look down at my glass. “Have you heard from Torin?”

Gunnar shakes his head. “It’s safer if we don’t contact each other.” He reaches for his drink. “He’ll be fine. Torin acts like everything’s a joke, but when it matters, he steps up. He could’ve been Alpha, if he wanted it.”

“Why didn’t he?”

He shrugs. “He’s not aggressive enough. Sometimes, if you want to keep control of your territory…” His voice lowers. “You have to be.”

My breath catches.

I’m two thirds of the way through my beer, and the thought of him like that—more Alpha, more dangerous—does something to me.