Page 45 of Red King

“You’d better get in line,” Steel says. “Good luck.” He claps me on the shoulder. “Go find yourself a mate and have plenty of babies. It’s what you need.”

I grunt and move into line, grateful to get away from him. Paisley is attractive; I would have to be deaf, dumb, and blind not to notice, but so what? I mean, would I like to lift her dress, rip off her panties, and sink into her tight heat? Hell, yes. But any unmated male in the room would feel the same way.

There is a niggling thought attached to all the logical thoughts I’m having – she’s the first female I’ve been attracted to since my mate died. I haven’t so much as touched another female since.

My eyes are drawn back to Paisley. I note that she’s with Lauren, who looks happy and healthy. Her cheeks are rosy; she’s smiling. The only giveaway that she’s had a recent incident is that she’s the only female who is sitting on one of the bar stools. Trust Paisley to check on her and to keep her comfortable.

The person in front of me wraps up, and I take the podium. “Hi, I’m Arctic. I head up operations at the castle. It’s a large portfolio, and my work takes up much of my time.” I think on what Steel said. Damn him, he’s right. I need to open up a little. “When I have a spare moment, you might find me behind the pages of a high fantasy novel or looking at the stars. It’s my passion to seek the beauty and wonder of the universe through the lens of a telescope. Thank you.”

I look up at Paisley, and our gazes lock for a moment. She has an odd expression on her face. One side of her mouth lifts in the start of a smile, and she nods once in approval. I go warm inside. Then I step down and make my way back to Steel.

“I’m shocked,” he says. “Where is my friend, and what have you done with him? No one knows your penchant for fantasy novels or what a hobby astronomer you are.”

I shrug. “I took your advice.”

“You’re really serious about finding someone.” He looks at me strangely.

“I am.” I nod. I have to do what’s right.

“Well, okay then.” He gets a strange look on his face. “I know you; don’t be too practical about this whole thing. Just jump in. Be yourself and try not to overthink it.”

I chuckle.

“What?” he asks.

“I gave very similar advice not so long ago.”

“You see.” Steel smiles. “Your advice was spot on. Take it. Go for it.” He squeezes my arm because he must see how my face has clouded. “Don’t do that. It’s been years, Arctic. You can still love Anya and move on. She would hate for you to be alone for the rest of your life. You know that.”

“I know. I do. It’s hard, that’s all. I don’t feel ready.”

“You’ll never feel ready. You just have to do it. Will you listen to me and take my advice for once?”

I pull in a deep breath. “I always listen.”

“Yeah, but will you actually take my damned advice?” He’s grinning. “You never do that second part.”

“I’ll take your advice. I know you still feel responsible for her death. That you still feel guilty.”

His eyes darken, and his jaw tightens. “Iamresp—”

“Stop right there. You’re not. It was Lake and Ice. It was whoever they’re working with, and it was the person who actually pulled the trigger. Stop with the guilt. I’m sorry I blamed you for so long.”

“Deservedly.”

“No, your only mistake was to love the wrong woman. You’re with the right person now.”

He nods, his whole face coming alive. His eyes brightening right up. “Yes, yes, I am. I’m so in love, Arctic.” He pulls in a breath. “I never thought it would ever happen for me again, and it did. I’m walking proof that miracles do happen. I’d like to see a miracle happen for you, too.”

Highly unlikely.

“I’ll take advice from you if you listen to me.”

“Deal,” he says with a smile.

“I’d like your attention, please.” Cathy is back on the microphone. “Thank you for the introductions. You are all quite the catch. I’m sure the ladies are going to have a hard time choosing between you. I’d like to ask the following numbers to have a drink together to start things off. Go to the bar and find your match. Heads up to listen for your number being called throughout the evening. The idea is that you get to mingle with several different people tonight. Numbers two and one hundred head to the bar and find each other. Then there’s nine and a hundred and fifteen. Eighteen and a hundred and twenty.” Cathy keeps saying groups of numbers, but I am no longer listening. My eyes are on a certain redhead.

“Will you excuse me for a second?” I ask Steel.

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