Page 52 of Grin and Bear It

“You clean up well,” she said, descending the steps. He caught a hint of uncertainty in the careful way she moved in heeled boots—not her usual footwear.

“I could say the same.” He opened the passenger door, breathing in the subtle scent of vanilla and something uniquely Thora. “Green suits you.”

A flush colored her cheeks. “Bryn helped. Apparently my wardrobe wasn’t suitable for ‘surveillance.’“

Of course, his sister had gotten involved. Probably at Eira’s instigation.

“Did she mention where we’re going?” he asked, sliding behind the wheel.

“Only that it’s the ‘most romantic—’“ She caught herself, eyes narrowing. “The most ‘tactically advantageous’ position in the county.”

He laughed, unable to help himself. “Direct quote?”

“Those exact words.” Thora buckled her seat belt, shooting him a suspicious look. “Your sister isn’t subtle.”

“Subtlety isn’t a Maxen family trait.” He pulled away from the curb, enjoying the purr of the engine. “Persistence, however...”

“I’ve noticed.” Her lips quirked into a reluctant smile.

Instead of taking the direct route to Whisper Lake, Artair chose the scenic drive through rolling hills and sunflower fields. Late afternoon sunlight bathed the landscape in golden light, catching in the flowers that stretched toward the horizon.

“This is a long way to reconnaissance,” Thora observed, though he noted she made no complaint.

“Best routes often aren’t the most direct,” he replied, downshifting as they rounded a curve. “Less predictable that way.”

She made a noncommittal sound, but he caught her breathing in the scent of wildflowers, her fingers relaxing their grip on the seat. The small sign of enjoyment pleased his bear immensely.

“You’re different from the women I usually meet,” he said, the thought escaping before he could reconsider it.

She turned from the window, eyebrow raised. “Is that good or bad?”

“Good,” he answered without hesitation. “Refreshing.”

“How so?”

He considered the question as they cruised past a stretch of ancient oak trees. “You don’t care about my bank account or family connections. You say what you think. And you can drop a grown werewolf without breaking a sweat.”

A startled laugh escaped her. “That last one comes up often in your dating criteria?”

“You’d be surprised.” He smiled, keeping his eyes on the winding road. “Bear shifter females can be... aggressive in courtship.”

“Sounds exhausting.”

“It can be.” He spared her a glance. “What about you? Sabertooth males must be interesting.”

Something shadowed her expression. “Wouldn’t know. There aren’t many of us left. The few I’ve met were more interested in dominance games than conversation.”

The simple statement carried weight—hints of isolation and disappointment. His bear pushed forward, wanting to eliminate anyone who’d made her feel less than extraordinary.

“Their loss,” he said quietly.

The road curved around a final bend, revealing Whisper Lake spread before them like a mirror reflecting the evening sky. On its shore stood Moonlight Terrace, its elegant structure perched on a small bluff overlooking the water.

FORTY-EIGHT

As they pulled into the parking area, Artair watched Thora take in the stone pathway lit with softly glowing lanterns, the sound of gentle music drifting from hidden speakers, couples strolling hand-in-hand along the lakeshore.

“This is reconnaissance?” she asked, suspicion dawning in her amber eyes.

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