Page 26 of Taming of a Wolf

Anders says, “I’d be happy to. What is a presentation?”

The last thing I want is for Anders to put himself in an uncomfortable situation. He’s already stressed as is. “Jace, hey, bud. How about you get buckled in? We can discuss this at home.”

Once Jace is in the car and buckled up, I drive us home. Jace challenges Anders to a race up the stairs, and I’m surprisedwhen Anders obliges, grinning like a big kid as they race each other to the fifth floor. Huffing a laugh, I jog after them.

Anders hasn’t known Jace for even a full day, but he’s already better with him than most guys I’ve dated for weeks. Chest tightening with longing, I halt on the stairs. Anders isn’t staying. He isn’t.Staying.I can’t afford to get attached to some guy who clearly has his own motives and priorities.

“Yes!” Jace slaps his palm against the front door. “Beat you!”

“Jace,” I scold lightly, then glance at Anders. He’s panting exaggeratedly. There’s no way my kid brother could have beaten a Viking werewolf. Did Anders let him win?

Damn it. That’s so sweet. And I’m supposed tonotdaydream about a future with him?

“That you did, lad,” Anders says, ruffling Jace’s hair when he comes to stand beside him.

Unlocking the door, I let everyone inside. “Are you hungry?” I ask Jace. I made sure to pack him his usual lunch, so he shouldn’t be.

“Nope. Can I play video games?” He flashes a charming smile.

“For an hour, but then you need to do your homework, okay?”

Jace boots up the PlayStation, then throws himself on the sofa. “Got it!”

Chuckling, Anders says, “He’s a good lad.”

“The best brother a guy could ask for,” I say, smiling as Jace starts playingRachet & Clank.

Anders sniffs his underarm. “Where is the nearest hot spring?”

“We don’t have those here, but you can use my shower.”

“A… shower?”

“Yeah. You know. A bath.”

Anders cocks his head. “Is it Laugardagr?”

I have to google on my phone what the hell that word means. Turns out it’s an old Norse word for Saturday. “No. Why?”

“It’s wash day.”

“Nowadays, most people bathe at least every day.”

His eyes widen. “Every day? But that’s such a waste of water!”

“No, no! It’s okay. We have plenty of water here.” I show Anders where the bathroom is. “How about you give me your clothes. I’ll wash them.”

Anders arches a brow. “You do this all yourself? Don’t you have any thralls to do your chores for you?”

“You mean like a maid or something? Yeah, I wish I could afford to pay a cleaner. This place seriously needs it.”

He sighs. “Fine. I suppose I can wash my own linens. Is there a river around here?”

A snort of laughter escapes me. “I have a washer and dryer in my unit. Just strip. I’ll take care of it.”

Anders undresses, grumbling about how I shouldn’t be washing his clothes. His eyes widen when I turn the tap and water gushes into the tub. “You don’t have to gather water? It fills itself?” He marvels at the water, running a hand curiously through it. “It’s so warm!” He adjusts the knob and gasps when the temperature drops. “Hot and cold at the turn of a knob! Odin’s beard, this is astonishing!”

I grin at his enthusiasm. For such a scary-looking guy, he really is adorable. “There are towels on the rack, and I have a spare comb there. I’ll do your laundry.” I leave Anders to his own devices and get the washer running.

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