Page 38 of Triumph of the Wolf
I wondered if we would ever find out where the case, and the mushroom-shaped artifact inside, belonged. More than once, it had crossed my mind to give them to Bolin since the artifacts had been made by druids, and he and his father were the only druidic types I knew.
“For the record, if something were to happen…” Duncan glanced at me. “I wouldn’t want anything to occur againstyourwishes, but as I’ve made your fine acquaintance and re-contemplated fatherhood of late, I’ve found the notion of a child less unappealing.”
For some reason, my cheeks warmed. Maybe because he’d briefly looked at my chest when he’d remarked on my fine acquaintance. Or maybe just because we were discussing things that could only result once we had—finallyhad—a physical relationship.
“That’s a little surprising,” I said, “given that the kid you’re trying to practice fatherhood on is plotting your demise.”
“Yes, but he accepted the Mickey Mouse canister while doing so.”
“You’re winning him over.”
“I’d like to think so. Anyway—” Duncan waved a vague hand, “—I certainly wouldn’t want to push you into something you’re not interested in, but just know that if you were ever tobecomeinterested… Well, I suppose it’s premature to discuss such things. We haven’t even… not that I don’twantto…” He waved his hand again, his eyes focused on the road.
“Duncan, are you flustered?”
“Certainly not. I’m far too mature and self-assured to feel such an emotion.”
I gazed over at him.
He pinched his thumb and forefinger together in the air. “Perhaps, due to the influence of the medallion, I’m the tiniest bit… disconcerted.”
“My mom complicates it all too.” If not for her, the thought of having more children wouldn’t be occupying any nooks of my mind.
“She does seem to be a complicated—or maybe complicating—woman.”
“She’s from another era,” I said. “And devoted to the safety and continuation of the pack. Never mind that she has full-blooded werewolf grandchildren already, thanks to my half-siblings. They just weren’t born ofyourloins.”
“Terribly distressing for them, I’m certain.”
“Mom is into your old-world blood.”
“Don’t remind me. When I took off my clothes to change into the bipedfuris in her room, she studied me a lot like Abrams always did.”
“Like a scientist, huh?”
“I much prefer the wayyoustudy me.”
“Like a randy housewife ogling a pool boy?”
“Well, like a randy property manager longing for a night of wild abandon after dealing with the demands of needy tenants.”
“That’s less of a simile and more right on point.”
“I figured.” Duncan smiled at me before taking the exit for Monroe.
“Why don’t we do our best to tamp down our randy thoughts today?” I suggested, glancing at his medallion. “And then, after we deal with Abrams and have another date, sans influential magical artifacts, we can let ourselves fully enjoy each other’s company?” We could have done that the night before if not for ghost hunters in the parking lot and Abrams’s kidnapping attempt.
No, not an attempt. He’dsucceededin kidnapping a wolf. Just not the right wolf. I also felt obligated to find Izzy before letting myself have another date.
“Must we deal with him first?” Duncan asked. “He’s a pest. It could take days orweeksbefore I’m able to find him and convince him to leave us alone.”
“If you have a reward waiting for you, then there will be more incentive for you to finish that task quickly.”
“A reward, you say? More mushroom chocolate?”
When he glanced over, I unbuttoned a couple of buttons and let my finger trace the outline of my breast.
“Oh yes, that would be a most appealing reward,” he murmured.
