Page 14 of Bite the Power
Elora's laughter carried across the ice. "Right. And maybe polar bears are just oversized teddy bears."
As they finally turned back toward the research station, both women were physically exhausted but exhilarated. The day had yielded valuable data and, more importantly for Tessa, a growing sense of connection to this harsh but magnificent landscape.
"Thanks for today," Tessa said as the station came into view. "I was a little worried about shifters, but you've made me feel welcome."
"Most of us aren't as scary as we pretend to be," Elora replied with a grin.
SIX
KAIDAN
Kaidan positioned himself behind a ridge of ice as he tracked every movement Tessa and Elora made across the treacherous terrain below. He shouldn't be here. He'd specifically assigned Elora as Tessa's guide to avoid exactly this situation—his overwhelming need to personally ensure his mate's safety.
Mate.The word sent a jolt through his system every time his mind formed it.
Twenty-four hours ago, he'd been a disciplined king focused solely on protecting his territory and people. Now he crouched in the snow like some lovesick adolescent, unable to concentrate on anything except the woman whose sweet floral scent still lingered in his memory.
This was precisely why he'd avoided searching for his fated mate for so long. He'd witnessed what the mate bond did to other shifters—the complete upheaval of priorities and the dangerous distraction from duty. As king, he couldn't afford such weakness.
Yet here he was, abandoning his responsibilities to follow Tessa around like a territorial animal.
His polar bear prowled restlessly beneath his skin, demanding he get closer to her. The primal urge was becoming harder to ignore with each passing hour. Last night had been torture—every instinct telling him to return to the research station and bring her back to his palace where she'd be safe. Where she'd behis.
The rational part of his mind recognized how problematic this obsession was becoming. Bjorn had already given him several questioning looks this morning, and he'd caught whispered conversations between clan members that died the moment he entered a room. It wouldn't be long before everyone realized their king was compromised.
But watching Tessa move across the ice with such confidence and grace, seeing how naturally she read the environmental cues that would keep her alive in his territory... she belonged here. She belonged with him.
The moment Tessa and Elora disappeared into the research station, Kaidan began counting. He forced himself to wait exactly two minutes before following, his control stretched to its breaking point.
This is beyond forward,he acknowledged as he approached the station's door.But I can't spend another minute away from her.
He knocked firmly, his heart hammering in a way that would have embarrassed him under any other circumstances.
Eli opened the door, his eyebrows rising in surprise. "Kaidan. What brings you by?"
Behind Eli, Kaidan could see Tessa and Elora pulling off their parkas, their cheeks flushed from the cold. Tessa's long dark hair had escaped from its ponytail, framing her face in waves that made his fingers itch to touch.
"Just happened to be in the neighborhood," Kaidan said, fighting to keep his voice casual.
Elora burst into laughter. "Sure. The same neighborhood you've been lurking in all afternoon?"
He shot his sister a warning look. "I thought it would be a nice gesture to invite Tessa to dinner at the palace tonight. Help her get better acquainted with Frosthaven."
"How unusually hospitable of you," Elora said, her blue eyes sparkling.
Kaidan's glare intensified. "Watch yourself."
Elora raised her hands in mock surrender, but her grin didn't fade.
Tessa stepped forward. "That's very kind, but I don't want to impose?—"
"No imposition at all." The words came out more forcefully than he'd intended, his alpha nature bleeding through his attempted charm.
Eli waved a dismissive hand. "I'll stay here and organize today's data. Tessa collected some fascinating readings."
Pride swelled in Kaidan's chest at the praise for his mate's work. "Excellent." He turned his attention back to Tessa, drinking in the sight of her flushed cheeks and bright green eyes. "Are you ready now?"
Uncertainty flickered across her features, but he caught something else there too—anticipation. The same magnetic pull he felt seemed to affect her as well.
