Page 16 of Bite the Power
"You've been an excellent host so far," she said, turning to face him. "I wasn't expecting such... warmth."
The word 'warmth' from her lips made heat spike through his system. "I'm not as rigid as I may appear."
You have no idea how much I'm restraining myself right now,he thought, fighting the urge to pull her against him.
"Good to know." Her smile was soft, almost shy, and it took every ounce of his willpower not to trace the curve of her lips with his thumb.
When they finally reached the dining room, Bjorn and Elora were already seated at the long table that could accommodate thirty but felt intimate with just the four of them. Kaidan pulled out the chair to his right, positioning Tessa close enough that her sweet scent would surround him throughout the meal.
"Thank you." She settled into the seat, and he caught himself memorizing the graceful way she moved.
The staff appeared with dishes of roasted venison, root vegetables, and fresh bread that filled the room with mouth-watering aromas. Kaidan served Tessa, another breach of protocol that earned him a raised eyebrow from Bjorn.
"The increased patrols are in place," Bjorn reported once they'd begun eating. "Though I should mention the clan is feeling stretched thin with the additional human activity."
Kaidan's jaw tightened at the barely veiled criticism. "The clan will adapt to the new circumstances."
"Of course." Bjorn's tone remained respectful, but the tension underneath was sharp enough that even Tessa seemed to notice.
"I hope my presence isn't causing too much disruption," she said diplomatically. "The last thing I want is to create problems for your people."
"You're not the problem," Kaidan said firmly, his gaze holding Bjorn's until his Beta looked away. "Change is difficult for some to accept, but necessary progress rarely comes without resistance."
Elora jumped in to lighten the mood. "Tessa collected some great data today. Tell them about those seismic patterns you noticed."
As Tessa launched into an explanation of the anomalous data, Kaidan found himself completely captivated. Her intelligence shone through every word, her passion for her work evident in the way her hands moved expressively as she spoke. She was brilliant, beautiful, and sitting close enough that he could reach out and touch her.
His bear was becoming increasingly restless, demanding he claim what was rightfully his. The mate bond pulled at him with every breath she took and every gesture she made. He wanted to sweep everything off the table and show her exactly how much she affected him.
Instead, he made himself maintain his kingly composure while allowing glimpses of his charm to surface. "Your expertise will be invaluable in understanding what's happening to our land."
"I hope so. Tomorrow I'd like to investigate the areas showing the most instability." She turned to meet his gaze. "Will that be possible?"
The thought of her venturing into potentially dangerous terrain made his protective instincts flare. "Elora will accompany you again. The terrain can be unpredictable."
"I can handle myself in the field," Tessa said, a hint of steel entering her voice.
"I don't doubt your capabilities." His tone softened with genuine admiration. "But even the most experienced Arctic residents respect the land's ability to turn deadly without warning."
She nodded, seemingly satisfied with his explanation, but he caught Bjorn and Elora exchanging meaningful looks.
When dinner concluded, his Beta and sister made their excuses with suspicious efficiency.
"Early patrol tomorrow," Bjorn announced, rising from his chair.
"And I promised to check on the perimeter sensors," Elora added, her grin barely contained.
Suddenly, Kaidan was alone with Tessa in the spacious dining room, the crackling fireplace casting dancing shadows across her face. Every instinct in his body urged him to take her to his chambers, to finally give in to the mate bond demanding completion.
Instead, he stood and extended his hand. "I should drive you back to the research station. It's getting late."
The words sounded hollow even to his ears, but he couldn't afford to push too hard too fast. She'd been in Frosthaven forbarely twenty-four hours. Revealing the mate bond now would likely send her running back to whatever life she'd left behind.
"Thank you." She placed her hand in his, and the contact sent fire racing up his arm. "For dinner, for the tour, for everything."
As he helped her to her feet, Kaidan realized that taking her home might be the most difficult thing he'd ever done as king.
SEVEN
