Page 8 of Bite the Power
Tessa set down her coffee mug, the weight of her situation beginning to settle around her like a heavy cloak. She'dcome here expecting challenging environmental research, not to find herself caught between supernatural political factions and human discrimination.
What exactly have I gotten myself into?
But even as the question formed, she felt a familiar spark of determination ignite in her chest. She'd faced hostile academic environments, dismissive male colleagues, and career setbacks that would have broken lesser scientists. A few territorial shapeshifters weren't going to scare her away from the opportunity of a lifetime.
"Well," she said, meeting Eli's concerned gaze with a grin that felt more confident than she actually felt. "I came here to solve your problems. Looks like I'll just have to solve a few more than I bargained for."
The sound of approaching snowmobiles suddenly cut through the Arctic silence like a knife, their engines growing louder until they stopped just outside the research station. Tessa exchanged a glance with Eli.
"That would be Gerri," Eli said, moving toward the window.
The door burst open with the force of a small hurricane, bringing with it a swirl of snow and the unmistakable energy of Gerri Wilder. She stood in the doorway wearing what could only be described as designer Arctic couture—a sleek white coat with silver trim that probably cost more than Tessa's monthly salary, paired with boots that somehow managed to look both practical and impossibly stylish.
"Tessa, darling!" Gerri's voice rang out with characteristic warmth as she swept into the station, her blue eyes already gleaming with that familiar golden glint. "How are you settling in? Getting used to this little slice of paradise?"
"It's certainly not what I expected," Tessa replied. "Though I have to say, the beauty of this place is?—"
Her words died in her throat as a second figure filled the doorway. The man who entered behind Gerri was... devastating. There was no other word for it. He towered over everyone in the room at what had to be six-foot-three, his broad shoulders and muscular frame filling out a jacket that seemed impossibly thin for the brutal cold outside. His golden blonde hair caught the light from the overhead fixtures, and his rugged beard framed a face that belonged in ancient Norse legends. But it was his eyes that stopped her cold—piercing ice-blue and so intense they seemed to see straight through her.
Holy hell,Tessa thought, her pulse suddenly racing.Who is this man?
He moved with the fluid confidence of someone accustomed to command, every gesture radiating authority and barely contained power. There was something almost predatory about the way he surveyed the room, as if cataloging every detail for potential threats.
"Tessa," Gerri said, her voice practically bubbling with barely suppressed delight, "I'd like you to meet Kaidan Veyr. King of Frosthaven."
King.The title settled over him like a mantle, explaining the commanding presence that seemed to fill the entire room. Tessa tried to gather her scattered wits, reminding herself that she was a respected scientist, not some swooning damsel.
"Your Majesty," she managed, stepping forward and extending her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you."
When his large hand enveloped hers, the contact sent what felt like an electric shock racing up her arm. His skin was warm despite the cold environment, and in that moment, his ice-blue eyes widened slightly, as if he'd felt the same jolt of... something.
What the hell was that?Tessa wondered, trying to ignore the way her breath had caught in her throat.
"Dr. Monroe," Kaidan's voice was deep with an edge of formality that didn't quite mask something more intense underneath. "Welcome to Frosthaven. We're grateful for your willingness to assist with our... environmental challenges."
He held her hand perhaps a moment longer than strictly necessary before releasing it, and Tessa had to resist the urge to flex her fingers to chase away the tingling sensation his touch had left behind.
"And I can ensure your protection during your stay," he continued, his tone becoming more businesslike. "If you need anything—assistance, resources, security—don't hesitate to reach out."
Tessa blinked, surprised by the offer. "That's very gracious of you. I imagine a king has more pressing matters to attend to than babysitting visiting scientists."
Something that might have been amusement flickered across his features. "Your safety is hardly babysitting, Dr. Monroe."
"Well, aren't you just the perfect gentleman," Gerri interjected with a grin that was pure mischief. "Though I should mention, Tessa, that this is one of those mysterious men with ice in their veins I told you about last night."
Kaidan's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, and he shot Gerri a look that could have frozen the entire Arctic Ocean. "I prefer 'focused on duty' to 'ice in veins,' Gerri."
"Same thing," Gerri waved dismissively. "All work and no play, this one. But don't worry, dear, underneath all that kingly responsibility beats the heart of a man who just needs the right woman to thaw him out."
Tessa nearly choked on her own breath, heat flooding her face as she scrambled for something to say that wouldn't make this incredibly awkward situation worse. "I'm sure His Majesty has his hands full with running a kingdom. I understand completely about demanding careers."
"See?" Gerri clapped her hands together delightedly. "You two already understand each other. And Kaidan, surely the mighty king of the Arctic can spare some time to show our guest around? A personal tour from royalty—how exciting would that be?"
Kaidan's expression grew even more rigid, if that was possible. He looked like a man trapped between duty and desire, uncertain how to navigate the treacherous waters Gerri had just thrown him into. "I... have patrol reports to review. Border security to coordinate."
"Of course," Tessa said quickly, desperate to give him an escape route and herself time to process whatever the hell had just happened between them. "I'm sure we'll both be far too busy to socialize much. I have mountains of data to analyze."
"Exactly," Kaidan agreed, perhaps a bit too readily. "Though... I will check in periodically. To ensure you have everything you need."
