Page 75 of Shifting Winds
“There can’t be. This tree is the path for the gods. They need access to it.”
I turned around to face the Shifter Lord. “I’m sorry about this. Maybe it won’t last long here.”
One dark eyebrow rose. “What are the odds of that happening?”
“Admittedly low.”
“How are you feeling?” He hadn’t moved toward me, but his eyes possessed me, everywhere they lingered. Storm clouds brewed in his eyes, and I steeled myself for an argument.
“I’m much better. My power levels are fully recovered and I’m back at work.”
“That’s good.”
It didn’t sound good the way he said it. “You can be angry,” I said softly, “but not at me.”
His nostrils flared. “I don’t require your permission to be furious.”
“No, but I’m not apologizing for telling you to get out.”
“You shouldn’t,” he agreed.
I blinked. “Then why are you pissed off?”
His powerful chest rose in a long breath. “I screwed things up, didn’t I? Things are weird, and I’m not sure how to fix them.”
“Things have always been weird between us.”
He tilted his head in acknowledgment. “Because you have doubts.”
“And if I do?”
“Doubts are normal, but you’re keeping secrets, too.”
“And you aren’t?”
A faint smile. He took a step forward. “I’m a Lord. Secrets are my business.”
“I’m not ready to share everything with you.”
The smile widened. “No one said I wanted everything. But I need more.”
He came closer and rubbed his hands over my arms, his heat soaking through my sweater. Unable to resist, I moved into the circle of his arms. He smelled like the woods, the cold scent of pine in winter. Caelan’s hand curled around my nape, fingers sliding up through my hair.
Sensation tingled against my skin. Every time he touched me, I had the urge to burrow into his skin and never let go.
“Why do you resist?” he murmured, lip against my hair. “You know we’re good together.”
“I’m not good for you.” I tilted my head to look at him, tracing my fingers over his jaw. “And I’m not convinced you’re good for me.”
Caelan stilled. “Oh?” His fingers dug into a knot at the base of my neck.
I whimpered and sagged against him while he used those clever fingers to work it out. My hand slid up his back, tracing the lean muscles close to his spine. “You’re jealous.”
A huff of laughter against my hair. “Guilty. You’re a little crazy.”
I smiled against his chest. “Guilty. You ask too many questions.”
“Mmm. You don’t ask enough.”
