Page 106 of Ice Wolf
“We’ve done everything right from building this neighborhood to our recreational center.”
He almost spit out his beer. “You mean hunting grounds.”
I shrugged. “Almost no one goes hunting any longer. There’s no need to. We can get all the meat we need at Costco. Plus, the flavor is much better than day-old deer or a week-old squirrel. God, I hate squirrel.” I could almost still taste the last squirrel I’d been goaded into eating since I’d lost a bet.
“There are some old timers who enjoy sitting down with a fresh kill. You know how Granddad was. A true artist when it came to gutting deer.”
We both made a face. “That’s not our generation. Why should we be saddled with what our ancestors did? If you think about it, what’s being said is discrimination.”
He eyed me with an amused look on his face. “O-kay. I’m not certain you’ll find the shifter group added to a list of minorities.”
“Yeah, maybe not, but why hound us?”
“Because they want a story. My God. Why am I telling you this? Anyway, don’t you think it’s a little dangerous bringing your fake or real fiancée here to spend more than a couple hours?”
“I warned her to stay out of the woods.”
He choked on the swallow of beer, spitting the liquid all over me. Now I’d stink like stale beer and mayo. Great. “If she’s as smartas she appears to be. Don’t you think that might force her into asking all kinds of questions?”
“Nothing I can’t handle.”
“Oh, I want to see that. Plus, you know our neighbor Charlie Simpkins. He can’t keep his human skin on to save his life. He spends almost every weekend in the buff grilling hamburgers. It’s just the oddest thing in the world. If you’re standing on our balcony, you can see him clear as day. Not a good look for keeping our secret lives private. Then there’s Jenny and her husband Tom. They never close their blinds and like to do the nasty in the buff. Our next-door neighbor, Jeff. I don’t think you’ve met him. The dude has parties every other weekend and let me tell you, some of the hottest female wolves are always hanging on the man. He’s the real playboy. Not you.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
“Because people feel free to be themselves in this neighborhood. That’s why they pay a hefty fee to live here. And can you imagine what would happen if Lily just happened to be looking out the window and noticed a naked shifter wearing a chef’s apron grilling burgers and dogs over a hot coal fire? If you jeopardize the community’s freedom, you’re going to have an entire list of wolf shifters beating down your door.”
Wincing, I realized I hadn’t thought the escape through. “I’ll keep her busy. Plus, the first game is in Tampa Bay with the Gators.”
“Ouch. Another favorite team.”
“I can handle them.” I wasn’t worried about the Gators. They were all mouth and no follow through. The real rivalry was with the Denver Devils. And my hatred for Rocco the son of a bitchLorenzo. We went way back and not in a nice way. Every time we sparred, blood had to be cleaned off the ice.
“I bet they’ll handle you in the press if you know what I mean. I heard about the shit with Rocco. Man, oh, man. You’re beginning to lose control.” Steven eyed me carefully.
“He’s a goddamn shifter with attitude.”
“So what? He’s worried someone will notice his super strengths like you should be. Plus, he’s refusing to mate.”
“How the hell do you know this?”
My brother shrugged. “I pay attention.” When I cocked my head, the action insinuating I knew better, he laughed. “Okay, I might have had a couple casual dates with his sister. Nothing long-term, just a fling.”
“You fucked Rocco’s sister?”
“A hottie herself. What’s wrong with that.”
“Let me guess. She thought you wanted more.”
He took a sip of beer, his gaze turning sheepish. “Oops.”
“Fuck you. No wonder the man hates me.”
“He hates you because you’re a much better player. He goads you because you let him.”
“He fucking wants my woman.”
“Now you’re sounding like the Neanderthal I knew you to be. Maybe you should share how you feel with the woman you insist means nothing to you. If you don’t, someone else is going to realize what a catch she is.”
