Page 112 of Ice Wolf
I cared about Saint more than I should. Actually, I adored him. Okay, I could admit I was in love with him, but he’d toss me aside when this was over. He was a damn good actor, pretending he was hurt by what I’d said.
Not a chance.
I pulled in front of my parents’ house, peering out the windshield at the bright and cheery yellow door my mother had insisted on.
For about a million reasons I had lead in my feet and legs. I wasn’t entirely certain what I was going to say to them. At least the photographs of me lying on the island hadn’t gotten any worse, but I had a terrible nagging in the back of my mind blackmail was on the horizon. That was something I had no clue how to deal with.
I rubbed my hands on my skirt before opening the door of my car. At least I was trying to present myself professionally when I’d been caught fucking the hockey star. Thankfully, most people believed we were engaged. Sadly, there’d been one headline, a reporter calling our engagement a stunt. That meant we’d need to kick up the cleaner heat between us when we were in public.
That was going to be tough since I had no clue if he’d ever consider talking to me again and vice versa. What did I have to say to him? Oh, this was so bad. So very bad.
I threw my hair over my shoulders, plastered a smile on my face, and headed for the door. As soon as I walked in, I was struck by how much Saint’s question had troubled me. I did feel close to him, so much so that when we were anywhere close there was a tremendous reaction. When we were apart, I hungered to be with him. Was that some insane infatuation or was there more to the story?
I found my parents in the den. It was obvious they were waiting for me. What the heck? I might as well jump in with two feet.
“Mom. Dad, I know you’re unhappy with the way I’ve handled Saint Masters, but there are several anomalies that I didn’t expect. I’m not certain anyone could have anticipated them, to be honest with you. I’m dealing with the ramifications, and as you’ve seen on the news there are plenty. However, in doing so, it brought up some questions that I honestly couldn’t answer.”
They said nothing, my mother politely sipping her iced tea. Even my dad was uncharacteristically quiet, which was both disconcerting and annoying and I wasn’t certain why.
“Saint and myself… I mean Mr. Masters and me… Anyway,” I huffed, blowing a strand of hair from my face. My palms werestill sweaty. I was even perspiring under my breasts. “What I’m trying to say is that anyone who meets Saint for the first time is either in awe of the man or can’t stand him. I couldn’t stand him from minute one. So arrogant. So full of himself. Just disgusting. But as required, we started spending some time together. I guess I noticed something entirely different. He seemed sweet, like a Golden Retriever kind of sweet you hear about in romance books.”
Now I was babbling on like some idiot. Great. The day was just getting better and better. What was I saying? My life was just going to hell in a handbasket. I paced the floor, constantly rubbing my hands on my skirt. By the time I made it to the arena, I was going to be a sweaty mess.
“We’re drawn to each other. Maybe like a moth to a flame, but it’s crazy how much I can’t stand being away from him. I don’t get it and no, the way I feel has nothing to do with how hot he is or his savage personality. So…” My hesitation was like a grandfather clock ticking away in an old house. “I’m just going to toss something out there that’s crazy. Certifiable. I’ve heard some things, most of which are disturbing to say the least.”
You can do it. Just ask and be done with it.
My parents were still looking at me blankly. Now my entire body began to crawl.
Here goes.
“Any chance I’m a wolf shifter?”
I took a deep breath and held it while trying to calm my raging pulse. As I slowly blew out, I felt somewhat better that at least I’d had the courage to throw out the most ridiculous question of the year.
Maybe I was riding on lack of oxygen, but it took me a full minute to realize neither one of my parents had said anything. Not a word. No laughter. No guffawing. Nothing.
Tick. Tock.
Tick… Tock.
“Um, Mom. Dad. You’re worrying here a little bit. Don’t be too concerned. I’m not crazy enough to think it’s the truth, but my goodness, there are some nutty pictures out there that seem real. And yes, I know how people can doctor them.” I laughed, surprised that the sound echoed in the room. “Supposedly this other player, the one Saint got into a huge fight with is also a shifter. How crazy it that? To think there are two? Or more. Maybe a pack. That’s why I’m here. Just checking to see if you’ve anything about this. Or if… by chance I’m furry.”
I regretted opening my mouth.
My father cleared his throat. My mother, still very politely or maybe I should say genteelly placed the glass on the coffee table without making a sound. She offered a sweet smile and patted the couch. “Sit down, sweetheart.”
The sound of my mother’s voice was similar to the tone she used when prepared to lecture me on what an idiot I’d been, but… distinctive in an entirely different way.
Daddy wasn’t looking me in the eye nor did he offer a single word. He was staring at my mother with utter love or maybe lust in his eyes. Eeww. Not right now. Not when I was in the middle of a crisis.
I moved around his knees, sitting down carefully. I tried to smile and remain still, but beads of real sweat were running down bothsides of my face. I swatted at them as I would an insect, realizing I was lightheaded.
“I’m glad to see you’re getting along with Saint,” my mother started. “He seems like such a nice boy. I’m certain he’ll treat you right and you’ll have a very happy marriage.”
“Um. The engagement is fake, Mother. I thought you knew that.” When she tossed my father another one of her looks, I did the same. His face was expressionless, but his eyes were telling a different and far too complicated story.
Another twenty seconds floated by.
