Page 12 of Blades of Ice

Beck stared without speaking for a few seconds. He nodded once, as if deciding he could trust her. “That is a long story, andI’d rather not tell it this close to where he’s staying. Can we go somewhere to talk?”

Absolutely.

Are you purring? Goyles don’t purr.

We do in the presence of our mate. He’s yummy. Take him to the lodge.

You’re a hussy. You know that?

“Lydia?”

“Sorry. My, uh, other half was putting in her two cents. Where would you suggest we go? I don’t know the area well.”

“Where are you staying? Could we go there?”

“I’m at the Wilton Lodge. Do you know it?”

“Can’t say that I do. I’ve never ventured into Sterling before tonight, but if it’s okay with you, I’ll follow you there.” Beck held up a hand. “I promise to be on my best behavior.”

If Lydia wanted to get to know her mate, now was as good a time as any to get started. If he truly was her fated mate, which all indications said he was, then he wouldn’t hurt her. “Okay.”

Beck smiled, and it was glorious. “Are you feeling better?” he asked as they headed toward their vehicles.

“That, too, is a long story, but I promise to tell you when we’re at the lodge.”

“You’re not pregnant, are you? I can only handle one female with child in my life.”

Lydia stopped and turned to face Beck. “You got someone pregnant?”

“What? Oh. No, I’m talking about my sister. I, uh, I’m not dating anyone.” Beck walked in front, pushing limbs out of the way ensuring she didn’t get smacked in the head. It was a sweet gesture.

“That’s good, and no, I’m not pregnant. I’m not dating anyone either.” Lydia thanked the gods for that small favor. She had gone out with a few humans over the years. She’d evenslept with a couple because females had needs too, dammit, but knowing she had a fated mate in the world made relationships impossible. When they reached the edge of the woods, Lydia turned right. “I’m parked up there.” She pointed to where she’d hidden her rental.

“I’ll escort you, if that’s okay.” Beck eyed the dagger, but Lydia wasn’t returning it to her wrist yet. She wrapped her free hand around his massive bicep, and his mouth twitched again. She’d known Beck was strong when he lifted her easily, and if he was a polar bear shifter, that made sense. It also explained why he had moved from BC to Alaska. She couldn’t imagine him living in the South. A shifter such as himself wouldn’t want to move somewhere warm. Lydia stumbled at that realization. Beck steadied Lydia, and she shot him a thankful smile even though her heart hurt. Could she live thousands of miles away from her family?

She let go of his arm and removed the key fob from her pocket. When she beeped the lock, Beck opened the door for her. “How far is the lodge?”

“About ten miles.”

Beck pushed her hair off her shoulder before stepping back. “I’ll see you there.” Once Lydia was seated, he closed the door and waited for her to start the engine. Only then did he walk back the way they’d come. Lydia watched him in the side mirror, admiring the way his jeans hugged his thick legs.

“Dayum.” Grinning, she whispered the words that returned the dagger to her arm. Lydia pulled away from the shoulder and did a three-point turn. Beck’s truck had seen better days, and that had her thinking of his living conditions. Was he well-off, or did he struggle? Lydia had enough money for both of them plus any kids they might have. She came into a sizeable trust upon turning eighteen, and that money was invested by her cousinDeklan. Dek had learned all about investing from Michael “Sixx” Gentry who happened to be Desmond Rothchild’s father.

Lydia stopped at the end of the road until Beck’s headlights shone in her rearview. She turned left and followed the directions back to the lodge. Her palms sweated against the steering wheel thinking about being alone with Beck. Did polar bear shifters have fated mates? And if not, would he accept that he was hers? She wanted to call Carleigh and tell her about Beck, but it was only five on the East Coast. No, she would wait until after they talked to fill her cousin in. The drive was quick and slow at the same time, and when she parked outside her small cottage, her heart was beating double-time. Beck angled out of his truck and walked around to open her door. She hadn’t been waiting on him to do so. She was trying to calm down. With the door open, she had no choice but to get out. Beck held out his hand, and Lydia grabbed her purse off the passenger seat, then placed her free hand in his large palm, warmth spreading through her at the contact. Her Goyle was purring again.

Lydia didn’t turn loose. She kept a tight grip on her mate as she led him down the short sidewalk. Only when she reached the door did she let go so she could dig the keycard out of her bag. Once inside, she flipped on the overhead light. Before leaving, Lydia had left a couple of lamps on, but with Beck in the room, she wanted him illuminated so she could take in every single feature of the male. She tossed her purse and the key on the dresser.

“Would you like a drink? I have beer, soda, and water.”

“Whatever you’re having is fine.” Beck removed his jacket and touched the gouge marks. Lydia would buy him a new one to make up for it. He tossed the garment on the back of a chair as he looked around the cottage. It had a small kitchen and living room with two bedrooms. She and Cailín had chosen the cottage instead of a regular room since they didn’t know how long they’dbe staying. With a full kitchen, they’d gone shopping so they could cook instead of eating out all the time.

Lydia grabbed two beers and popped the top off both. When she handed his over, Beck wrapped his fingers around hers before sliding them up to the neck of the bottle. “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome. Want to sit over here?” Lydia didn’t wait for him to answer. She took a seat at one end of the sofa and angled toward the other end. Beck eased his large body down and faced her.

“So…?”

Lydia took a deep pull off the cold brew. “Where should we start?”

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