Page 17 of Blades of Ice

“That’s because I have. I don’t have a license, but one of my uncles is a pilot, and he taught any of us who wanted to learn.”

Beck shook his head, grinning. “You’re amazing.”

Lydia didn’t think so. As far as her Clan went, she wasn’t anything special. She wasn’t an experienced hacker like Carleigh. She wasn’t a brilliant scientist or painter like Connor. She wasn’t a kickass private investigator like Anthony or Tabitha. She wasn’t a leader like Sebastian. Hell, her brother Locke, who was only seventeen, was more of a badass than she was at twenty-seven. She had several usable skills, but those were mediocre at best.

When their target landing zone came into view, Beck asked if she wanted to land the plane. “Not by myself. You do the work, and I’ll hold on to feel your movements.”

Beck turned the comms back on so he could speak to the passengers, telling them they would be landing in ten minutes. Lydia kept her hands on the yoke and paid attention to everything Beck did to lower the Cessna until the floats glided across the water. When they neared the dock, Beck explained using the wind and water current to slow the craft. He dropped the anchor and waited for the plane to settle.

Lydia removed her harness and headset, then put on her parka before climbing out. She spoke to the passengers while Beck removed their luggage from the storage compartment, and shook hands with them before directing the group to the area where they would catch a shuttle to their lodging.

Beck pulled Lydia into his arms and pressed his nose to her neck. She shivered at the contact. Beck leaned his head up. “Are you cold?”

“No. Having your mouth anywhere near my shoulder gives my Goyle ideas.”

“Sexy ideas?” Beck rasped.

“Mating ideas.” Lydia cupped his cheek. “You want to tell me what you and your sister were arguing about?” She didn’t want to talk about mating out in the open. It was hard enough keeping her hands to herself without thoughts of sex and the mate bond added in.

Beck wrapped his arm around her waist and got them moving away from the plane in the direction the passengers had gone. “Chloe is now missing as well. When I suggested Delaney call their father, she lost her shit. Even though he instigated the new Queen fighting for our pack back in BC, my sisters don’t view him as the evil incarnate I do. Laney pretty much said that’sthe way things are done, so him being the reason we had to pack up and move doesn’t faze her.”

“Oh, before I forget again, there was someone with Boyd last night. I couldn’t see them well because they had on a hoodie. The two were arguing, and before I thought to listen in on their conversation, Boyd shifted and roared. That’s when I took off back to my car.”

“How tall was this person?”

“Shorter than Boyd by about eight or nine inches? I was studying their profile in case they turned toward the window.”

“Shit. That could’ve been Chloe.”

“Do you think Boyd would harm his own daughter? It may explain why she’s missing.”

“It depends on how desperate he is. Since Valerie dismissed Boyd, I doubt he has her financial backing. Instead of getting a job, he’s probably looking for a handout.” Beck stopped outside the small marina store and pulled out his phone, ordering a ride. “If that was Chloe you saw, she might have turned down whatever he asked of her.”

“Then we’ll go confront him. You are bigger than him, and I’m not unable to defend myself.”

Beck led them to where the ride share would pick them up. He pressed his mouth to her ear. “I know you’re a badass, but that little dagger of yours won’t touch a fully-shifted bear.”

“Then I’ll bring out my sword.”

“Metal will only piss us off. It takes a special kind of blade to harm a polar bear. One made of ice.”

Lydia glanced down at her bracelets. Would they become what she needed? She couldn’t test her theory out in the open, but as soon as they were somewhere private, she would put the intent out there and pray to the gods or whatever goddess Luna worshipped that she had what she needed.

Chapter 8

Beck didn’t wantLydia anywhere near Boyd, even if she had been trained to fight. When she mentioned having a sword, she fussed with the silver bangle bracelets she always wore. It was something she did often. They didn’t look special, so maybe they were a touchstone. Sitting across from her at the café gave him time to study her. She no longer wore her diamond studs. She had swapped them for basic silver hoops. Instead of the straight ponytail, Lydia’s hair was loose and wavy. Her makeup, while subtle, was heavier than it had been the day before. She was stunning both ways.

“Did you get any sleep last night?”

Lydia craned her neck to frown at him. “Why? Do I not look like it?”

Beck squeezed her against his side. “You look beautiful. But it was late when I left, and you had to drive two hours to get to Seward.”

“I didn’t even try. I was too wired. I did a little computer work. I’m a freelance graphic designer when I’m not off on wild adventures.”

“Have many of those, do you?” Beck didn’t miss the way Lydia tensed. He wondered if she was thinking about whatever happened she didn’t want to discuss. He hadn’t liked seeing the haunted look behind her eyes earlier. “Hey.” Beck turned her so she was pressed against his chest. He tipped her chin up, garnering her full attention. “No matter what it is that has you spooked, it’s in the past, yeah?”

Lydia didn’t respond. Instead, she closed her eyes and pressed her forehead to his chest. Beck kissed her hair and held her tight until their ride pulled to the curb. He opened the door and followed her into the back seat. They were quiet on the short drive to Dooley’s. When they arrived, he took her hand and led her to the door. It opened as they were ascending the steps.

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