Page 122 of Polestar
Carson’s voice carried across the open space.“News from Pia Jensen.”
Ana turned her head toward the sound of his voice without opening her eyes.
“I called to give her the news that we closed the case, since she helped us out in Montreal, which she was incredibly pleased about and sends her congratulations along with an open invitation to her wedding next summer.”
Ana smiled, pleased by the news.The panther shifter was an excellent agent and deserved happiness.
“So, she and Renni Diaz decided to make it official.Good for them,” Ian said with a grin.“Silky soccer skills, that one.”
“Yeah, he’s a good guy,” Carson said.
Ana turned her attention away from the direction of their conversation as they continued talking about Renni Diaz’s soccer career and the signed jersey he sent to Ian at Carson’s request.
She sighed and adjusted her posture under her beloved sunshine.
A shadow loomed over her, interrupting her sunbathing.
She cracked an eye open to find Magnus’ head blocking her heat source.“You look like a sun god with all that glowing blond hair flowing around your shoulders,” she murmured, accepting the sweating glass of iced tea he’d brought her.
“And you’re my bronzed goddess.”He leaned down to kiss her before claiming the adjacent lounge chair.“How’s your shoulder?”He reached out, grazing his fingers over the healing wound he’d inflicted while in the astral realm.
“It’s fine, for the hundredth time.”
“I still can’t believe that was real.”
“Any regrets?”
He scowled at her.“You know there aren’t.”His lips compressed as he sighed.
It was obvious to her that he wanted to say or ask her something.
She sat up, worried.“I’ve never seen you so hesitant.What is it, Magnus?”
He reached toward her again, his fingers trailing along her bare shoulder next to her bikini halter strap, and cleared his throat.“It’s Barentian tradition for a priest or priestess to perform ritual body art on a mating mark.In our case, a shaman would do it.”
“Oh,” she said, rubbing a hand over her bare shoulder.She caught his fingers and squeezed, seeing how important the matter was to him.She dropped her gaze to his collection of beautifully drawn tattoos adorning his body.“And you think that would be… acceptable?For me to have such an honor?”
“If you like the idea…” he hedged.
“I do.”
“Then yes, I do think it’s acceptable.And I’d be honored that you would consider doing this.”
Ana stood from her lounge chair and slid onto Magnus’ lap, running her fingers through his loose hair.“Aside from the fact I’d do anything for you, I think it’s a beautiful honor and look forward to having my first piece of body art created by a Barentian priest.How much more meaningful could that be?”
He cupped her face and claimed her mouth, expressing how important her acceptance of the matter was to him.
“We should go to our room,” she murmured against his lips.
“We should.”His muscles tensed to stand.
“We got a hit!”Joey Kane said from somewhere behind Ana, excitement in her voice.
Magnus rested his forehead against Ana’s with a sigh, remaining as they were, but turned to give Kane their attention.
With her phone held aloft, Kane strode across the terrace, her swimsuit cover-up flowing around her slim legs.
“We’ve got a lead on a location for another gate!”she said again, eyes sparkling.
