Page 57 of Polestar
They were already inside the stronghold at the heart of Barentia.
They didn’t have to commit to the lie to fulfill their mission.They’d just needed access to the stronghold and territory.And they had it.
But, they still needed to confirm Barentian contact with the sigil to understand what happened to Aksel.
Here, now, can we still get that information without signing the book?
Studying the script, some part of herwantedto sign it.
“We can turn back now if that’s whatyouwant.I’ll understand.The past hasn’t been kind to either of us.”
It hadn’t.
Magnus’ politically contracted wife had turned against him.Ulla had alienated him from his son, his father, and his clan.
Ana had been rejected by the man she’d thought was the love of her life.Although she and Antony had been together for many years, he’d never talked of their future together.They’d been little more than friends sharing a bed until she’d lost him to the ocean.Maybe he had always known his fate was with the sea.
After she’d lost her mother and Gran and then Antony, Ana had been alone, except for her growing family at the GPSA.
Magnus had also been alone, with the exception of those that worked for the Organization—the parent of the GPSA.
We understand each other.
When Magnus touched her, she wanted him toalwaysbe touching her.
She’d never experienced this level of connection with anyone before.Not even Antony.
Did Magnus feel it too?Or was she just becoming infatuated with the big, stoic polar bear shifter?
After all, how long had they known each other?A week?Less?
Does it matter?
She’d experienced so much in the last year, seen so much—too much.
When she looked into Magnus’ eyes, sheknewit was the same for him.
Could either of them ever truly have a ‘normal’ life?Even after they closed this case?
Ifthey closed this case.
Ana didn’t think she could.She didn’t even know what a ‘normal’ life even meant anymore.
But she did know something.Now.She looked up into Magnus’ eyes.
Her heart pounded in her chest, blood roaring through her.Tears sprang to her eyes as she realized, truly, that she wanted this man.
If they were to commit their names to that precious book on the Registrar’s desk, she didn’t want it to be a lie.
It shouldn’t be.
She blinked away the threatening tears and tried to offer an encouraging smile that told him he didn’t need to sign the book.
The registrar forgotten; Ana stood transfixed as Magnus’ large hand reached for her cheek.Her eyes fell closed at the feel of his warm fingers caressing her jaw to cradle her nape.His lips brushed hers.
He kissed the corner of her mouth, her cheek and his warm breath tickled her ear as he whispered, “I would sign that book in a heartbeat, if it meant that your name was recorded next to mine for all of Barentian time.”
Her breath hitched as she leaned her cheek into his palm, relishing the feel of his skin on hers.
