Page 56 of Trick Me
“So many. Sven’s already got a list. His grandmother died last year, and he’s convinced she hid money somewhere.”
“He’s probably right. Grandmothers always hide money. It’s like a universal law. Tucked in an envelope, behind an ugly ceramic figurine.”
I laugh, but mostly I just watch how she walks beside me like she’s always belonged here. She makes this place feel less like a fortress and more like a future.
“We’re having a welcoming feast tonight,” I say. “Nothing too formal. Just the pack celebrating that their Alpha is finally moving in with his mate.”
She halts for half a second, then looks up at me through her lashes, a grin pulling at her lips. “You know I love it when you call me that.Mate. Say it again.”
I lean in, lips brushing her ear. “My mate.”
She shivers, eyes a little glassy now. “That still gets me.”
I lead her toward the market square. And fuck, I want to kiss her. Right here, in front of everyone. I want her scent on my mouth, her breath in my lungs.
The square is alive with activity. Vendors shout greetings. Kids chase each other between carts. Freshbread, handmade knives, furs, herbs, charms—it’s all here. Everything we need. We’ve learned to be self-sufficient. Many of us also want to live like our ancestors did… off the land, supporting one another.
“This place is perfect, and one reason I love coming here,” she murmurs, eyes wide with wonder. She nudges me with a soft smile. “Well… second reason. You’re the first.” Then she grins. “Okay, and also because of Mikael. Your bestie hangs around here now and won’t stop spilling stories about your past.”
I groan, already smiling. “Yeah, well, we’re going to have a little chat, the three of us, about what he can and can’t reveal.”
She laughs. “He told me you once tried to impress a girl by setting the training grounds on fire.”
“I was fifteen,” I says, dragging a hand down my face. “And it was controlled fire.” I pause, then gestures ahead to change the topic. “We’ve got schools, a medical center, a forge, and even decided to build a library.”
She tilts her head, looking absolutely adorable.
“And you’re the only natural medium in this pack. We’re going to need more books on ghosts,” I explain.
“Gods, you’re so romantic,” she deadpans. “Build me a library, Daddy.”
Heat flares low in my spine. I step in closer, until our bodies are almost touching. “Careful. You can’t say shit like that and expect me to behave.”
“Oh, is that so?” Her voice drops half an octave. “I just expect you to wait until I say when.”
Fuck. Me.
She pulls back with a dangerous smirk, then strolls over to a flower stall. The old woman running it brightens immediately and starts peppering her with questions about a deceased brother who still won’t leave the damn attic. I stay where I am, watching her work.
She tilts her head when listening to spirits. Softens her voice when delivering messages. Smiles with that wicked, knowing curve that says she sees things no one else can.
And for all the power humming beneath her skin, she is gentle.
Perfect here.
Perfect everywhere.
Just… perfect.
I catch her eyes across the stall, and she holds my gaze like she’s tethered to it. Something invisible hums between us. Not just the soul merge. Not just the magic. But something deeper. Wilder.
She mouths,You’re staring.
I mouth back,I can’t help it.
She lifts a flower to her nose, sniffing it dramatically.
I raise a brow.
