Page 78 of Into the Lion's Den (Secrets of the Northland Shifters)

I turned toward the sound, thinking maybe we should ignore it. It probably wasn’t a good idea for the boss to be in his employee’s bedroom, but Reese stormed toward the door and yanked it open. “Yes?”

It was Sam. He didn’t look surprised to see Reese, though his expression turned concerned when he spotted me standing at the foot of the bed. “Everything okay, Sarah?”

“What is it?” Reese's tone was more aggressive than I'd ever heard it before.

“The rain’s stopped and the clouds have cleared,” Sam said.

“You interrupted me for a weather report?”

“In another hour, we’re going to take the party over to the bluffs. The northern lights are supposed to be visible tonight. I was going to ask if you two wanted to join us, but...maybe not?”

“Not,” Reese said.

“Yes,” I said. “I’d like to go.”

Reese turned toward me with his eyebrows knitted.

I, however, was grateful for the breather. I couldn’t think clearly when he was so close.

“Great!” Sam said. “I’ll text Angel to swing one of the wagons around to pick you up.” He left and closed the door.

Reese squared off with me. “All of a sudden you want to make a public appearance?”

“It’s dark out now, and I can wear a hoodie. No one will get a good look at me, and I’ve never seen the northern lights. It’ll be a first.”

He closed the space between us and wrapped his arms around my waist. “You’ve already had one significant first-time experience today. Maybe you should save something for later.”

“Iamsaving something for later.” Something that I could feel long, thick, and hard pressed against my stomach.

His eyes nearly glowed, understanding my insinuation. “You promise you’re not looking to escape me again?”

“I didn’t escape you.” I was getting a good idea that that would be impossible, even if I wanted to. “And, honestly, I’m not sure of anything. But I need to slow this down for my own sanity.”

Something primal burned in the depths of his clear green eyes. I didn’t completely understand what it was meant to communicate. But I knew any reprieve he gave me, was destined to be short.

32

REESE

Five days later I was wound so tight I actuallyflinchedwhen I sensed someone standing in my doorway. I looked up to find Joe Turnbull with a bottle of Jameson in his hand.

“Like I promised,” he said.

“You won Best Ball at that charity golf tournament?” I tried to keep my tone light, but the truth was, there was nothing light about me anymore. I was a man on the edge and the cracks were beginning to show, not only to my in-the-know siblings, but to my employees as well.

It hadn't escaped my notice that every time I crossed the grounds, those in my path hurried to get out of the way.

“Well...” Joe said sheepishly. “No. I didn't win. I went to the liquor store.”

I forced a laugh and waved him in. I could stand a drink. Hell, I could stand the whole bottle. Maybe that would drown out the mating urge. The only reason I’d been able to get any work done that morning was because Sarah hadn’t been around.

“And good thing too,” Joe said. “The winner got a bottle of Maker’s Mark, and your dad’s favorite whiskey was Jameson. If we’re going to drink a toast to his birthday, he’d want us to do it right.”

I pinched my lips together. My moods had been so volatile lately, I’d been trying really hard not to think about the date too much. It was our first time celebrating Dad’s birthday without him. But ultimately, I stood from behind my desk and said, “Sure. Absolutely.”

Joe sat on the couch and set the bottle on the end table. “You got your hair cut.”

“Yeah. Finally.” I went to the kitchen to get a handful of shot glasses, just in case some of my siblings also swung by.

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