Nadine's Champion (Icehome, #7)

by Ruby Dixon

Sure enough, the bone lands pointing squarely at M'tok once more. It's like fate is just fucking with Callie. I watch as her face falls in shock, and M'tok laughs, gloating. "Come and mouth-mate your hunter, female."

Angie's look turns exasperated. "Did you try talking to her? Just like, saying hello and asking how her day is?" "I have." I think back to the day on the beach, when we ran together. Her smile was so wide then, and she did not even seem to care that she did not win the race. Her smile brightens. "Great, how did that go?" I think of Nadine and how her smile faded when I asked her to be my mate. "I hitted on her," I admit. "I told her I wanted her." Angie just sighs.

I grunt. Perhaps they are right. Perhaps I need to trick Nadine with conversations about simple things…and then I will demand for her to be my mate. "Trickery," I nod. "Wait until her guard is down and then claim her." I wag a finger at Angie. "Very, very clever." She just sighs. "I'm sorry I even tried to help."

“Sometimes it is difficult, but I forced myself to think about what it is I truly want.” He shrugs. “And now I know, and my path is easy.” “What is it you want?” I ask, curious. He looks at me with blazing blue eyes, absurdly bright against his red skin. “You.”

“I’m not kissing you today,” I tell him, breathless. “Tomorrow?” He sounds so hopeful that I can’t help but laugh at his eternal optimism. “Probably not tomorrow, either.” A sly look crosses Thrand’s face. “I bet I can get you to kiss me soon.” I just laugh harder. “It’s always a contest with you.”

"Why were you scared?" "Because I did not know what was going to happen," I bite out at her. I don't know if I'm furious at her or relieved. Both, most likely. "You should have told me." "I did tell you." "You should have told me what sledding was!" I touch my head. "Is my hair gray like Gail? Because you have made me gray."

"You are thinking about your sisters?" The knot in my throat tightens. I nod. Weirdly enough, his observation helps. I feel less alone. I feel seen. Understood.

"How did you know I was sad?" "I watch everything you do. I know how you hold yourself when you are happy, and how you do when you are sad." Thrand tilts his head, watching me. "I learn these things because it is my duty to ensure you are happy. I want to be the best at making you happy."

My eyes sting with tears, but I feel better than I have in a while. "Thank you, Thrand." He reaches up and cups my cheek. "You are allowed to be sad. Just do not let it take all the happiness, too. Life is meant to be enjoyed."

“I wish I could bring them here for you.” It’s the sweetest thing anyone could have ever said to me. I slide my arm around his waist, and it’s nice to just be held. “You don’t have to bring them here. Just help me not forget them.”