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S ometimes Fane hated himself.

He’d recognized the young earth fada immediately. Hell, he’d just seen her a couple of weeks ago at his daughter’s mate-bond ritual.

Evie had mated with a Baltimore fada named Jace, and Marjani Savonett had attended with her alpha brother. But Fane had used his Gift to blend into the crowd, so no one but Evie and Jace had known he was present.

His focus had been on Evie, his heart full. How had this daughter he barely knew grown up so strong and smart and pretty?

But he’d spared a glance or two for the slim, dark-eyed shifter.

He’d followed Marjani from the minute she’d arrived in Iceland.

His orders had come from the ice fae king himself, a terse message scrawled on magical paper that dissolved as Fane read it: An earth fada female will arrive today from Baltimore. Watch her, and inform me of her movements.

No name, but as he’d told Marjani, it was easy to pick an earth fada out of a crowd.

Sindre had not suggested Fane meet Marjani. In fact, the king would be displeased to find his envoy had taken his own initiative. And Fane had had enough of Sindre’s displeasure to last a lifetime.

But he hadn’t been able to resist approaching the sexy little earth fada. Something about her drew him, despite the fact she was almost feral, her cougar close to the surface.

Her shaved head showed off her fine features and catlike eyes. Her skin was a smooth honey-brown—Evie had mentioned that the Savonetts' mom had been from Jamaica—and her lean body vibrated with suppressed energy.

His mind filled with erotic pictures. Marjani beneath him, or maybe astride so he could run his hands over that smooth, beautiful skin…absorb her warmth…take some of that vital energy into himself. Kiss those lush lips that seemed made for a man’s mouth.

He saw her hand slide beneath the table, heard the quiet snick as she released the blade. So she had a weapon—probably more than one.

He almost grinned. He was a wayfarer. She might have a shifter’s fast reflexes, but he’d bet he was quicker.

When he promised that he meant her no harm, it was the truth. He was a quarter fae, enough that he couldn’t lie without making himself miserably ill. But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t carry news of her to someone who did mean her harm.

Sometimes Fane hated himself.

He gave her a crooked smile and set about coaxing information from her.

“Jani.” He repeated her name, rolling it on his tongue. The short, sassy nickname suited her. “I like it. So what brings you to Iceland?” He expected evasion, and he wasn’t disappointed.

“I’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights.”

Summer was the wrong time of year for viewing them, which she had to know. But he played along. “Not much chance of that in July. The peak time is November to February, although I’ve seen them as early as September first. They’re a sight worth seeing.”

“Maybe I’ll get lucky.”

“Maybe you will.” His mouth edged up. Was she flirting with him? But no, she fastened her gaze on her sandwich and took a bite without looking at him.

“So you’re heading north?” he asked, but she didn’t take the bait. Then he took a chance and offered her a ride in his SUV.

He realized his mistake as soon as the words left his mouth.

“Look.” She settled back in her chair, mirroring him, but with her muscles tight, battle ready. “I don’t know you. If you want to share a table with me, fine. But why I’m here and how I get around is none of your fucking business.”

“You’re right. I’m just making conversation.”

When she scowled, he waved an encouraging hand at her. “Now suppose you ask why I’m here. It’s called small talk—give it a try.”

The corner of her mouth twitched. “Because you live here?”

“Me? No. I visit from time to time, that’s all. I love the hot springs. Did you stop at the Blue Lagoon on your way in from the airport?”

“No.” She sipped her ale. “Maybe when I leave.”

“You have to try the hot springs while you’re here. Best part of visiting Iceland.”

“So I’ve heard.”

He took a bite of fish. “Iceland has the best fish and chips. Even better than the UK.”

“I’ll have to try them.”

The conversation continued in that same impersonal vein. They finished dinner without him learning much more than he already knew.

But he was pretty sure Marjani wasn’t here for Sindre. No, she had another reason.

And he’d bet a handful of diamonds it had something to do with the wolf fada currently being held at the ice fae court in an iron cage.

Marjani paid for her meal and stood up. She jerked her chin at the ladies’ room. “Excuse me.”

Her walk was free and easy, and he got distracted by her round ass as she headed toward the bathrooms at the back of the pub. But something about the set of her shoulders made him throw some bills on the table and slip out the front door.

He strolled around the back and leaned against a building a few doors down so she wouldn’t scent him. A minute later, she came out the back door.

His mouth stretched in a grin. Got you.

He had the fae Gift of wayfaring, with two abilities: he could move fast as a striking snake, and he could blend into his surroundings. If he didn’t want you to see him, you didn’t.

Marjani hitched up her backpack and strode down the alley in his direction. He activated the charm that Sindre had crafted to disguise his scent and stilled, becoming just another shadow against the concrete wall.

Her nose twitched as she passed him. He tensed and held his breath, afraid her shifter senses would pick up the sound.

She glanced around and then continued walking.

He waited until she rounded the corner before heading after her.