Page 69 of Roommate Wanted

Their story resonated with me.

Sometimes I caught myself wondering what their bond was like—how a Viking shifter and a mortal woman could fall in love so fiercely that even the wildness of his blood couldn’t keep her human.

After eons, all that remained were traces. Fragments of their legend carried in whispers, in instinct. I was in awe that their legend touched through my bond with Lyall.

That our bond could defy nature.

???

My phone buzzed, and I dragged my gaze from my screen to see Lyall’s name. I grinned at the notification, picking up my phone.

Lyall:Meet me in the cask room.

Me:I can't. My boss will fire me.

Lyall:I cleared it with him.

Me:You're taking advantage of my employment contract.

Lyall:You signed it.

The contract was a farce, but I loved being in the office with him. My phone buzzed again.

Lyall:Bring the handcuffs. They’re in the top drawer.

I chuckled and didn't get a chance to stand up when another message came through.

Lyall:I can't see your sexy grey skirt yet.

Me:You're a tyrant.

Lyall:And you love it. I can smell you from down here.

I closed my eyes, clenching my thighs together. After taking a few deep breaths, I got up to get the handcuffs, discreetly tucking them in my handbag.

“Did the Alpha summon yae again?” Ailsa asked with a grin.

“You know the score. He is the boss,” I replied.

“Mair like ye’ve got him in a chokehold. Ah’ve never seen him like this. He can’t do wae’oot yae for mair than an hour. Ah timed him.”

I burst out laughing. “You've got too much time on your hands.”

“Naw. He makes it so obvious,” she said, giving me a wave as I walked past her desk. “I’ll see yae in a couple of hours.”

???

My heels clicked on the wooden floor. The cask room was dark and discreet. We’d broken each other in on nearly every barrel type over the past few weeks.

Hickory. Oak. Cherry. Cedar.

Each held a memory, hands braced, knees shaking, his voice low in my ear.

I paused at the doorway, inhaling. The scent hit me like it always did.

Lyall.

Amber and musk, with that smoky undertone that always made my stomach clench. I followed it deeper, between the rows, the familiar tang of wood and spice heavy in the air.