Page 14 of The Mating Quest

She could not help laughing. Much as she didn’t trust the alpha, it was refreshing to spar verbally with him instead ofphysically.

“I’d suggest you try it, Mage, except your skin doesn’t need it. What are you, twenty? Are you even legal drinking age?” heteased.

If only he knew. “Older than Ilook.”

“Bet your folks look young,too.”

She stopped laughing. That one struck too close. It hurt more than anticipated. Ilana picked up her tray. Forget that delicious-looking French silk pie. Her appetite had truly fled this time. “I’d appreciate it if you showed me a place I can shower before the Silver Wizard arrives. Or if that’s not permissible, a pool or lake I canuse.”

Ethan gestured to Brianna, who came over. “Show our guest the visitor’s shower,” he saidcoolly.

The temporary camaraderie faded. Best leave it that way. Because she didn’t like this wolf prying into her personal life or hersecrets.

Some things, like family or lack of family, were best left in thedark.

Chapter 5

Brianna silently escortedher to the shower. Ilana kept looking over her shoulder for the gloweringMark.

The young Lupine stopped in the hallway. “If you worry about one of my guards following, you needn’t worry. We arealone.”

Ilana narrowed her eyes. “You aren’t afraid ofme?”

Ethan’s sister looked solemn. “Not anymore. Not since Ella explained to us what is at stake and the role you play in thisquest.”

Ilana scoffed. “I’m not here to save the day. I’m in this formyself.”

“It doesn’t matter why you are here, only that you are here.” The Lupine’s mouth trembled. “And seeing what a fierce female you are, and fighter, I believe you will protect my sisters with that sameferocity.”

Speechless for once, Ilana opened and closed her mouth. Few had ever trusted her as swiftly asBrianna.

They continued down the hall to a door that readWomen’s Showers. Brianna opened the door and flipped on thelights.

“The guest showers. Everything you need is in here. Towels, soap, shampoo, razors, toothbrush, toothpaste, hair dryer, and Caderyn has arranged for your clothing to be brought here, so you’ll find your things stored in one of the lockers. If you need anything, call the receptionist and one of us will attend toyou.”

She looked around at the vast room. “You must have a lot ofvisitors.”

“Ethan remodeled the building to accommodate visitors from other packs. His hospitality is famous amongstLupines.”

Must be nice to have friends. Not that she wouldknow.

Before she could thank her, Brianna duckedaway.

White tile walls and floors made the room appear large and bright. The lighting wasn’t harsh, but soft. No windows, so plenty of privacy. She found her clothing and the backpack stashed in Locker Number 1. There were only a few outfits. All in black, and a pair of soft-soled sneakers for when she required stealth. She preferred to travel light. Ilana fingered the black T-shirt and black denimjeans.

“Yeah, I have a wide variety of colors in my wardrobe,” shemuttered.

Stripping off her clothing, she chucked it into the hamper, and then took a towel and headed naked for a showerstall.

For a moment she paused before the full-length mirrored wall and stared at her reflection. Seldom had she wanted to see her naked body. Ilana dropped the Fae glamour cloaking herself from theworld.

Turning slightly, she glimpsed the ugliness marking her back, and familiar revulsion shivered throughher.

“Screw it,” she muttered. “You’re no raging beauty searching for the love of yourlife.”

At least here she’d have privacy. The Lupines didn’t shower in the open, though she suspected this arrangement was for visitors. Maybe they all showered together, howling as they passed each other the soap. She didn’t know much about wolves, except that their loyalty and teamwork could provedangerous.

Usually she wasted no time cleansing, but the spray from the shower head was strong and the water hot. Such a luxury from the rivers and streams where she usually did herbathing.