Page 77 of The Mating Quest

Now she flushed and her gaze darted away. “Read the instructions, wolf. It’s a great way to spend two entiredays.”

“With me?” He couldn’t help his sarcastic tone because he desperately wanted her to be here, withhim.

And desperately did not aswell.

Ilana finally did look at him. “Drust told me I’d have to share the house with you. I didn’t have to choose to be here. But Idid.”

“Good thing it’s a big house so we won’t have to see eachother.”

Soon as the words were out, he wanted to snatch them back. Her big blue eyes filled with hurt and then he saw her guard go up as if it were a gate. “Sure. Whatever yousay.”

Ilana stood, grabbed her towel and marched toward the house, her shoulders thrown back, pride in her step. Damn, he hurt her and he didn’t mean it. He only wanted to put distance between them because getting involved with Ilana Simmons meant a huge risk he couldn’t afford to take. He had a pack to care for, and she had a wanderingsoul.

“Youidiot.”

Ethan turned at the voice, only to be smacked upside the head. “Ow, what was that for,Tristan?”

“I told you, do NOT hurt her!” Tristan scowled at him. “Did you not hearme?”

He rubbed his head, wincing. “I heard you. I was stupid and didn’t think before Ispoke.”

“Next time, think. I do like you, Ethan. I’d hate to have to turn you into a turnip and feed you to hungry wildboars.”

Tristan vanished. Ethan swallowed hard, more worried about Ilana’s reaction than the wizard’s threats. He took his towel, put on his flip flips and walked back to thehouse.

He found the de sander “thingie” Ilana mentioned, stepped into the booth and twisted the knob. Instantly all the grains clinging to his skin vanished and the salt water was gone from his skin, leaving it fresh and clean. Then he went inside the house, making a big show of closing thedoor.

Ilana was in the living room, studying her dagger. Not a goodsign.

“Hey, look, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean what I said on the beach,” he toldher.

She raised her head. To his astonishment, tears swam in her eyes. Aw damn. His words had reallyhurt.

“Maybe it’s better if I leave,” she said, ducking her head, and setting down the knife. “It’s not too late for me to find another place. Even a rental is fine. Or I can sleep on the beach. I’m used to sleeping under thestars.”

“No. Don’t. Don’t leave because I’m an idiot.” Why was he such a fool around her? He’d bedded plenty of women and never had he been this stupid. Maybe because seduction with them was easy. They only wanted him for sex and he’d felt thesame.

Ethan sat down next to her. “Why are you used to sleeping outside?” he asked,curious.

She moved over on the sofa, as if not wanting to be near him. Couldn’t blame her, after the way he treatedher.

“I’m always on the move, and sometimes not welcome in the places I visit. It gets easier to camp outside, away frompeople.”

Again he cursed his stupidity. Ilana had saved his sister, and he treated her like a pariah as others had. No wonder Tristan smacked him on the head.I’d smack me on the head aswell.

“It does sound wonderful at times, though. Being alone. I’m never alone.” Ethan knew from instinct Ilana detested pity. He watched her dart a glance athim.

“Never?”

“I’m the alpha and there’s always something going on. Someone needing help, needing me. Pack comes first. Not my needs. What is it like sleeping under the stars? Usually if I’m sleeping outside, it’s in wolf form to protect thepack. ”

He didn’t want to make this about him, but he hoped the bait he’d tossed her way would encourage furtherconversation.

Ilana said nothing for a minute and he feared he’d pushed too hard. Then she gave a dreamy sigh. “At times, it’s magical. Lying on your back on a sleeping bag, nothing overhead but sky and stars. Darkness is best. You can see so many constellations. I’ve learned them all by heart. Feels like I can reach up my hand and touchthem.”

Intrigued, he leaned forward. “And you’re not afraid of being alone because you can more than protectyourself.”

Now she did turn and study him with a faint smile. “You getit.”