did when Brynna’s focus was on her mate. Her mate who had no idea what he meant to her. It had been six months since he lost his girlfriend but less than two months since Brynna had bounced into his life.
“You already told me what to expect.” Travis stepped farther into the foyer after Brynna. “Wow. This is… uh,” he stammered, looking all around the entrance hall. Before they got any farther into the house, Marcie was heading to greet them from the kitchen.
“Brynna! Welcome home!”
“Hey, Marcie. It’s good to be home. Well, back in Norway. This place? Not so much.” Marcie snorted as Brynna hugged her tightly. When she released her friend, Brynna turned to Travis. “Travis, I’d like you to meet my good friend, Marcie. She runs this place. Marcie, this is Travis.” Brynna had already told Marcie all about her mate, so there was no need to give him a title or label.
Travis shook Marcie’s hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. Brynna talks about you all the time.”
“Likewise. I feel as if I know ya already.” Marcie gestured for them to follow. “Now, come on in. I’ve got lunch ready.”
Brynna grabbed Travis’s hand again, tugging him toward the kitchen. She never hesitated to touch her mate whenever she could, even if it wasn’t in a sexual manner. She was trying to get him used to being around her. She was also trying to sate her beast in the smallest of ways until she could claim Travis. Sometimes, Brynna could feel the stirrings of lust from Travis, but just as quickly, he would shut it down. From guilt or something else, she couldn’t be sure.
Banyan and Urijah followed them into the kitchen, both males hugging Marcie. Lunch was filled with laughter and catching up. Travis sat quietly, taking it all in. Brynna had spent as much time with Travis as he allowed after work hours and on the weekends. She told him all about growing up in Åsmundnes, about returning when Banyan took over the throne from their father, and about her plans for turning the house into something other than its current rendition; therefore, most of what they were talking about, he already knew.
Afterward, Brynna showed Travis to the room he’d be staying in for the duration, unless she got up the nerve to tell him he was her mate.
“This is your room, and mine is right across the hall. Banyan and Uri are on the other end of the house. Trust me. It’s for the best. Those two can get loud.” Travis turned his head, but Brynna didn’t miss the way he blushed. She couldn’t help but grin. He really should be used to her lack of filter by now.
“Wow,” Travis muttered, taking in the large suite. It was bigger than his apartment, but it was gaudy as hell, so she wasn’t sure which his surprise was directed at. Possibly both. He stepped into the middle of the room, turning around to see it all. “You weren’t kidding.” Ah, the latter.
“Nope. This place could be a five-star establishment if it weren’t for the décor.” Brynna crossed the room and flopped back on the bed, tucking her hands behind her head. She wiggled a little, then quickly sat up. “Oh, this won’t do. What was Marcie thinking?” she mumbled.
“What won’t do?”
“This bed is too hard. Your back’s going to seize up after one night. Nope. We need to find something better.”
“Brynna, it’s okay. I’m not that picky,” Travis said.
“Well, you should be. And if you won’t be, I’ll be picky for you. I won’t allow you to sleep on this.” Brynna rose from the bed and headed out of the suite, but Travis grabbed her hand. Without thinking, Brynna linked their fingers together.
“Bryn, stop.” Travis sighed as he searched Brynna’s face, and she held her breath. She knew she was overbearing, but she only wanted the best for him. Travis glanced at her lips, but it was just a glance. He released her hand, then turned and picked up his suitcase, taking it to the bed in question. He looked over his shoulder at her, smiling. “This room is fine. I promise. I’m not a princess like some people I know.” That was one thing about her human; Travis wasn’t afraid to joke with her. Even with his quiet demeanor around most others, he was comfortable giving her shit. Shit she gave right back.
“Hey, I’m the queen,” Brynna huffed, tossing her long, blonde hair over her