down and paired up, holding each other close as they moved to the music. Lawrence danced with his sister, and Brynna grabbed Travis and led him onto the dance floor. She took Travis’s hands and placed them on her hips, then wrapped her arms around his neck. God, she smelled so good, and swaying together was going to be problematic if she decided to close the distance.
“I’m so glad you’re here with me,” Brynna said.
“Me too. Norway is stunning. I can see why Banyan and Urijah would want to build a house here. Even if Banyan weren’t King, I bet he’d still want to live here.”
“Yes, Norway is wonderful, but I was talking about you. You’ve come to mean a great deal to me over these past weeks. I appreciate you indulging me in my shopping trips and basic craziness.”
Travis swallowed hard. He figured Brynna only spent time with him because she didn’t really know anyone else, and her brother and his mate were always busy with the armory. “I like hanging out with you and your brand of crazy. Before I met you, my life was rather boring.”
“Yeah, that’s good old Brynna. The life of the party.” Something in Brynna’s voice was off, and Travis pulled back to look at her.
“That’s not what I meant. You’re such an amazing female, and anyone would be lucky to spend their time with you.”
“You think I’m amazing?” Her voice was wistful.
“Of course.” Travis cleared his throat. “You’re a real-life princess, but you don’t act like it. I mean, look at where you live. Most women would probably be ecstatic about having somewhere like this to call home, yet you find it ostentatious. You’re open and honest. You have a great business sense. And look at all the adventures you’ve had over the years. I mean, come on. Who else can say they were taught to shoot by Annie Oakley? You rode in an all-female motorcycle club. You can wield a sword with the best of the males I know. I bet you’d have been a kick-ass shieldmaiden.”
“I’d have certainly made the clothing look good,” Brynna joked, but there was no smile to go with it. She laid her head on his shoulder. This was a side of her he’d never seen. Insecure and a little sad. Travis pulled her closer since his hard-on had deflated with her mood.
“Seriously, Bryn. You’re a remarkable female. One of these days you’re going to meet your mate, and he’s going to be the luckiest male on the planet.” Travis kissed her forehead, doing his best to lighten her mood. He held her tight, swaying to the music while the other couples did the same. Banyan and Uri were lost in each other’s eyes, and their parents were just as focused on their own partner. Travis wanted that. He wanted the connection that would last through the ages.
When the song finished, Brynna stepped back. “Let’s go for a walk.” When Travis agreed, Brynna laced their fingers and led him out of the ballroom through a set of double glass doors. The night air was refreshing, and the sky was full of stars. Like he’d told her, Norway was spectacular. The stone pathway leading from the house was dotted with lanterns hung from metal shepherd’s hooks. Travis could imagine the original oil lamps being filled then lit by the help years ago. Each lantern came to life as they strolled past. About twenty yards away from the steps, the path split off, forming a circle around a large fountain lit from within, giving the trickling water a golden hue.
The walkway continued on the far side of the circle, and Brynna stopped when they came to a stone bench, tugging Travis down to sit by her. “Did you mean it?”
Travis thought back to what they’d been talking about. “Yes. Your mate is going to be the luckiest male, because you’re the most incredible female I’ve ever known.” Travis’s heart would break when that happened because somewhere along the line, he’d fallen for Brynna. How could he not?
“There’s something I need to tell you. Travis, you’re—”
A mournful cry rent the air, and they both jumped from the bench. “What the hell is that?” he muttered, pushing Brynna behind him.
“It sounded like an elk, but there aren’t any around here that I’m aware of.”
Banyan, Urijah, and their parents appeared in the next few seconds. “Are you okay?” Banyan asked.
“We’re fine,” Brynna said as another cry came from close by.
“Stay here,” Uri