Piper (Queen's Birds of Prey #4) - Kathi S. Barton Page 0,25

know where that came from, to be honest, but that’s what I’m feeling towards you.”

“I have the same feelings toward you. By the way, I can shift into a bird too. I’ve not completely shifted, but while I was in the bathroom earlier, I just thought of being a phoenix, and my hands sprouted feathers. I’m glad I was in there alone. There is no telling what someone might have thought when I screamed like a little kid.” He got out and came around to her side of the car. Handing her out, he looked at her when she squeezed his hand. “I’ve fallen in love with you, Piper. I never thought it really worked like that, but I have to admit, it’s a very nice feeling.”

“I don’t know what I feel about you yet. I like you. You make me feel safe, which is nothing I’d ever think I would need from someone. I’ve laughed more than I have in a while since you came around.” She paused, and he waited for her to speak. Grant was sure she was going to tell him that she could do better. He certainly had been thinking that for the last several hours. “I think I could get used to you hanging around. I was serious when I told you I don’t do mushy shit. It’s not who I am.”

When she slipped into the restaurant ahead of him, Grant found himself tickled by what she’d just said to him. Because for as much as she said she wasn’t the mushy type, he was. His mom had told him how to woo a woman and what to do with one that you liked. He was going to mushy her as much as he possibly could. It felt like she’d tossed down the gauntlet, and he was there to pick it up.

Dinner was nice. He wasn’t surprised by the amount of food she could put away. Piper didn’t comment on his appetite, either. They not only enjoyed the salad bar that was his favorite part of this place, but he also enjoyed the company. Piper was both comical as well as intelligent.

Just as he was ready to comment on how much fun he was having, he felt an unfamiliar touch to his mind.

Hello, Grant. It’s Duncan, in the event you don’t know. He said he didn’t and was glad he could speak to him thusly. Yes, well, you might not think that once the two of you return. As I said to you, my mother had plans for the two of you. I can tell you now, then have you tell Piper, which is what I’d prefer, so I don’t get hurt. Or you can wait until you return and I’ll tell you both at the same time.

Since I’m new to this relationship, I’m going to let you tell us. Duncan told him he was a spoilsport. Perhaps so. But I’m enjoying myself too much for it to be messed up because you’re afraid of your birds.

Yes, I guess there is that. By the way, you two did a good job with the fire. The people have been brought to justice, and the owners of the place aren’t going to be blamed for what happened. All good as far as I can see. With the exception of the deaths of all those people. That hurts me more than I think I could explain to you. Grant told him it hurt him as well. I would imagine. With your connection to the earth, you would have felt it worse than even I. Thank you for your help, Grant. I know it hurt both of you to be involved, but so much more has been accomplished with the two of you working together.

I started to say it was my pleasure. And in a way, I guess it was. But it was nice to be able to use my magic to help out the humans. Duncan asked him when they’d be back. I don’t know. This is Piper’s job, not mine. I only came along to be with her. I can ask her, but I think she’s just too exhausted now to make that sort of decision.

I can understand that, as well. I’ll look forward to talking to you both when you return. You will shield me, as your king, if I piss her off too much, won’t you? Duncan was laughing, so Grant didn’t see any reason to tell him he was on his own against