requires, I’ll start you at the minimum amount. If you provide me your bank account number, I’ll get automatic deposits set up.”
“Automatic deposits?”
“Aye. Vicki is slowly dragging us into the current century.” He glanced toward the fireplace where his mate sat, then smiled at Margery. “Donal also said he likes having you next door. Something about his sensitive ears?”
“Oh, that. He hates when pups cry or scream—and he’s started sending someone over to fetch me.”
Calum snorted. “The cat is the most skilled healer I’ve ever met and has the least amount of patience.”
Margery slapped her hands over her mouth to smother her laugh. Fail.
Totally not upset, Calum grinned. “Would you like to continue to live in Leo’s house? Rent-free?”
She squeaked like a pup smelling milk. “Yes! That would be wonderful.”
He inclined his head. “Then we are in balance for now and will reevaluate in a few moons.” After another quick smile, he moved down the bar to deal with a rowdy group of thirsty males.
Margery wrapped her arms around herself. She’d get money, maybe not much, but real money for being a banfasa, and a house to herself.
This was the best week ever. Donal saying he needed her help. Tynan kissing her. Cookies for doing what she loved to do. Friends who saved her a place at a Gathering. A house.
She shivered in delight, wishing only that she had someone to share her good news with.
And then…
“Meggie.” Tynan stood beside her. He wore jeans and a blue shirt that matched the stunning color of his eyes. Eyes that were now alight with interest and amusement. “You look like the wolf that caught the breakfast bunny.”
“I totally caught the bunny.” She bounced on her toes. “The Cosantir is going to give me a stipend and let me stay in Leo’s house.”
“There’s good news.” He ran his fingers through her hair, and just like that, her body melted, simply melted.
Whatever look was in her face drew him closer until she could feel the heat of his muscular body. Breathe in his woodsy scent.
How could parts of her tighten in need while other parts felt like a molten lake?
She set her hand on his chest and felt the rock-hard muscles tense under her palm.
“Meggie.” He put his hand over hers, holding her to him. “And I have to ask now, lass, if you’d like to go upstairs and celebrate your good news?” The lilting Irish of his rich voice was a siren call of wicked desire.
The blue in his eyes captured her, like falling into a warm sunlit lake.
She tried to regain her footing. “Celebrate? Is that what we’re calling it now?”
His quick smile lit his face, and he rubbed his cheek against hers. “With you? Aye, and it will be a celebration.”
When he swept her into his arms, she squeaked and grabbed his shirt.
Chuckling, he carried her up the stairs and pushed open the door to one of the tiny mating rooms. This one had no fireplace, and the cool air brushed against her heated skin.
Candles in the wall sconces sent soft light across the brown velvet cushions covering the floor. Toeing off his shoes, he left them outside the door, crossed the uneven footing, and laid her on a pile of fat golden pillows.
She pulled off her slippers and tossed them toward the door. Suddenly desperate to have him, she yanked off her shirt—and got caught up in simply staring.
Tynan had closed the door and stripped. As the light rippled over his broad shoulders, he looked like an ancient Gaelic warrior with more than enough muscles to wield a claymore.
Her fingers turned all fumbly as she tried to undo her jeans buttons.
“Why don’t you let me do that, lass?” On one knee beside her, he brushed her hands aside and slowly undid each button. “I’ve been looking forward to this. I wanted to be with you earlier but got called outside to break up a brawl.”
Sitting back, he ran his finger over the soft skin of her lower stomach, then up and over her breasts. “You are very beautiful.” His gaze said he wasn’t lying. That he actually thought that.
The knowledge caught in her throat and squeezed her heart.
Cupping the back of her head, he kissed her. Gently. Reassuringly.
She didn’t need reassurance. In her veins, her blood was surging like the ocean tide, her need growing to unbearable heights. This was Tynan who’d run with her through the forests, who’d held her when she was frightened. Who she trusted.
And he smelled