When she released his arm, he stared at her and then ran to vomit in the sink. He had been born to be an alpha. He had learned to control his strength and use it to protect his family and those who mattered to him. She had been outside his protection every moment since she arrived, and she knew it.

  Grey rinsed his mouth and looked at her. “Why don’t you hate me?”

  She smiled sadly. “I know my enemies. You simply were never a friend. James and Derrik have always been more supportive and helpful. You just wanted to keep Leon happy or at least keep him from getting upset. You could have been rid of me a long time ago if you had just faked being enthusiastic about my qualifying for the Olympics. To win your approval, I would have put myself in the path of the Elite.”

  Every word slapped him.

  She moved and put her arm around Leon. “Uncle, don’t let his misplaced grief break thirty years of a good relationship. Being strong was all he had, so when you acted with compassion, he saw it through his eyes, and his eyes are grieving to this day. Any female in the household that you treated gently would have fared the same.”

  Grey looked at her and nodded. “It is going to be a few days before I can digest what you showed me.”

  “That’s fine. Just don’t barf again. If I had to live it, you have to watch it. Just be lucky that I didn’t show you how being with Tanner felt.” She kissed Leon on the forehead. “I have to get back to bed. I have an early start for the next few weeks. Will it hurt you if I leave and stay somewhere else? My commute is killing me.”

  Leon looked at her with concern. “Where are you going?”

  “Just somewhere I don’t have to watch my back the whole time. I am very tired.”

  Leon said something he hadn’t said since she got there. “You can stay in my nest. It’s safe.”

  “Uncle Leon, it’s yours. I would never take anything that was yours.” She kissed him again, and Grey saw light leave her and enter Leon.

  Leon smiled. “I understand.”

  “Good. I am going to see if he is still up.” She produced her phone from her pyjamas. She sent a text message, and it was answered immediately. “I have to pack.”

  Grey asked, “What did she do?”

  “She gave me peace. She has people who will protect her now, and she is going to them.”

  “So soon after dumping Tanner?”

  Leon looked at him. “That wasn’t a relationship. That was blackmail or extortion. He wasn’t dumped; he was escaped.”

  Leon washed his cocoa cup out and dried it. “I am going to stay in my nest for a while. If you want to grieve or cuddle, you are welcome. One word about Ruby, and you are out.”

  Grey watched him leave, and he felt something on his face. He touched his cheeks, and tears had broken free. He stood in the kitchen crying as the door opened and closed, and Ruby left.

  * * * *

  Leon looked up when Grey came into the nest. He stretched a hand to him and invited him down. They held each other and eventually discussed what had happened that day when their hope turned to ash. By the time dawn came, they felt different. They weren’t healed, but they could see a possible future.

  It was a start.

  Chapter Seven

  Ruby sat in the car and yawned again. Marshall chuckled. “How long do you think you can maintain your schedule?”

  “Not long. I think the candy shop is going to be the casualty.”

  “What are you looking for for a job?”

  “I don’t know. At this point, skate sharpener is foremost in my mind.”

  He glided the car into a driveway and parked next to a front walk.

  “I can also bake cookies or knit scarves or write little apps that do something silly that people happen to love.” She was trying to unbuckle, but the yawning was taking over.

  He got out, grabbed her skates and bag, slung them over one shoulder, and unbuckled and lifted her out of the vehicle.

  Ruby leaned against his shoulder, and he closed the car door with his foot before he got to the house door. She heard a hum, and he opened it and pushed inward to enter the house that smelled of Marshall.

  “You are going to be tucked in and get some rest. The pyjamas are adorable, by the way.”

  She smiled. “Uncle Leon got them for me last year. I get new PJs every year. It’s his go-to for me.”

  He walked through the house, up some stairs, and into a bedroom that was clean but still smelled like him. She shivered as she was set on the bed, and he removed her fluffy slippers and tucked her into the sheets. Her phone was set on the bedside table, and her bag was within sight. She breathed in and exhaled deep and slow.

  Marshall got into the other side of the bed and turned toward her. She rolled over and extended her hand to him. He held her hand, and she was in a deep and restful sleep.

  When the alarms started, she groaned and rolled over, swatting her phone. Marshall walked in with two cups of coffee. “You are a sound sleeper.”

  She groaned and rubbed a hand over her face, noting the spill of glittery white hair over her face. “Yeah. Sorry. When I am out, I am out.”

  Ruby sat up, and he handed her the coffee. She sipped and sighed happily. She still felt exhausted, but her soul felt lighter. She looked at his rumpled hair and slow smile. She had to ask. “Is this okay for you?”

  “Getting you coffee at four in the morning? I can manage it.”

  “No. I mean the sexless thing for four weeks.”

  He laughed. “It is okay for me. I get a contact high with you just being near me. It’s amazing, soothing, and arousing all at the same time.”

  “On my end, I was able to sleep without climbing under the bed. So that’s good.”

  “You get dressed, and I will make you breakfast. Rayden will drive you to the arena.”

  “Why? Oh. I left my car at the pack house.” She winced.

  “That, and Rayden lost his shit when I let him know you had agreed to come here for the interim.”

  “I am going to need my car to get to and from work.”

  “Your car will be brought to the chocolate store so that you can get back here tonight.”

  “Who do you know that can fit in my car?”

  He grinned. “There are ladies in our building who can do it, and some of the guys would do it as well. It is one of the perks of having assistants.”

  She snorted and finished her coffee. She grabbed her clothes from her suitcase and headed to the bathroom. She popped out again. “I forgot to bring my shampoo and stuff. May I use your stuff?”

  He smiled. “I would be honoured if you had my scent on you.”

  She opened her mouth and closed it with a snap then ducked back into the bathroom. This was going to be a long set of weeks; she just wished she could get the smile off her face.

  Scrambled eggs and sausage with orange juice and more coffee made for a hefty breakfast, but it was welcome. She smiled. “I thought you would have a housekeeper or something.”

  “I hire staff if I have to host something, but in general, I take care of myself. Like many of my kind, my scent can be distracting for people at close quarters.”

  Ruby blinked. “Oh. Right. It works on males and females?”

  “Usually. Canines have also followed me in parks. I need you to defend my honour.”

  She smirked. “You are on your own. Thank you for breakfast.”

  “My pleasure.”

  There was a soft knock, and then the front door opened. Rayden walked in with a cocky smile.

  She looked at Marshall. “You gave him a key?”

  Marshall snorted. “No. He can unlock things.”

  Ruby touched her head. “Right.”

  Rayden grinned. “Ready to go?”

  “Yeah. I suppose.”

  “Contain your enthusiasm.” He chuckled and helped her to her feet. “If you manage to enjoy yourself, I will take you for donuts.”

  “Don’t tease.”

  He laughed and bent to kiss her. They didn’t touch anywhere other than their lips, but the slow tasting he was treating her to was hypnotic. She tried to reciprocate, but relaxing into him was just easier. It was a lovely way to start the day.

  He lifted his head, and she went up on her toes toward him before she thudded to her heels.

  Marshall was standing and wearing his pyjama bottoms and holding his coffee. She blinked. It was like she hadn’t seen him before. She looked at Rayden, who was looking smug and sexy. She blinked and rubbed her forehead. Sexy? Sure, he was handsome, but she never thought of people as sexy.

  Marshall said, “Rayden, ease up. Don’t go too fast.”

  She saw Rayden shudder. “Right. Sorry, Ruby. Sorry, Marshall.”

  “Uh, let me wait until the birth control can be removed safely. Then continue when I say so. All right?”

  Rayden nodded with a heavy sigh. “I can help gradually reduce the effects in your system.”

  “That wasn’t gradual. You went from pretty to hot. That’s not a slow slope.” She turned to Marshall. “And you don’t even want to know the thoughts I had about you.”

  He grinned. “I really do, but you two will be late.”

  She groaned and stomped toward the door where her skates were.

  Rayden took her skates, and she grabbed her work bag. Marshall straightened the hood of her jacket and kissed her. His lips were soft, his breath entered her, and a small curl of heat wrapped around her belly. Well, it was lower than her belly, but she didn’t want to think about that.

  He hugged her and said softly, “Have fun playing pixie. Thoughts on dinner?”

  “I am still working on breakfast and will probably work through lunch. Can you call me if you hear anything on the case?”

  “I will have your lawyer call you. Enjoy yourself.”

  Ruby wrinkled her nose and nodded. “Fine. I’ll try.”

  Rayden wrapped an arm around her. “I’ll help.”

  They headed out into the dark of the pre-dawn. Rayden’s truck was purring, and he opened the door and then boosted her into the passenger seat.

  When she was buckled up, and he put the truck in gear, she said, “So, do you have a lot of practices and games?”

  He nodded. “Yes, and I travel a bit during the season. I practice later in the morning and will be free for dinner.”

  She smiled. “Are you two extra hungry, or is it a dark Elite thing?”

  “It is a your mates want to get to know you thing.” He smiled. “We aren’t just waiting to pounce on you.”

  She smiled. “Good to know. I am weaning myself off my hormonal medications, so the pouncing is in the cards, just a bit away.”

  He grinned. “You have no idea how relieved I am.”

  “I can guess,” she said wryly. “I just don’t understand how you know I am your best bet. Emmy is electric.”

  “How did you know that Marshall and I were safe for contact?”

  She bit her lip. “I don’t know. I just felt it. My body felt warm, and I could breathe again. Even with the block on me.”

  He smiled. “It was the same for me. A little more than warmth though. You also were not looking at me as if I were edible. That let me know that you were unusual, and when I touched your mind, I knew you were for me.” He chuckled. “Your skating just cemented it.”

  “How so?”

  He laughed. “Entertaining folks in mock battles is surprisingly fun. And winter was always my favourite season.”

  She quirked her lips. “Interesting favourite.” She chuckled. “It’s mine as well.”

  “I guessed.”

  They entered the arena lot and parked near the door. There was one other.

  “Why are we here so early?”

  “So that I can get some time to hold you.”

  “Hold me?”

  “I am the troll prince. I need to practice with the patchwork pixie, even if I have to dance with someone else at the performances.”

  She unbuckled her seatbelt, and he came around to her door. He helped her down and then grabbed their skates. He kept one hand free to hold her’s as they walked toward the door of the arena.

  Ruby grinned when the door was opened for them by a grinning building manager.

  “Ruby! You came back!”

  “I did. Coach has lifted the ban so I can work on this project.”

  “Excellent. The costumer is here, and she’s ready to fit you for your costume.”

  She smiled. “Thanks. I will suck it in.”

  He chuckled, and they went inside.

  The costumer was waiting near the rink, squinting and sipping at her coffee. She was familiar, but Ruby didn’t know how. She should remember dark purple hair. She gave the woman a little wave, and the tape measure was at the ready.

  “Hey, Ruby. I’m Ida, and I need to get close to your skin, so if you wouldn’t mind? I promise to be quick. I have warm hands. Promise.”

  Ruby smiled and pulled off her jacket and sweatshirt down to her t-shirt and leggings.

  Ida moved quickly, spoke into her phone to record the measurements, and was swift.

  “So, you are Pink and understudying Patchwork?”

  “Yes.”

  “Great. I will have your first fitting before the practice Monday.” Ida verified everything on her phone and smiled. “Hope you have a delightful practice. See yah.”

  The woman swept away, and unlike every costumer that Ruby had ever met, she hadn’t really touched Ruby at all.

  She pulled her sweatshirt back on and went to put her skates on. Rayden knelt to tie her laces again. “She’s quick, isn’t she?”

  Ruby nodded. “And doesn’t like to touch.”

  “Oh, that might just be because one of the guys bumped into her and made her flicker,” he said absently.

  “Wait. Flicker like... me?”

  “Yeah. She’s not a beta, that is for certain.” He smiled. “The other two on the team know she isn’t theirs, so that is where that ends.”

  Ruby blinked. “Just like that?”

  “Sure. Even Achilles could just get them into a space to see if the lady was a match.”

  That set off a memory, and Ruby gasped. “Emmy!”

  He grinned. “I am sure she is fine. Her mate is even-tempered with a lot of patience.”

  “I hope he is shock-resistant. She looked a little irritated.”

  “I am sure he will be fine. We are resistant to damage, especially that of our mates.”

  She chuckled. “So, you can take a hit from needles?”

  “I can undo the projectile before it gets to me. Did you want to try?”

  “Um, no. I will save it for when you drop Patchwork. No dropping the pixies.”

  He smiled. “They took the lifts out of the program. Since I am not trained, and Patchwork isn’t trained, there will simply be a few spins and some escorting.”

  “Well, that sucks.” She sighed. “It takes the magic out of the routines.”

  “Would you be willing to show me how to do them?”

  “Uh. I guess I could. We would have to do them on the practice area before being on the ice.”

  He grinned, and she was getting the idea that she had played into his hands. He finished tying her laces, kissed her knee, and then stood and went to get his own skates on.

  She walked over to the heavily matted area and looked around. The arena was gleaming softly with the hard ice after a good Zamboni clearing.

  When Rayden joined her, he listed off the types of lifts listed in the original choreography. When she explained them, he put his hands on her waist and hoisted her into the air. Once there, she had to correct his grip, and then he leaned her back. They worked on that hold. They all started with the initial lift.

  She was reclining above his head, draped over his shoulder, and then held under the breast and mid-thigh.

  Ruby remembered that alphas were the preferred skating partners for a reason. He held her up easily.

  He looked at her eagerly. “Now can we try on the ice?”

  “Sure. Just so you know, Patchwork might not be confident in your hold.”

  “I don’t want to lift her; I want to lift you. You love this, and I want to be something that you enjoy when we aren’t just alone.”

  She blushed. “There is something so freeing about it. The speed, the feeling of air against my skin, the fun costumes.”

  He grinned. “I have seen the designs for this production. You are going to enjoy the costumes.”

  “They change with every year. It’s part of the fun. That is why I named the pixies by colour. This could even be an all-male or all-female show.”

  He wagged his brows. “Would you like to hit the ice?”

  “Yeah. I know how to take a fall.”

  “I won’t drop you.” His expression was solemn.

  “Let’s try a simple lift.” She smirked. “I need to admit that I never did this kind of thing either. I was always a soloist. I just loved how the lifts looked, so I put them in the choreography after discussing them with other team members.”

  “Well, do you want to try it?” There was challenge in his gaze.

  She nodded. “Yeah, I do.”

  He held her hand as they walked to the ice and stepped on. Soft, romantic music played, and she skated with him until they were gliding around and had found their rhythm. His hands wrapped her waist, and he lifted her, balancing her quickly as she was just held in front of him.

  He laughed. “Not as easy as it looks.”

  “You are doing well.”

  “You, too. Now, up we go.”

  He lifted her above his head, and she arched her back and bent her leg. They spun slowly, and he set her down.

  “That was too easy.” She frowned. “It’s supposed to be harder. Did you cheat?”

  “No, I just have a well-balanced partner.” He smiled. “I will enjoy you wearing your own body more when you are comfortable with it.”

  She sighed. “Yeah, me, too. It’s hard to find clothes, but I know a tailor.”

  Rayden chuckled. “More lifts? According to your original choreography?”

  “Sure.”

 

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