Northstar Vale blood in the cut [m]

And that was the reaction she had expected—the pull away, the instant way he froze, his muscles growing taut. Her eyes raked over him, brows lifting in surprise as what seemed an almost robotic response slipped past him.

But she was not a mind reader. And she felt her frustration growing, as she considered the conversation and night she had shared with Reyson prior—and then the casual words he had spoken to Towhee.

“You dislike that I have met him?” It was a question—digging. Honeyed eyes rapt upon him, not willing to let this conversation slide to something easier for them both. Not at this juncture of their relationship—whatever it may be.