Page 45 of Tide Touched

Moira’s got a weirdly glazed-panicked look. ‘It’s him.’

Killian and I follow her gaze. There are a few small tents set up in the distance, green and flapping in the breeze. ‘Earth Pack,’ Killian says. There are several of them trailing through the market. One is by far the most handsome of his group—tall and muscled, with perfectly tousled earth-brown hair and striking emerald eyes.

Moira’s gaze is locked on him. ‘Elijah.’

Killian nudges me with an elbow. ‘That’s the guy we met up with. Moira, look, he’s staring at you.’

Moira blinks, as though waking, and half turns away. ‘Oh, my god. I look terrible. Is he still looking?’

‘Yes,’ I confirm. ‘He’s now grinning.’

‘We have to get away. He can’t see me like this. I haven’t done my hair—’

‘And now he’s waving, and coming over here,’ I continue.

Moira swears colourfully—probably within his earshot—as he makes his way over to us.

‘Moira, Killian, hi. Nice to see you again.’ His gaze locks on Moira.

To her credit, Moira stands tall and offers a smile. ‘Hey. We didn’t know you’d be here.’

Elijah’s gaze slides to me. ‘Oh! You must be Katherine! You got your friend.’ He clasps my hand in a friendly gesture, and I immediately like him. He feels very calm and genuine.

Moira grins. ‘Yeah, we did. We’re staying, uh, there.’ She points defeatedly at the shack. ‘One room,’ she adds glumly.

A few people spill out of the shack, some of them holding drinks. They don’t seem inebriated, though. Wolves don’t get drunk easily, so you have to be really committed to your drinking game to get the job done.

‘At least we’re not staying in a by-the-hour brothel room. I’d hate to wonder how often those sheets are changed, or not,’ I offer.

Moira makes a face as Elijah chuckles, seeming to find me delightful.

‘Moira, you’d be more than welcome to stay with me,’ Elijah says. ‘I have a large tent, and, well, I’d be a gentleman, I assure you.’

Moira’s cheeks are touched with a speck of colour. ‘Thanks,’ she says, a little breathlessly.

Oh, just kiss him, I want to say, thoroughly amused. ‘We’re actually going to do a little shopping, then try to find a river to swim.’

Elijah smiles. ‘I… didn’t know Fire wolves like to swim?’ Moira prods him, and he quickly adds, ‘But I would love to join you? We can split up to shop. Don’t worry, Katherine, I’ll take excellent care of her. There’s a beach about a mile north of here.’ He points. ‘Meet you there?’

I glance at Moira, and she nods, smiling. ‘She’s all yours.’ I half-shove her toward him with a wicked grin. We part ways, and I let Killian lead.

‘You seem to be a good wing-woman,’ my mate notes.

‘I am.’

‘You must be exhausted. Is there anything I can get you?’

I run a hand through my hair, then wish I hadn’t. I didn’t take a proper shower, too eager to be out of that room. ‘I don’t have any clothes to change into or anything.’

Killian plucks at his shirt. ‘Me neither.’

I want to tell him he has nothing to worry about. That his slightly sweaty scent does nothing to detract from his allure. But that might sound weird. Or gross. Or creepy. Instead, I start looking around at the stalls. ‘Right, so, shopping first? But I don’t have any—’

Killian touches my arm. ‘I’ve got it. Don’t worry. I’ll get you anything you need.’

I look up at him, holding back a scowl. I don’t want another guy to provide me with toiletries and clothes and come and fuck me when he wants. Keeping me fed and clothed just to use me. I look away, unable to meet his gaze. ‘I’d rather shop alone.’

‘Oh.’ There’s distinct disappointment in his voice. ‘Of course. Just use my name. Get whatever you want.’