Read Online Forged in Ice by Alyssa Rose Ivy - Free Book Online Page A

old.”
    “Wait.” He had my attention. “What happened?”
    “I will let them tell you themselves, since I was not there to hear it first hand, but suffice to say she taught him not to underestimate women.”
    I laughed. “I’ll have to ask about it. I can totally see that.”
    “Samantha is tough, but she has a real heart.”
    “Sometimes the people with the toughest exteriors have the biggest hearts.” I was beginning to see that James fell into that category too. There was so much more to him than first meets the eye.
    He pulled my head down to his. “You are sweet.”
    “But not yummy?”
    “Oh, you are perfectly yummy.” He rolled us over so he was on top of me. “I will not let you forget that.”

8
    James
    I t took effort to drag myself out of bed that morning. All I wanted to do was stay with Ainsley in my arms, but that was not an option. I needed to discover how my father had achieved influence again and destroy it, before it destroyed Ainsley.
    Ainsley had wanted to stay in bed too. “Please. Can’t we wait another hour?”
    I kissed her forehead. “I wish we could.”
    “Please.” She ran her teeth over her bottom lip, and if I had any doubts before, they were gone. She knew exactly what effect that motion had on me.
    “None of that.”
    “Of what?” she asked innocently.
    I laughed. “That.” I forced myself from the covers. “I will see to our breakfast.”
    “And here I thought you could never resist me.”
    “I cannot. That is why I am standing so far away.” I stepped into my clothes, grateful that I could still muster some self-restraint.
    “Can you explain all of this again?”
    “Which part?” I moved into the kitchen, hoping she would follow. I was unsure if my resistance was strong enough to handle seeing her in the bed again.
    “Who Talen is, and why we’re meeting him at the gate.” She stood in the doorway with the blanket wrapped around her.
    “You do not sound excited about returning to your world.”
    She shrugged. “I’m not really returning. Besides, I was just starting to get used to being here.”
    “You are right.” I set aside the fruit I had been cutting. That and bread would have to do for the morning. “You are not really returning.”
    “Who is this Talen guy?”
    “He is an Arco. His true form is of a snow white wolf. A large one.”
    “Uh, a werewolf? First zombies and now werewolves?”
    “There are many things here and in your world you would not believe.”
    “In my world?” Ainsley crossed her arms over her chest. “I’m guessing that’s why we’re going back now?”
    “Yes. Talen thinks there are wolves that know how to defeat the darkness. We need to get rid of it so you are safe.”
    “I’m glad you’re willing to take me.”
    “I want you with me.” I always wanted her with me, but that was only part of my reasoning.
    “Good.” She disappeared into the other room and returned a moment later in the same jeans and t-shirt she had arrived in. I forced away the momentary disappointment. She would be coming back to Energo with me. This was not the end of anything.
----
    A fter a quick breakfast we met up with Talen at the castle. Ainsley had been quiet since getting dressed, but I assumed it was nerves and did not press.
    “So this is the girl.” Talen grinned when we approached.
    “This is Ainsley.” I linked my arm with hers.
    “Pleasure to meet you.” He took her free hand and kissed it.
    She startled. “And you are the wolf?”
    Talen narrowed his eyes at me. “Wolf? Is that how you described me to your woman?”
    “I forgot the official term.” She looked down. Surprisingly she did not appear to mind him calling her mine.
    Talen smiled. “I do not mind it coming from you. I like to give James a hard time.”
    “We all like to give James a hard time.” Henry walked over. I had selected him to accompany us, and I hoped my choice was a wise one.
    “Guys are weird,” Ainsley mumbled.
    I laughed. “So are