Free Diamond Dust by Vivian Arend Page B

“What does this have to do with you almost shifting?”
    “My bear admires you.”
    Her eyes widened. “You guys don’t do the mate thing, though, right? Like you’re not telling me that—”
    If only it were that simple. “No. Bears don’t have fated mates, but my bear likes you. Not only physically, but your knowledge and your bravery. On an animal level he somehow senses you’d be good for me.”
    She slouched on the bench, staring out over the water. “Well, isn’t that sweet. I’d be good for you. This day gets better and better.”
    Tyler considered his options, discarding them as rapidly as they popped to mind. Perhaps downplaying the physical attraction between the two of them was best, and he should appeal to her human side.
    “Good for me as in politically . It’s vital I end up on top by the end of the voting. Not because I crave the power, but because there are a few territories that need to be straightened out, and my main opponents are the ones who got them into trouble. If it were a matter of a cage fight, or leadership ripping out each other’s throats, it would be different. These men aren’t reasonable, though. We’re talking communities of people—innocent women and children—who will be hurt if the wrong people come into power.”
    She rose to her feet, pacing in front of the bench. “I still don’t see where I fit into this. Win the vote, then. Takhini pack will support you as much as we can, but that should mainly involve us doing a better job of keeping our hotheads out of fisticuffs with bears at large.”
    “Takhini’s help guarding the peace is a start. There are also a few events in the next week where I’d be grateful if you’d act as my assistant.”
    “Oh boy.” She crossed her arms and stared into space. “Well, that might be possible, but we have to talk to Evan, because he’s usually got my schedule wrapped up.”
    “I’ll speak to him first thing in the morning, then.”
    “Email is the quickest way to get hold of him.”
    She rubbed the back of her neck, and he remembered her fall. “You must be exhausted. Did you see a doctor?”
    “Don’t baby me. I’m fine, but I am ready for this day to be over.” She smiled tentatively. “I must seem very unorthodox to you. Believe me, this day has been weird even by my standards.”
    He didn’t care. His need to protect her and care for her was buzzing as his bear gloated over her somewhat agreement to act as his assistant.
    Assistant sounded more professional than date, but at this point, whatever got him what he needed was fine by him. “Allow me to take you home.”
    “It’s only a couple of… Oh, why the hell am I even trying? You’ll probably pick me up and carry me if I protest.” She turned and whistled at Justin who jerked in surprise as she gestured him closer. “We’re done. You got wheels waiting somewhere?”
    Justin glanced his direction, an unspoken question on his face. Tyler leapt to his feet and spoke before Justin could blurt out anything dire. “We’re driving Caroline home. The rest of the details will be dealt with tomorrow.”
    Justin nodded and pulled out his phone.
    Tyler offered his arm to her. “Walk with me?”
    Her fingers curled around his biceps, and he slammed his lips together to stop a rumble of satisfaction from escaping. His desire to roll over her life and simply take control had to be fought. At least for now.
    If she’d meet him in the middle, he could concentrate on his job and ease the beast within.
    The ride to her apartment passed in silence as she stared out the window and Justin, fortunately, held his tongue. When they stopped, Tyler followed her out of the vehicle, motioning Justin back. His guard rolled his eyes but remained on the sidewalk.
    She tapped in the security code at the front doors. “You don’t need to walk me up.”
    “Humour me.”
    “I hope you realize if I weren’t so exhausted, my answer would be hell no .” She waited for him to push