Free Forged in Ice by Alyssa Rose Ivy

any need for a ceremony.”
    “What if this wolf doesn’t want to see us?” Ainsley asked. “I mean James said they are your bitter enemies or something?”
    “Not bitter, but there is bad blood in the past.” Talen withheld the details. “By asking for help I am showing deference. That will solve any problems.”
    “Do you really shift into a wolf?” Ainsley blurted out. “Like completely?”
    “Like totally completely.” He laughed.
    She made a face. “Don’t make fun of me.”
    “I could not help it. Do not take it personally.” He frowned.
    “Easy for you to say,” she mumbled.
    I gave Talen a look. “I would tread carefully.”
    “And there comes that protective side. I was wondering where it was hiding.” He grinned.
    “You take joy out of watching me right now.”
    “I would have never expected you would find anyone you were willing to change for.”
    “I have not changed.” I felt my anger rising.
    “Sure you have. You are not nearly as reckless as normal. Your life has value.”
    “His life has always had value.” Ainsley put a hand on her hip. “How could you say something like that?”
    “I only mean he used to act and think things through after. He is methodical right now. It is a compliment and a statement as to your effect on him.”
    “Oh. Well, he has a good influence on me too.” She smiled.
    Henry walked back over. “But he is still James.” He laughed. “Do not forget that.”
    “Is that a warning?’ Talen cocked his head to the side.
    “Mostly. I will be treading carefully.”
    “Is it all clear?” I turned to Henry. “Not that discussing my personality is not of tantamount importance.”
    “It is all clear. I used my key to enter and the house is clear too. We are fine.”
    “Thank you.” I nodded to him. “Now that we have that settled, we need to discuss the next stage of our plan. How are we going to find this wolf?”
    “I will check in with one of my men in this world.” Talen explained. “He will know for sure where to find him.”
    “You are so sure your people are keeping tabs on these other wolves?” Ainsley asked. “No offense.”
    “Yes. You always need to know where to find your enemy.”
    “This whole going to your enemy for help thing is strange. Sorry, but it’s true. Showing deference or not, I don’t get why they’re going to help.” Ainsley met Talen’s eyes. I was impressed with how well she was taking everything.
    “It is amazing what a common enemy will do to band people together. I have never seen such cooperation between nations as when my father was at his worst,” I explained. “Sometimes parties must put their differences aside in order to tackle a far greater problem.”
    “Got it.” Ainsley nodded.
    “Are we ready?” Henry gestured toward the back of the house.
    “Yes. We can go inside if you are sure you were thorough in your search.”
    “I was.” Henry straightened up.
    “Good.” I watched Ainsley’s face carefully as we headed back into the house she had been living in until a few days earlier. There was no relief on her face, no sense of relaxation. Part of me had expected her to run inside, to run away from my world. But she did nothing like it. She walked in slowly, and she remained glued to my side.
    “How long do you think we’ll be back here for?” She asked as we walked through the hallway toward the kitchen I would always think of as Charlotte’s kitchen.
    “In the house, or in this world?”
    “This world. Do I need to pack more?”
    “Maybe a day?” I had no clue, but I liked to at least pretend to have answers. “You might want to take a small bag. I will take one as well. I have some stuff here.”
    “I have extra clothes in my old room. You can fit into Kevin’s stuff,” Henry turned to Talen. “Are you willing to change?”
    “I suppose I must change.” Talen cringed. “I learned a lesson last time I was here. It is not worth attracting attention. You have ridiculous