Free Embracing Fate: A hot paranormal shifter book (Hidden Hills Shifters 4) by Vella Day

do.”
    She’d already set the table, knowing they’d be eating lunch. “How about I make some coffee then?” She would have been satisfied with water, but since Cord had stepped into the kitchen, probably for some silverware and plates, she wanted to be near him.
    “Only have instant.”
    Really? That was a bit of a surprise but then again, he had said he pretty much only came here to sleep. He located the utensils while she boiled the water for their coffee.
    “Spoke with Dram and everything is calm in the fishing world.”
    “I’m glad, though I believe Brody. No one is going to find him out by the lake.”
    “Can’t be too cautious.”
    Once the water heated, she took the two cups of coffee over to the table and sat down. Something about having lunch with him excited her. She didn’t know if it was because they were doing something ordinary together or because he seemed more relaxed around her now. He’d looked a little haggard when he walked through the door, but as soon as he saw her, his face had lit up.
    “So what’s next?” she asked. He could take her comment to mean the case or their relationship.
    “Not sure what we can do until they make their move.”
    Apparently, his mind was still focused on his job. After lunch, she hoped to alter the direction of those thoughts. Because he hadn’t been able to find their names, her anxiety increased with the knowledge her brother was still in danger. It didn’t matter that Brody had been in the wrong. He never should’ve gambled in the first place, especially when he didn’t have the money, but such was the life of a desperate man.
    Piper felt that her brother had been constantly searching for approval ever since Dad and Mom split. Brody always claimed that if he were ever rich, people would respect him. She wished he’d understand that people respected those who were honorable—like Cord.
    Not wanting to dwell on all those negative thoughts, she turned her attention to what was going to happen once they finished their meal. She’d loved it when Cord had taken her against the wall. It had been so primal and hot. This time, however, she wanted to spend her time exploring and savoring every delicious inch of his body.
    The question was whether he had the patience to let her. She’d heard that shifters had stronger urges than humans, and that their need to possess created a desire so strong that they could barely control themselves. Piper wanted to push him past that point. Having a man desperate for her would be such a turn on.
    She quickly ate so she could begin her seduction. Cord seemed to sense something was going on, and he, too, wolfed down his meal. Once they finished, Piper pushed back her chair, picked up both plates, and carried the dishes into the kitchen. Cord followed. She didn’t miss the spark in his eyes and hoped that meant he was interested in another sexual foray.
    But their intense lovemaking wasn’t just about the sex. The more she was around him, the more she wanted him. Cord Triggert was a good man—a noble one, in fact. He liked helping people, and he was someone she trusted. It had been a long time since she’d experienced that level of confidence with anyone.
    “It’s really hot in here, don’t you think?” she asked fanning her face, hoping he’d understand her not so subtle hint.
    “It is indeed.” When his gaze dropped to her chest, his eyes turned a smoldering black, and her nipples hardened under his intense perusal. “Perhaps you ought to take off your sweatshirt,” he suggested.
    Her pussy moistened. “I could use a little help.” She wanted to make certain he understood her intense desire.
    “I thought I made myself clear about what would happen if you tried to seduce me.” He kept his face unreadable for a few seconds before his lips lifted.
    Piper stepped closer and planted her palms on his chest. “Who said anything about seducing you? I was merely making a statement about the temperature in