Page 121 of Ice Devil

His entire face lit up. “Well, you’re close. The Shifter Connection.”

“There is such a thing?”

“You bet. My editor told me about the site a couple years ago and I joined the roster to see what it was all about so I could write a story. I learned more than I bargained for.”

“Wow. Now I’m really sorry I haven’t had much of a chance to read your work. Sounds fascinating.”

His grin was the same as a few years before. “From what you’ve told me, you’ve got your hands full.”

“A little bit.”

“With your mate.”

Why did it feel as if the color had drained from my face? “Yes, and I have absolutely no freaking idea what that means other than what I’ve read.”

He leaned forward in his seat, folding his hands and peering up at me. During the height of our friendship, there hadn’t been anything deemed inappropriate or too difficult to discuss. Yet this felt like a subject that was very off limits. Which didn’t make any sense.

“Whatever you’ve read, toss most of it out the window. Mating is really nothing more than two people falling deeply in love. The main difference is that once you’ve mated, nothing can tear you apart. Not other humans and their bigotry. Not circumstances. Not money or fame. Not even arguments. And trust me, Marcie and I fight like cats and dogs.”

“Beck and I do as well.” I’d thought about him during the three-hour drive.

“That’s how we knew we were meant for each other.” He glanced at the door before leaning a little closer. “That and hot sex.”

Now I burst into laughter so loud the entire office could likely hear. “We have that too.”

“Just know shifters are extremely possessive and protective. I’ve witnessed Marcie almost shift because of hecklers from an article I’d written on shifters in the world of sports right after we realized we were mates.”

“The world isn’t kind to them.”

“Not always and you bet it pisses me off. However, we’re only talking about a small select group of haters, which was why your call and the information you sent intrigued the hell out of me. I knew there were people working in the background trying to make the lives of shifters difficult. All anyone needs to do is to glance at social media, or if they’re so inclined, pay attention to the various bills going through any legislative session. Fortunately, most in Congress have failed, actually leading to some very decent laws put into place for shifters’ rights.”

“Yes, but as I continue saying, perceptions are everything, including instilling and locking in fears for humans. I see that at every hockey game. I do have a question. Has Marcie ever… healed you? As in from an injury?”

“A benefit and yes. At least with superficial wounds, but don’t call them gods. Shifters don’t live forever and their magic only goes so far.”

Magic. There was a word.

Maybe Beck did have a little magic in him.

James rested his forearms on his thighs. “You really want to be a part of article that when the dust settles, you could lose your cushy job in Chicago along with potentially your reputation? Sports reporting, no matter how far the world of inclusion might have improved, is still an old boys’ network. I’m just making sure you know what you’re up against.”

“Are you suggesting the article shouldn’t be written? Do you think I’m bringing this to you to hide behind your coat tails? Not a chance in hell. I know what to expect and what I want is to prevent Beck and his brother from losing their jobs as well as their reputations. I will survive because I’m scrappy that way. But Beck is a young soul. You know what I mean. He’s eager and willing to do anything, happy go lucky most of the time and believes the best in people. I know better. I’m an old soul.”

“Is that anything like an old hippie because if it is, you’ve aged well or paid a lot of money for plastic surgery.”

He could make me laugh more than anyone. “I’m being serious.”

“You’re being protective because he’s your mate.”

The serious look on his face brought a drop of lead into my stomach. “Does that mean you’re not going to write the article? Your editor said no?”

“My editor asked me to double check the information you sent. And he offered a connection to a buddy of his who just happens to be a bookie.”

“What?” Now I was excited. That had been one missing piece, full confirmation on betting on their own teams.

“Well, you did say you thought but hadn’t been able to find hard evidence that the owners of the Las Vegas Cruisers were betting on their own NHL team. Right?”

“Yes. So you found something?” I was about ready to jump from my seat.