“Like, all day?” Liana blinked at her. She scrunched up her face and shook her head. “And do what on the couch? Just sit here and look pretty?”
“There’s nothing wrong with that,” Eddie murmured. She could stare at Liana all day and never tire of her beauty. She blew out a deep breath; she had work to do outside. She needed to assess the property and see what damage may be awaiting her.
“You’re just saying that because—” Liana paused whatever she was about to say.
“Because?”
“Oh, never mind. You’re going to chill here with me, right?” Liana asked.
“Actually, I need to go outside for a bit. I need to make sure the storm didn’t damage the cabin, check the generator to make sure the lines haven’t iced over, and maybe clear some of the snow.” Eddie looked at the pile of wood near the hearth and made a mental note to grab some more logs. The main electricity hadn’t come back on yet. There was no telling how long that would take. The last time a storm this bad had blown in, it had taken a week before the power had been restored.
“Wait outside? I could go and get some fresh air?” Liana sat forward.
“No.” Eddie’s voice was firm.
Liana eyes narrowed on her. She folded her arms in front of her chest.
Eddie didn’t care if her mate was going to be mad at her. She was going to have to draw the line somewhere. “You’re staying inside in the warmth so you can rest.”
“Why?”
“Because you are injured,” Eddie bristled. “The snow may be too thick. You can slip and fall and re-injure your ankle.”
“Let me guess, and it’s also dangerous out there?” Liana arched an eyebrow.
“Exactly.” Eddie did need to do a perimeter check. If Liana’s crash was due to a wolf, she needed to make sure that wolf stayed far away from her property. Her top priorities when it came to Liana were keeping her safe and taking care of her.
“Why can’t I just stay close to you?” Liana taunted. She shrugged and continued. “I won’t go far, and it will allow me to get some fresh air.”
“No.”
“I promise, I will be fine.”
“Liana.” Eddie pinched the bridge of her nose. She inhaled sharply and tried to shove down her irritation. Why didn’t her mate see it was best for her to stay inside while she went out and did some work? Eddie wouldn’t be able to concentrate fully if she had to worry about Liana.
Liana batted her lashes—slow, deliberate, practiced. Eddie felt the hit in her gut like apunch. The woman certainly knew what she was doing.
Never had someone defied her as much as this woman had in such a short time. Eddie was an alpha, and many heeded her words without complaints or pushback.
This woman knew how to press every button.
“It’s a little stuffy in here,” Liana whispered. “And I swear I won’t go far. My boots are right by the door, and this wrap is pretty tight. I’d practically have armor around my ankle.”
“What if you fall?”
“You’ll be right there to catch me. A big strong bear like yourself won’t let me get hurt again.” She did that thing again with her eyelashes.
The compliment, intentional or not, sent a warmth through Eddie’s chest. The bear inside her all but rolled over to show her belly for Liana.
“You are trouble,” Eddie murmured.
“I know.” Liana gave her a sweet smile. “So…can I?”
Eddie stared at her. Liana’s big brown eyes sparkled as she waited for Eddie’s answer. Her scent curled into Eddie’s senses. It was warm,buttery almond mixed with something sweet like honey. Eddie’s bear nudged her.
Eddie sighed. She was doomed.
“Fine,” she relented. She pointed a stern finger at Liana and gave her a soft menacing glare. “Let me clear some of the snow off the deck where you are to stay. No steps. No wandering around.”