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cheeks burn with embarrassment.
    True, but I already know all I need to of this man. He tells the truth and is honorable, and he’s single and looking. He’s for us. I can feel it. Internally, the wolf paced back and forth before lying down in a tight ball. Trust him.
    She rolled her eyes. “We’ll see.” The thought of trusting a guy at first sight because he was polite and kind went against everything she stood for. People had to earn trust; it wasn’t freely given. Hadn’t she fought her way through ego-puffed males at every job she’d ever held?
    Sam cocked his head to one side. “Are you speaking to me or to your wolf companion?”
    “Both. My wolf has no filter sometimes.” Another wave of heat swept into her cheeks. What was it about this guy that made her feel so unbalanced yet comfortable at the same time? “It’s also a problem when trying to blend with my highly opinionated human half. My pack kicked me out because I have a problem with obeying authority figures.”
    “Do you think you should be in charge?” One of his red eyebrows rose.
    “No.”
    Yes , her wolf injected.
    Ava sighed. “Look, it doesn’t matter. My leaving the pack was mutual. They didn’t like me questioning their leadership and the whole ‘men are infallible and always right’ thing. I didn’t like being dictated to or ordered how to live my life. I left. End of story. Now I’m here and apparently around a bunch of other half-breed or damaged paranormals.” She glanced at the peaceful setting. “It’s a lot like the Island of Misfit Toys in that Christmas cartoon on television.”
    “Pardon? I do not know what you refer to.” Questions clouded his eyes.
    “Never mind.” Of course he wouldn’t. It’s not like they have television here.
    “You will need to explain what television is at a later date.” He cleared his throat. “Can I assume from your story you are also not promised to another?”
    His weird way of talking tripped her up for a second before she got the gist of it. “Let’s just say it’s complicated. The guy I thought I was seeing isn’t working out. I’ll probably have to end things when, if, I get back…” She trailed off in confusion. Had she just shot her chances with Sam in the foot?
    “Understandable. If there is no fire, there cannot be a successful relationship.”
    “Exactly.” Mike didn’t bring the fire, for sure.
    Sam’s grin returned. “I have heard of latent shifters before. There are a few that live in Destiny. Perhaps if you stay here, you will meet them.”
    Oh no! “I can’t stay here.” She shot to her feet, wobbling as her foot tangled in the long skirts. Recovering, Ava walked through the grass. When he caught up to her, she sighed. “I don’t belong here. I’m not a roughing-it kind of girl. I like depending on electricity, running water, and pizza delivery, you know?” Panic took hold and wouldn’t let go.
    “Outside of your mention of water, I am afraid I have no idea what you speak of.” Sam touched her arm, and she slowed her determined stride. “Perhaps if you share a bit about your world, I can begin to understand. It sounds like a strange and wonderful place.”
    Ava glanced at him, wondering why he seemed so interested. “Do you think it’s weird I come from a different time period? Does it happen often around here?”
    “You are the first case of this kind I have experienced.”
    Fantastic . As they resumed walking, she slipped her hand through the crook of his arm, needing the touch of something tangible as an anchor. This style of walking, though extremely old-fashioned, took the pressure off her. With him as an escort, she didn’t feel as if she needed to take the lead in the conversation or even defend against overeager males. In his company, she felt protected and cared for. Definitely something she didn’t get back home.
    “But do you think it’s odd I’m here at all?” Her insides knotted when she thought about home. How did these