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his eyes were the slitted eyes of a serpent. “Can you tell me how this works?”
    He picked up the lemon slice with a pair of tiny tongs that looked ridiculously correct in his fingers. “You let yourself feel and listen to your reactions. When you find the right one, you will know it. Don’t fight it. Let yourself learn them and they will learn you.”
    “What if our beasts don’t agree? What if they aren’t compatible?” She bit her lip.
    “You will know immediately. Your inner animal won’t let you choose a mate that isn’t compatible. You might not know why, but you will be a match and you will be able to begin planning your life from there.” He grinned, showing a bit of fang. “It worked out fine for me. I never suspected that I would find a mate, let alone a swan, but there she is in the corner, scowling and working on our latest project.”
    “Project?”
    He looked proud. “We write books together. It is a bizarrely satisfying partnership.”
    She smiled and accepted her water with lemon. “Thanks. That gives me hope.”
    “Be open to the possibilities. You never know what will come your way if you give it a chance.”
    “Wise words.”
    “True words. This place was developed to give shifters a place to meet each other without worrying about humans walking in at the wrong time. You are out of reality and you can truly be yourself. Do it.”
    He nodded and headed off to the other end of the bar to fill another order.
    Amira took her water and walked to one of the high tables near the dance floor. She boosted herself onto a chair and crossed her legs. With the bait set, she only had to wait.
    Fortunately, the men at the Crossroads did not keep her waiting long.
    She was up and dancing with a male who smelled fascinating. They didn’t exchange names, simply let their animals get to know each other.
    When the brunette released her at the end of the song, another took his place, and she danced for two hours before returning to the bar to get another water with lemon.
    Her feet throbbed. The new shoes fit well but they were still new and needed major breaking in.
    The man from the bed and breakfast stood next to her. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
    She cocked her head. “I am. I am Amira.” She extended her hand.
    He took it with a smile. “Lorr.”
    Her skin flicked to life and flames roared up her arm out of that small contact. She nearly dropped to her knees, but the bar stool caught her.
    He seemed just as surprised as she was. His cool grey eyes blinked slowly and he smiled. “Would you care to dance?”
    Amira smiled. “I don’t think I have a choice.”
    He laughed and held her hands as she hopped off her chair and followed him to the dance floor. The song was a little fast for slow dancing, but he managed to plaster her against him, and they rocked together in lazy circles.
    She was tall but he was taller. With a happy sigh, she pressed her head to his shoulder and let him lead them around the dance floor.
    The music slowed down and they swayed together. His hand was in the centre of her back and pressing her against the erection that was unmistakable. She kept her face averted as her fingers curled on his shoulder. She wanted to grab him, haul him into a dark corner and explore every inch of the cock pressing against his trousers.
    Somehow, she was almost positive that it defied first-date etiquette if you wanted to see the guy the next morning. She had never been good at the second date.
    Lorr bent his head and inhaled against her hair.
    She smiled. She had been snuffling against his neck for two songs.
    When the song ended, she pulled back. “I think I still need that glass of water.”
    He smiled. “Do you mind if I join you?”
    Amira slid her hand down his arm and took his hand with her fingers woven through his. She hauled him to the bar and the bartender had her water with lemon waiting for her.
    He got a glass of cider, and together, they took a seat in one of the