Marked Northern Shifters 1

dance when people make them dance.” Ira evidently found this a little sad.
“I’m sure you’re right. The bears in the book aren’t quite the same as real-life bears.” Though Ira knew that. He just wanted a discussion. Alec winked. “Bears don’t actually speak either.”
At Alec’s wink, Ira glowed. Any show of camaraderie appeared to thrill Ira no end. Which led Alec to forgive any and all questions, no matter their number. And there were many.
Ira opened his mouth to say more and Alec held up a finger. “Let Sandy have her turn.”
The tiny, freckle-faced girl piped up. “Mr. Alec, will you read us another Boxcar Children book next week?”
“Absolutely.”
“And”—here, Sandy unknowingly adopted a sly look—“a Babysitter’s Little Sister book?”
As if hoping Alec wouldn’t notice the name. “’Fraid not, Sandy. That series is an acquired taste.” Meaning, the boys wouldn’t sit through those books. “But please, check out as many as you like from the library.”
“I like it when you read books,” she declared winningly. With that devastating smile of hers, Alec was tempted to cave but he held firm.
“Why thank you, Sandy. I like to read books.” By now Ira openly glared at Sandy in a manner that suggested she encroached on his territory, namely Mr. Alec.
Oblivious, as she should be, Sandy sang out, “See you next week, Mr. Alec!” and skipped off to join her friends.
Ira, alas, did not seem to have friends to skip off to. He planted himself beside Alec, placing a hand on Alec’s knee, then glanced up quickly to see if it was all right.
Alec smiled casually.
“I like Boxcar Children ,” allowed Ira. “But couldn’t you read Harry Potter ?”
“Too long, Ira, for Reading Hour.”
“You could break it up like other books.”
“We’d never finish it. You’ll have to read it yourself. Sorry.”
Ira hung his head. “I can’t read Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix .”
Alec hadn’t been thinking of that tome, but the first, shortest book. “No?”
Ira shook his head solemnly. “My brother won’t let me. It is banned .” This last word was uttered with some drama.
But brother ? Did that mean no parents for Ira? Alec hoped not. Perhaps for unknown reasons, this brother was in charge of Ira’s book choices. “If that’s the case, I really can’t read it to you, bud.”
Ira’s lower lip stuck out. “I guess not.” He gazed at Alec beseechingly. “Maybe you could tell Liam I’m old enough now.”
“ Liam? ” The name startled Alec, though the gilded Liam he’d met two months ago should have long been scrubbed from memory. Ira blinked and Alec collected himself. “Is Liam your brother?”
Unsure of Alec’s reaction, Ira lifted his hand away. But really, Alec reminded himself, more than one Liam lived in this world, and dark, curly-haired Ira did not resemble the golden boy one whit.
“Yes.” Ira stared at his feet. “He takes care of me.” Using his signature move, he darted a glance at Alec to see how he took such information.
“That’s cool.”
At the affirmation, Ira’s face brightened. “I like him, even if he won’t let me read Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix . And Liam likes me.”
“I’m sure he does.” Alec looked up to see the teacher gathering the kids together to leave while Ira resolutely ignored the activity. “You know, Ira, it’s best to listen to your brother. Wait and read The Order of the Phoenix when you’re older.”
“Okay.”
“We’ll see you next week.”
“Okay.”
Alec pointed to the other children and Ira trudged over to join his schoolmates. Mrs. Sellers’ class chanted thank you and goodbye to Alec; thirty children and three adults marched out of the library.
Sharon, his lifesaver, bustled over. “It would drive me batty reading to all those squirming kids. I’m grateful you don’t mind. You’re so good with them.”
Alec eyed her, trying not to show his irritation at her over-the-top praise. “You don’t have to act like I’m doing you the favor.” After all, Sharon had landed him this job at the library, and for that, Alec would be forever grateful. And it was also Sharon who’d convinced their boss Alec would be great for Reading Hour. So Alec owed her double and sometimes had to work at not resenting the obligatory gratitude.
“Pshaw.” Sharon dismissed his ill-humored muttering. “You are great . Not everyone is cut out to work with kids. You should be a teacher.”
Alec