by Erin West
He pulls back and tugs me along with him.
I step out of the cab on unsteady feet.
He shuts the door and takes my hand, pulling me to the house.
I follow him, my heart pounding even harder.
When we walk into the house, he pulls me back into his arms and kisses my lips.
I shouldn’t let him after what I’ve done, but I can’t bring myself to pull away.
He pulls back, and I note the dark circles under his eyes and the crumpled suit pants and button-up he’s wearing. It appears as if he hasn’t slept at all.
He cups my face with his hand. “I’m so sorry. I was trying to protect you, but all I did was hurt you. I will never do anything like that again.”
Dropping my eyes, I stare at the ground. I can’t face him when he’s apologizing, considering I’ve betrayed him worse than what he’s done to me.
His gaze drops down to the dagger I’m still holding in my hand, and his face creases with worry. “Where did you get that?”
I bite my lip. Do I look as guilty as I feel? “I found it.”
He tilts his head, worry lining his forehead. “You found it?”
If I don’t come clean now, I won’t, so I better just get it over with. Taking a deep breath, I spit it all out. “When I left here, I went to my friend’s place to stay. I used to work with her. Anyways, she talked me into going out tonight.” I stop, not wanting to continue.
He takes my hand. “Go on. It’s not bad so far.”
The buzzing is comforting, which makes everything worse. I sigh. “Well, we went to a club, and a man approached me. He bought me a drink.”
His jaw clenches, but he rubs his thumb against my hand, remaining quiet.
“Well, I drank it fast, not worried since I’ve never been able to get drunk before, but somehow, that one drink did it.” I taper off and stay silent.
His shoulders tense, his breathing becomes shallow, and his eyes glow. “Just tell me the rest, Rose.”
“Well, I went back to his hotel room, and things…” I pull away from him and walk to the other side of the room. I’m a coward. I can’t look at him for this part. “Things got heated, and I slept with him. I’m so sorry.” I turn around, cringing.
Hurt lines his face but also astonishment. His hands ball into fists and eyes glow brighter. “Tell me the rest.”
Oh, right. The dagger. “Afterwards, I got dressed, knowing I needed to come back to you.”
His face softens at this. “I was on your mind right after?”
“Yes, and even before. I couldn’t get you out of my mind.” I sit on the edge of his large leather couch. “I’ve been desperate to come back, to come home,” I whisper, looking down at my hands and rubbing them together. Please, God. Let this still be my home.
Walking over and sitting beside me, he takes my hand. “Is there more?”
Okay, the rest is easier. “I saw something shiny, which is weird, because it was buried under his clothes. Yet, I knew it was there and had to get it.” I lift my right hand, which is still holding the dagger. “I couldn’t leave it. I tried, but somehow, I know it’s meant to be mine.”
Staring at the dagger, he lifts his eyes up to meet mine. There is so much pain in them, and it’s like I can feel his pain on top of mine. He deserves someone better than me. I hurt him so much more than expected. What the hell is wrong with me? He is such a great guy, and I got upset just because he didn’t tell me everything up front. I mean, I had just been attacked by a vampire. My heart feels like it’s splintered in two, but I force myself up and head for the door.
He stands and walks after me, taking my arm. “Where do you think you’re going?”
I take a deep breath, holding my tears at bay. “I’m so sorry. I hurt you, and you deserve someone better than me.”
He draws me into his chest, his woodsy scent making me feel at home. He strokes the back of my head. “You’re it for me. We all make mistakes, and I’m part to blame here, too.”
Pulling back, I shake my head. “No, don’t make excuses for me. I was stupid and shouldn’t have ran. This is on me.” Why the hell is he trying to take the blame?
Cupping my face with his hands, he kisses my forehead. “You were scared. I changed right in front of your face. I pushed you.” He leans his forehead against mine. “Please, don’t leave me again. I don’t think I can take it twice.”
I rise to my tiptoes and brush my lips against his. “I’m so, so sorry. I’ll never leave you again.”
He grins against my lips. “So, you’re moving in?”
I startle back. “After everything, you want me to live here?”
His dimples return to his face. “Yes, it would make me happy. I mean, you already call it home.”
“Okay.” What the hell? Did I just agree to this?
He leans down and captures my lips once more. “Okay, but do you want a cup of coffee? In the spirit of full disclosure, I think we should talk, and the sooner the better. I don’t want to chance anything like yesterday happening again.”
Dread is pouring off him. This can’t be good. “Yeah, a cup of coffee sounds good.”
He nods and walks into the kitchen, and I follow right behind him.
Making my cup of coffee just perfect, he hands it over to me and winks.
I smile back. “Thanks.”
He takes his cup and pulls out the chair at the island, motioning for me to sit.
I make my way over and get comfortable, and he sits right beside me.
He reaches out and takes my hand, our connection springing to life. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this.
Taking a sip of coffee, he sets the cup on the table and intertwines our fingers. “So, as you know, I’m a wolf shifter.”
Yeah, I figured that out the other night. “Yup, I got that part.”
He barks out a chuckle. “I guess you did.” He picks at the counter for a minute before glancing back at me. “I’m also alpha of this region.”
Okay, I’m not sure what that means. “Of this area here?”
“No, of the whole southeast. That’s one reason why I live here in Atlanta, but our wolves can’t stand living in the city year-round, so we moved out to this rural area. We are close to the city but still have the woods to roam in.”
That’s interesting and doesn’t seem all that surprising now that I’m getting used to the fact that there are wolves and vampires roaming around. “Thanks for telling me.”
Anxiety fills me, and the energy is different than normal.
He shifts in his seat. “This is crazy. I’ve never felt like this before.” He runs his free hand down his face. “One thing that is important to any alpha is finding their mate—their true, destined partner. The one that changes their life forever and makes them a better person inside and out. The one that is their everything and was made perfectly for them.”
Is he referring to me? That can’t be possible. I’m not a shifter. How will this affect our relationship? “Okay. What are you saying?”
He stands and paces around the island, running his hands through his hair. Stopping in front of me, he places his hands on either side of me, staring into my eyes. “I’m saying, you’re my mate.”
Tilting my head with furrowed eyebrows, I lean back. “How is this possible when I’m not a shifter?”
He shrugs his shoulders. “I’m not sure. My wolf and I know you’re our mate, and that’s all that matters.”
Do I know that? I can’t deny our connection. It grows stronger every day we are together. But can I be the only one for him when there are others who occupy my heart and mind, too? Even through the doubts, I can’t stifle the smile spreading across my lips. I want this to be true. I want to be his forever. If it ends up not being real, I’ll pick myself up like I always do and move on.
A smile remains on my lips and I nod. “I feel it, too.”
“You do?” A grin lights up his face, and he grabs me by the waist, pulling me off of the chair.
“You don’t know how happy you’ve just made me.”
I giggle and wrap my arms around his neck.
His arms tighten around my back, squeezing me in a hug and twirling me around in a circle.
Setting me down, he captures my lips with his. I respond with urgency, not wanting this moment to end.
All too soon, he backs away, and I whimper in protest.
“No, wait. I’m not done.” He brings his finger up and brushes my lips. “I want to be clear with you.”
My heart races, wanting him to just spit it out already. My emotions are all over the place.
His eyes meet mine. “You’re it. This is forever.”
My eyes widen. Forever? That thought brings me comfort. I’ve never had forever before. It also explains why I have such strong feelings for him. He’s my comfort; we’re made for each other. There isn’t another woman that I should worry about.
If that’s the case, how did Oren happen? What about Eli? How can I have connections with three different men? I don’t want to ask these questions, though. Not right now.
He watches my every move with guarded eyes. “You okay?”
I smile and stand on my tiptoes to kiss him again. “I’m more than okay.”
He responds with fervor, and I can feel his erection growing against my stomach, but something feels off. I mean, I just slept with another man no more than a couple of hours ago. I pull back and force a grin. “I’m really tired.”
Kissing my forehead, his hand rubs up and down my back. “Of course, you are.” He stares at me with a sad smile. “I got carried away. I’m just ecstatic that you are back home with me. Let’s get you to your room so you can get some sleep.”
The unsaid words “unlike last night” hang between us. Will we be able to get past last night?
We walk down the hall and up the stairs to my room, which is right next to his. He glances at his door before focusing back on me.
I’m pretty sure he wants me to go to his room, but I can’t tonight. Not like this. I want to more than anything, but I need some space to clear my head. He dropped a lot on me tonight on top of everything else. I cut my eyes up at him. “Did you ever find a replacement?”
He taps me on the nose. “Nope, I was holding out for you. Want to start tomorrow? I haven’t been in the office since that night.”
“Yeah, I’d like that.” I grin and brush my lips across his one last time. I open my door and walk in. Before I shut it, I whisper, “Goodnight.”
He grins and blows me a kiss before entering his room.
Chapter Twelve
Birds are chirping and the sun is shining through the open curtains, causing me to wake and stretch. I sit up in bed and grab the clock. That can’t be right. It’s ten thirty. Oh, damn. I’m late for my first day.
Why didn’t Drake wake me? I’ve got to get ready.
Pulsing blue light shines from the pillow beside me. The dagger is nestled there. Didn’t I put that on the dresser? The closer my hand gets to it, the stronger the energy feels. My hand wraps around the handle, and the burning I’ve become used to expands further within me.
Taking the dagger into the closet, I fold it up into an old shirt and place it in my empty duffel bag. I put it on the floor under the hanging clothes. That hiding spot will have to do until I can find a better one.
After a quick shower, I feel refreshed and run to the closet with the towel wrapped around me. My sparse wardrobe is hanging right where I left it. I swipe the hangers back and forth, trying to decide what to wear to an office job. I can’t believe I have an actual office job.
Squealing in the closet is how Drake finds me, still in a towel.
He laughs, crossing his arms over his chest.
A gasp leaves my mouth. “Shit, you scared me.”
“Sorry. I knocked, but you didn’t hear me.” He checks me out.
I can’t help when my eyes wander up and down his frame. He’s wearing jeans and a navy polo. My face heats when I remember I’m standing in front of him in a towel. I grab the knot above my breasts to make sure it stays in place.
“Don’t we need to be heading to the office?” I grab a black skirt and floral-patterned peasant top that might be a little short for an office setting, but it’s the best I have at the moment.
He shakes his head. “No.”
“No? I thought you needed me to work today.” I try to mask the unhappiness I’m feeling.
He uncrosses his arms, stepping close to me and placing his hands on my hips. “Please, don’t hide your feelings from me. I do need you. But I thought you might like to sleep in and then go shopping for a new wardrobe for your new job.”
How sweet is he? I smile up at him. “You don’t have to do that. I can get some clothes later.”
“I want to. Let me do this for you.” He leans down and kisses me, making my knees weak.
Damn this man.
“Fine, but I’ll pay you back.” I pull back from him, meeting his stare.
“No, it’s my gift to you. Call it a sign-on bonus.” He pulls me back against him and places a kiss on my forehead.
I sigh and melt into his warm chest, the familiar buzzing coursing through me from our contact.
“Okay. I’ll find some way to pay you back.” I wrinkle my nose at his frustrated look.
His eyes brighten. “I can think of a few things you can do.”
His erection presses into my stomach through the towel.
Shit. I still haven’t put my clothes on. Groans escape both of us. My core aches for him to fill me.
Bright amber eyes glow, and a growl leaves his throat. Wetness pools at the junction of my thighs, and his nostrils flare.
He pries himself away from me. My body feels the loss of his warmth the second he steps back, and I stop myself from reaching out to him.
“I’ll be waiting downstairs for you.” His voice is gravelly.
I sigh. Why can’t life be simpler?
Guess I don’t need the skirt any longer. Instead, I choose a pair of jean shorts and a light green t-shirt. After I blow dry my honey-blonde hair, I pull it up in a French twist and apply a little make-up.
While walking down the neutral-toned hallway to the dark hardwood staircase, I take my time looking at the personal touches in the house. It’s surprising to see for a single man. Family pictures line the walls. I stop at a more recent one of what appears to be his parents with him and another man. It must be his brother; they look so similar, it's unreal. The brothers take after their father with their height, broad shoulders, and dashing smiles. Those damn dimples are heart-stoppers. His mother is beautiful, with long dark hair and coloring, and the same piercing amber eyes I love to get lost in.
Drake meets me at the bottom of the stairs with a to-go coffee. “Ready to go shopping?”
He sounds excited. Don't men usually hate shopping? “Yes. Can we stop by Mia’s so I can get my phone?”
“Sure. Where does she live?”
I recite her address, and he types it into his Waze.
We walk through the kitchen and into the garage, holding hands. He opens the door for me to get in before running around and hopping into the driver’s seat.
I could hug his mother for raising a true gentleman.
After backing out and starting down the driveway, he reaches over and grabs my hand again.
I’ll never get tired of the buzzing our bodies create. It will only make sex together that much more sensual.
Last night with Oren flashes through my mind, his strong body on top, thrusting into me as I ran my hands over his arms and back. I need to stop thinking about it.
My nipples harden, and wetness coats my panties. My body is betraying me. It wants three different men, but they also fill a part of me I didn’t know was missing. I want to place my face in my hands and scream at the gravity of the situation.
Here, I have Drake, who wants me more than anyone. He says I’m his mate, that I’m it for him, yet my traitorous thoughts stray t
o other men.
Drake’s hand squeezes mine, drawing my attention to him.
His nostrils flare, jaw clenches, and eyes glow.
I hesitate. Does he know what I was thinking about? “Uh, Drake? Are you okay?”
“Your scent is driving my wolf crazy,” he growls out.
He pulls over to the side of the road between his house and the city, where it’s still a little isolated.
Pulling his hand away, he grips the steering wheel. “He’s riding me hard to claim you, but you deserve better than some quick fuck on the side of the road.”
Shock shoots through my system, and my mouth drops open. No, I don’t. Take me now. That’s what my body and heart want him to do.
My mouth takes on a mind of its own. “Take me. Make me yours.”
He grips the steering wheel tighter, almost tearing it from the steering column. “You don’t know what you’re saying. Our first time together will be the best experience of your life. I’ll make sure of it.”
He opens the driver door. “Stay here,” he growls and jumps out of the car, pacing around the open area surrounding us.
I watch from the vehicle as he paces like a caged animal. I guess he is one. Pain blossoms in my chest as he struggles with his wolf. The need to go to him is strong. After a couple minutes, I can’t resist.
Without thinking, I’m out of the car and heading in his direction.
His blazing amber eyes meet mine, and a growl sounds from the back of his throat. “Get back in the car or I’m going to do what you told me to.”
Yes. That’s what I want. I shake my head, approaching him at a slower pace. Adrenaline and arousal thrum throughout my body. “I want you. Give in. It's okay.”
He lifts me up, and I wrap my legs around him as he carries me to the car, pressing my back into the side doors. “You don’t know what you’re asking of me.”
I nod, breathing heavy. “I do. Make me yours.”
He captures my lips with his, our tongues dueling. He sets me down, unbuttoning my shorts before sliding them down my legs, panties joining them around my ankles.
