by Jess Bryant
“Rafe, what the…”
“You’re not going anywhere.” He growled and his wolf hissed his agreement.
“Rafe…” Her voice was a warning but he ignored it with a snarl.
“I’m not letting you out of my sight, Zo. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not ever.”
His wolf was already pacing at the very idea. He wouldn’t lose her. He couldn’t. He’d only just found her.
Zoey frowned, “Rafe… listen to me.”
“Zo…”
“No!” She raised her voice and met his eyes seriously, “You listen to me. You can’t keep me locked up out here. I’m not a prisoner. I’m your mate.”
“I know that. It’s why I need to protect you.” Rafe winced when his wolf clawed at his insides, “I can’t lose you. Zo, baby, I can’t lose you.”
Zoey softened underneath him and he breathed a sigh of relief. She was going to see reason. She was going to understand. She was his mate. She had to. On some soul deep level she had to understand that after all he’d lost, the very idea of letting her go and having something happen to her would kill him. He’d lost the last shreds of his sanity and there would be no coming back from it this time.
“Oh, Rafe…” Zoey softly swiped his hair back again, “You’re not going to lose me. I promise.”
“Zo, you can’t…”
“You can’t keep me as a prisoner. I have a life. I have a bakery that I own and I run. I have a family that is going to want to see me, to hear what happened and see for themselves that I’m okay. You told Michael you wouldn’t take me from my life here but that’s exactly what you’ll be doing if you lock me up out here.”
Rafe shook his head, “I’m not… I can’t…”
“I won’t abide it, Rafe. It’s best you get it out of your head right now. I’m not some timid little thing that’s going to let you get away with putting me on a pedestal to keep me safe. I’m going to live my life the same way I always have. I want you to be a part of it.”
Everything inside of him felt like it was bleeding. His wolf was ripping at his organs and his skin. He hated the thought of losing her but more than that he realized that he hated the idea of hurting her. And he knew that keeping her away from the world would hurt her. She was right. She had a family and a life and he didn’t want to take them from her. He wanted to be a part of that life with her.
But God, just the thought of her going out there in the world alone, even if it was just Noir, the safest place she could possibly be, he could barely breathe.
“Rafe…” Zoey tilted his chin up and he realized that he’d dropped his head and closed his eyes in agony, “Rafe, honey, look at me. Please?”
“Zo…”
“I know this is hard for you. I understand why.” Zoey was stroking his hair, petting and soothing him and his animal both, “What you went through, losing your parents and Gabe, I know you’ll never get past it. I’m not asking you to. But I am asking that you trust me on this, I won’t put myself in any unnecessary danger. I won’t ever leave you by choice and I know that you’ll never let anything happen to me if you can help it. But you have to let me go and trust that I’ll come back to you. I’ll always come back to you.”
He swallowed past the knot in his throat, “You can’t promise that you’ll come back. That’s out of your power. That’s in fate’s hands and…”
“Exactly. Exactly, Rafe. It’s in fate’s hands, not mine and not yours. We’ll have as much time together as fate allows and we both have to trust that it’s going to be a really, really long time. That we’re going to get to grow old together, have pups together and raise them together.”
“I want that.”
“I know.” Zoey leaned up and kissed him softly, “I know. I want that too. But what kind of life will it be if I can’t leave this cabin? Think about it. Logically. Be reasonable. I know you want to protect me but you have to be reasonable Rafe.”
The thing was, logically, rationally, he knew that keeping her locked up here was unreasonable. He knew it was impossible. She was too strong to allow it, to allow him to control her that way. But the unreasonable side of him, his wolf side, was going crazy at the idea of letting her out of his sight.
The last time he’d let someone he loved out of his sight, they’d all been slaughtered like animals.
“Zo…” He winced and shook his head.
He didn’t know what to do. It was something he could work on. He could promise her that. But he couldn’t do it today. He couldn’t let her go today. Not today. Not when she was just barely his and his wolf hadn’t properly claimed her yet. Not fully. Not on a full moon.
“How about we compromise for now?”
He sucked in a surprised breath and studied her face, curious what she could possibly mean, “What?”
“I know that it’s going to take some time and some adjustments on both of our parts to make this relationship work but it’s what we both want right?”
He nodded instantly and the pain in his chest eased a little when she smiled up at him.
“So we compromise.” Zoey stroked his cheek, “I need to go into town and you can’t bear to be away from me so you’ll come with me.”
“I…” He stuttered and tilted his head, “I didn’t know that was an option.”
“It won’t always be. I won’t have you stalking around me like a bodyguard all the time, Rafe. But you’re my mate and it’s a full moon and I understand why you’re worried. So for today, you can accompany me to town while I run my errands, okay?”
He fought the hot liquid that built behind his eyes. His mate was so sweet. So sweet and smart and understanding. She was giving him what he needed, just like a good mate should. He could give her what she needed too. In time, he would be able to loosen his hold, at least he hoped that he could. He was a born Alpha. He was a dominant shifter. She was his mate. He would always want to keep her close and protect her. But he would learn how to loosen his grip without losing his sanity. Someday.
“You’d do that?” He managed to choke out.
“Of course I will.” Zoey wiped at his cheek and he realized a tear had slipped from the corner of his eye, “You mean everything to me. I want to make you happy and I want you to be part of my life. Not just here in the cabin but everywhere. You’re my mate, Rafe. So come to town with me and let me show my hot, sexy, Alpha mate off to my friends would you?”
He hadn’t thought it was possible but he snorted a laugh, “You want to… show me off?”
“Mmhmm.” Zoey rubbed up against him and coyly batted her lashes, “I have a hot born Alpha mate that makes me wet just breathing. I want all those bitches in the pack to know that you’re mine and I’ll claw their eyes out if they so much as look at you for too long.”
Rafe nuzzled her neck and the mark he’d put there, “One condition.”
“Hmm?”
“No shower before we go. I want my scent all over you if we’re going to town. Want all those males to know you’re mine and I won’t just claw their eyes out, I’ll rip out their throats if they put a finger on you.”
“Mmm.” Zoey hummed happily, “How is it sexy when you talk like a homicidal maniac? Is that a bond thing or a mate thing or am I just into super possessive crazy guys?”
He chuckled again, ignoring her question, “Do we have a deal?”
“Deal.” She nodded and arched when he slid a hand down to cup her breast, “Oh, God, Rafe… we don’t have time.”
“We’re skipping showers.” He reminded her, his lips following the trail his hand took down her body, “We have plenty of time.”
“But the… Ohhhhhh!” Zoey moaned, her hands going to his hair as he knelt between her legs and put his mouth on her.
Rafe grinned against her soft pink flesh. His. She was all his. They’d had their first argument and they’d reached a compromise. He fully intended to show her how happy that made him. That they could work together, find a way to fit their lives together. He dipped his head and suc
kled, taking her flavor onto his tongue and feeling his wolf relax with the knowledge that he would be able to keep her close all day.
She was already theirs and when the moon rose tonight… they’d make it official.
Chapter 20
“Stop it.”
Rafe’s hand tightened on hers and she shot apologetic looks to the three men that had just crossed the street to avoid them. Luckily they were pack and they must have understood because they lowered their gazes and didn’t glance back once. She let out an uneasy breath, thankful they hadn’t taken Rafe’s growling as an excuse to start a fight.
“Stop what?” His voice was low as he tugged her against his side and nuzzled her hair.
“Growling at literally every person we see.” She softened slightly at the affectionate gesture and squeezed his hand reassuringly, “Nobody here is a threat to me.”
“I don’t like them looking at you.”
Zoey glanced up to see his mouth curve into an adorably sexy pout and hid a smile against his shoulder, “They’re not looking at me, Rafe. They’re looking at you because you’re emitting a low-key warning growl like a bomb about to go off. Now cut it out before we get to the shop because if you scare all my customers away I’m going to be pissed.”
“The men were looking at you.” He insisted.
She sighed, “So what if they were?”
“You’re mine.”
“Exactly. I’m yours. They can look if they want but all they’re going to see is how much I want my mate. You.”
“I warned you what would happen if one of them touches you…”
“And nobody will touch me but you.” Zoey cut him off with a shake of her head, trying to reassure him for what felt like the millionth time since they left the cabin, “I chose you. Remember?”
Rafe’s throat bobbed as he swallowed, “I don’t want you to regret that. I know I’m… overbearing.”
“You’re protective.” Zoey stopped walking and faced him, “You’re also sweet and sexy and you’re mine. I don’t want to share you with the world any more than you want to share me. But our life is here and we have to live it. We talked about this.”
“I know.” Rafe’s free hand came up and gently traced the mark on her neck, sending goosebumps racing over her skin and heat straight to her core, “I’m just on edge about tonight. The full moon and my wolf and…”
Zoey caught his hand and brought it to her lips, kissing his knuckles softly, “Let’s not worry about tonight right now. Let’s just focus on getting through the day. Okay?”
“Okay.” Rafe finally nodded.
She went up on tiptoe and brushed her lips against his. Rafe immediately growled and swept down to claim her mouth. He hauled her against him and the heat between them sparked. She opened her mouth when his tongue demanded entry and whimpered when he teased her with it, pumping in and out in a filthy, suggestive way that made her want him inside her so bad she ached.
“Holy. Fucking. Shit.”
The words snapped her out of her fantasy and back to reality. Where she and Rafe were making out on the sidewalk just in front of her bakery. Where people were walking past and cars were driving by. Where her assistant and friend was gaping at them with wide-mouthed astonishment from barely two feet away.
Zoey felt her cheeks flush and began to disentangle herself, “Uh, hey April.”
Her friend’s eyes stayed glued to Rafe , unblinking for a long moment before she shook her head and glanced back at Zoey, “I heard the rumors I just… I thought Michael… I didn’t believe… holy fucking shit.”
Zoey managed a slight chuckle and nodded to the stuttering woman, “Rafe, soak it in. You’ve officially left April Warner speechless, a feat I thought was impossible.” Her friend managed to pull her jaw shut and Zoey continued, “April, you remember Rafe Hudson right?”
“Right. Yeah. How could I forget?” April fidgeted slightly, looking between them, “So you two are really… like… together then?”
“Mated.” Zoey nodded and squeezed Rafe’s hand when he remained stock still at her side. “Rafe’s my mate.”
April looked even more astonished at the confirmation, as if that had even seemed possible, “Well, uh, congratulations. And… welcome back to Noir, Rafe.”
“Warner.” Rafe finally spoke, his head tilting slightly, “You’re Ethan’s… sister?”
“Ouch.” April blinked and laughed, “No. Ethan’s sister is Isla and she’s about ten years older than me. I’m Ethan’s mate.”
“April used to be a Kellogg before she mated with Ethan.” Zoey tried to dig her new mate out of the hole he’d stepped into.
“Oh… yes. Sorry.” Rafe ran his free hand through his dark hair, ducking his head a little in apology, “You were younger than me in school but I remember your brother. Anderson. We were friends. Is he still in town?”
April nodded, “He is. He’s a deputy now and he’s also an Enforcer for the pack.”
“Like Michael couldn’t have brought him this morning then?” Rafe growled low, just for Zoey’s ears, “But no, he had to bring that other bastard. Figures.”
“Okay so…” Zoey chirped, ignoring Rafe’s latest reason to fight with his brother, “Now that introductions are over, how about we stop making a scene on the sidewalk and go inside? God knows I could use a cup of coffee.”
“Me too.” April nodded enthusiastically, “I’m basically an invalid until I get some caffeine in my system.”
“After you, ladies.” Rafe stepped forward quickly and grabbed the door.
Zoey shot her friend a reassuring smile when April flinched at his sudden movement. She knew Rafe was big and he didn’t exactly come off as friendly. But she was hoping that this trip into town would convince people he wasn’t quite the animal he’d made himself out to be last night. From the looks of it, she had her work cut out for her since April hadn’t even been at that party.
“Ladies?” Rafe prompted when April still didn’t move and Zoey rolled her eyes and shoved her friend.
“April. Stop staring. Go. Now.” She pushed her friend through the door and tugged Rafe in behind her.
“Sorry. Sorry. I…” April finally got moving and they stumbled into the bakery, which promptly went silent.
Zoey cringed and her friend gave an apologetic shrug as if she’d known this would happen. Which, maybe Zoey should have known as well. She’d expected there would be gossip in town. She’d known they would get looks and questions after the way everything had gone down last night. But back at the cabin everything had felt so right between her and Rafe that she’d convinced herself they’d be okay out here, in public. Maybe Rafe had been right. Maybe they should have stayed home today and let the rumors die down. Maybe…
“Rafe, my boy!” An older man that sat in the back got to his feet and started towards them with a big, welcoming smile on his face, “It’s so nice to see you.”
“Mr. Lang.” Rafe offered his free hand as the man got closer.
“Oh, come now, I think you’re old enough to call me Richard now.” The former high school science teacher all but beamed as he glanced at Zoey, “And good morning to you as well. Getting a late start I see.”
Zoey felt the blush heat her cheeks and to her utter shock and amusement, heard Rafe chuckle. That sound. Her insides bloomed with warmth and pleasure. She forgot all about how awkward the conversation with April had been outside. Forgot that her old teacher had basically just called her out for her tardiness. She simply basked in the sound of Rafe enjoying himself.
“It was my fault.”
“I had no doubt about that, son.” Richard Lang chuckled as well, “Why don’t you come sit with me and we can catch up? Let Ms. Zoey get to work.”
She gave the older man a grateful smile for the offer, for his show of kindness. He’d always been a nice man. He’d been a good teacher, stern but helpful. As one of her regulars, he all but kept her in business buying up boxes of treats every morning during the school year f
or his group of retired friends. She was thankful he’d made the gesture to welcome Rafe when everyone else was still staring and whispering but she didn’t expect her mate to take him up on it until he squeezed her hand and then loosened his grip.
“He’s right. I should let you get to work. It’s why we’re here after all.”
She felt her heart thump as she looked up into those gorgeous dark eyes of his, “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.” Rafe leaned down and brushed his lips over hers gently, “I’ll be right here if you need me and you’ll try to stay where I can see you. Right?”
Zoey nodded instantly because the thickness in her throat kept her from words. He was trying. He was really trying. For her. Compromise. He’d come to town even though he didn’t want to. He would take a seat in the café and let her get some work done. She knew it wouldn’t be easy for him to be apart from her, even that small distance, but he was trying.
She launched herself into his arms, hugging him tight and felt his answering smile against the top of her head as he caught her. Oh God, her heart ached. She was falling for him. Fast and crazy and she didn’t think it was only because of the heat or the bond or the wolves. It was because he was Rafe. Handsome and kind, sweet and sexy, protective and damaged but trying… for her. And she knew right then and there that her heart didn’t stand a chance.
She was falling in love with her mate.
“Go.” Rafe whispered against her ear, “Before I change my mind and haul you back to our bed.”
She grinned, “Tonight.”
A low growl vibrated through his chest and he pulled back and kissed her soundly before shoving her gently away, “Go to work, Zo. The sooner you finish the sooner we can get out of here.”
Zoey blew him a kiss before taking a deep breath and turning her back on him to walk away. It felt strange not touching him when she’d spent nearly every minute of the last twelve hours in his arms. She wanted to rush back to him as soon as the distance grew by more than a few feet but she forced herself on, knowing it was an important step in their relationship that they move it out of the bedroom and into the world.