AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I blinked back tears. The regret and self-hatred in his voice seeped into the bond, weighing it down like rocks in the pockets of a drowning man.
Ezra blamed himself for their deaths.
“It wasn’t your fault,” I whispered.
“I didn’t lock them in the room or start the fire, but I sparked the idea in a madman’s mind. I trusted someone I shouldn’t have, and innocent females paid the price.”
I stared at our joined hands and fought the urge to sob. Ezra was baring his soul to me, but his faith in our bond would turn to hatred when he found out I’d withheld a small piece of the truth.
My wolf grumbled in annoyance. I couldn’t fault her; I was growing annoyed with myself too.
“You didn’t have to tell me any of this,” I said.
“I did. I can’t ask for your trust if I don’t give you mine in return.”
Fuck, did that hurt—almost as much as it warmed me, softening my sharp edges.
The orange carpentry building was like a neon sign between all the greenery, and though Ezra’s tight grip on my hand was subtle, I felt it, nonetheless. It was the same stiffness that came over my mate when I talked about Theron the night before. I pretended not to notice it then, but I wasn’t sure I could now.
“You have a problem with me working there?” I asked, hoping the question came out casually.
His reply was short, clipped. “No.”
He definitely wasn’t happy about it, but he was taking me anyway.
Thoren stood in front of the entrance with an easy smile. “Ezra,” he said, earning a grunt of acknowledgment from my mate. “Brielle. I have to say I’m surprised you showed up.”
I scoffed playfully. “Do you think I get into discussions about wood grain and sanding methods for fun? Nope. This is serious.”
“Well, I’m glad I finally have one committed worker.”
“What time will she be done?” Ezra asked with a bland expression, his hand still curled around mine.
“I’d say four is a safe bet,” Theron replied.
“What will you be doing today?” Ezra pressed.
“We’ll go over jobs, tools, ordering procedures, and fulfillment.” Theron turned his attention to me. “I’ve also got a project for you.”
I beamed, excited to see what he had in store.
Ezra growled.
There it was. Territorialism. I wanted to roll my eyes but knew it wouldn’t help. Instead, I slipped my hand from Ezra’s and turned to face him.
Theron’s hearty laugh made my lips twitch.
Instigator.
I stood on the tips of my toes and cupped his cheek. “Thank you for dropping me off.”
His icy gaze thawed as he looked at me. Before I could pull away, he fisted the back of my hair and pressed his mouth to mine. The kiss was dominating—a reminder of who I belonged to. I should have felt pissed, but a primal part of me craved it.
Ezra broke our kiss. “I’ll see you at four.”
“I’ll take good care of her,” Theron said, laughing.
Ezra grumbled and gave me one last glance before he left.
