“Rules that humans don’t know about,” Alex pointed out. “Rules I sure as hell don’t understand.”
Wade couldn’t argue with that. The supernatural legal system was complex and often contradictory, varying between species and territories. But he knew someone who would understand it better than most.
“We’ll figure this out,” Wade promised.
Alex pulled back slightly, studying Wade’s face with an intensity that made Wade’s chest tighten. “Why are you doing this? We barely know each other. For all you know, I really am guilty of something. Maybe I did owe Drew money. Maybe I killed him for reasons that had nothing to do with self-defense.”
The questions hung between them, and Wade realized his mate was giving him an out. A chance to step back, to decide this was too complicated, too dangerous to get involved in.
The thought didn’t even tempt him.
“Because you’re mine,” Wade said simply. “Mate or no mate, bond or no bond, you’re mine to protect. That’s not negotiable.”
Something shifted in Alex’s expression, a wall crumbling that Wade hadn't even realized was there. His mate’s eyes filled with tears again, but these looked different. Less desperate, more grateful.
“I’ve never had anyone say that to me before,” Alex admitted quietly.
Wade’s heart clenched at the admission. How had someone as sweet and brave as Alex gone through life without protection? Without someone willing to stand between him and the world’s cruelties?
“Well, you do now.” Wade brushed a tear from Alex’s cheek with his thumb. “And I’m not going anywhere.”
Alex leaned into the touch, eyes closing briefly. When he opened them again, some of the fear had been replaced by determination.
“What do we do next?” he asked.
Wade smiled, proud of his mate’s resilience. “Next, we get some sleep. Tomorrow, we start making calls. I know a few demons who aren’t complete bastards. We’ll get answers.”
“And if Valcore comes back before then?”
“Then he’ll find out what happens when someone threatens a wolf's mate.” Wade’s voice dropped to a growl. “Trust me, honey bunny. He won’t like the lesson.”
Alex managed a small smile at the nickname. “Honey bunny?”
“Too much?” Wade grinned. “I can workshop it.”
“It’s perfect,” Alex said, and Wade could tell he meant it.
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the crisis temporarily pushed aside by the simple intimacy of being close. Wade could feel his mate’s exhaustion in the way Alex’s body gradually relaxed against him, the adrenaline finally wearing off.
“Come on,” Wade murmured, shifting to help Alex stand. “You need rest.”
“Where am I sleeping?” Alex asked, glancing toward the door.
Wade raised an eyebrow. “Where do you think?”
“The guest room?”
“Try again.”
Alex looked around Wade’s bedroom, taking in the king-sized bed, the dark furniture, the personal touches that made it clearly lived-in space.
“Here?” he asked, uncertainty creeping into his voice.
“Here,” Wade confirmed. “Unless you’d rather be alone. No pressure, Alex. But after tonight, I’d feel better having you close.”
Alex considered this, chewing his lower lip in a way that made Wade want to lean down and kiss him senseless.
“Okay,” Alex finally said. “But I should warn you, I’m told I steal covers.”
