“You don’t even know me,” Alex pointed out, wondering if this was how people ended up as cautionary tales on true crime podcasts. Then again, Wade was his mate. And Alex needed somewhere to sleep that wasn’t covered in dirt and pine needles.
“I’m a good judge of character,” Wade replied with a confidence that seemed unearned given their five minutes of acquaintance.
“Or a serial killer looking for his next victim,” Alex muttered.
Wade laughed, the sound unexpectedly warm. “If I were hunting victims, I’d pick someone who didn’t look like they could be knocked over by a stiff breeze.”
“Rude, but fair,” Alex conceded.
“And the collar?”
Alex’s hand flew to his neck, fingers brushing against the cold metal. He’d almost forgotten it was there, a constant reminder of what he was, and wasn’t, allowed to do.
“Fashion statement,” he said flatly. It had been a gift from Drew, only, at the time Alex had accepted it and put it on, he hadn’t known it would trap him inside his human body.
Before Wade could respond, the waiter arrived with their food. The burger was massive, topped with melted cheese and thick slices of bacon. Steam rose from the pile of golden fries, carrying the scent of salt and grease. Alex’s mouth flooded with saliva.
“Go ahead,” Wade said, gesturing toward the plate. “I can practically hear your stomach from here.”
Alex didn’t need to be told twice. He forced himself to eat slowly, to savor each bite instead of inhaling it like the starving animal he was. The food was exactly what his body needed, hot, filling, and savory. Only when the edge of his hunger dulled did he notice Wade watching him with an amused expression.
“What?” Alex asked around a mouthful of fries.
“Nothing. Just wondering where you’re putting it all.” Wade leaned back, one arm stretched across the back of the booth. “You’re built like a runner.”
Alex swallowed. “High metabolism.” Another half-truth. Shifters burned calories faster than humans, especially when stressed. And he’d been nothing but stressed lately.
“So, do you have somewhere to sleep tonight?” Wade circled back to Alex’s sleeping accommodations.
Alex paused mid-chew. “Like I said, the woods have been pretty accommodating so far.”
“It’s going to rain.”
As if on cue, a low rumble of thunder sounded in the distance. Perfect. Just perfect.
“I’m waterproof.” Alex took another bite of his burger, trying to project more confidence than he felt. The thought of spending another night outside, especially in the rain, made his chest tighten with dread. Especially since he couldn’t shift and find someplace small to stay dry.
“You’re more than welcome to stay with me.”
The offer hung between them, unexpected and tempting. Alex paused mid-bite, weighing his options. Sleep in the forest again, cold and vulnerable, or accept this stranger’s offer of shelter.
Except Wade wasn’t really a stranger anymore. The mate bond hummed between them, subtle but undeniable. Alex wondered if Wade felt it, too, or if wolves experienced it differently than bunny shifters.
“Why would you help me?” Alex asked, genuinely curious. “You don’t know me.”
Wade’s mouth quirked. “Let’s just say I’ve been where you are. Not exactly, but close enough. Sometimes you need someone to throw you a line. Besides, we’re mates.”
The sincerity in his voice made Alex nearly cry. He hadn’t expected kindness from anyone, least of all his mate—a complication he hadn’t seen coming and definitely didn’t need right now.
“Okay,” Alex finally said. “Thanks. Just for tonight though.”
Wade smiled, that lopsided grin that did funny things to Alex’s insides. “Sure. Just tonight.”
Alex finished his meal, including the slice of apple pie Wade insisted on ordering. By the time they left the diner, his body felt heavy with food and fatigue, the adrenaline that had kept him going finally draining away.
The rain had started, a light drizzle that promised to become something more substantial. Wade’s truck was parked around the corner, a black behemoth that Alex had to practically climb into. The interior smelled like leather and bourbon, with undertones of wolf that made Alex’s nose twitch.
“Buckle up,” Wade said, pulling away from the curb. “My place is about ten minutes outside of town.”
