Chapter Eight
Wade paced back and forth in front of Rafe’s office. It had been the longest fucking hour of his life. His mate was in there, under attack, and there wasn’t a damn thing he could do to stop it. Heshouldn’twant to do anything about it. Heshouldjust walk the fuck away, but he couldn’t. No more than he could stop his heart from taking its next beat.
He had heard every word they uttered. All of the accusations that had been flung at Adalyn. He’d listened to each of her responses. The truth that echoed in her voice couldn’t be disputed. His Alpha didn’t trust her, but he doubted it had little to do with her being part witch. If he were a betting man, he would bet Rafe’s distrust came from something a whole lot deeper—like the fact that she was his half-sister.
“What are you still doing here?” Rafe asked as he flung his office door open.
“I—uh,” Wade stuttered, not wanting to tell the Alpha the real reason he stood there looking like a crazed stalker.
Rafe sniffed the air. “Are you fucking kidding me?”
“The Alpha smells the connection,”his wolf whispered in his mind.
“Of course.”Why Wade had thought no one would know or guess was beyond him.
Well, there really was no point in denying it.
“I wish more than anything this was a joke. This can’t be happening.” Wade admitted exactly how he felt to the Alpha and everyone else who’d been in Rafe’s office. Adalyn, his beautiful mate, looked confused by the exchange. Brenna eyed him suspiciously, Erin smirked at the revelation. The others—well, they had yet to pick their jaws up from the ground.
“Follow me, I’m sure you’ll want to speak to her alone after we get her settled.”
Wade nodded and fell in line with Rafe, not trusting in his ability to keep his mouth shut. They’d reached their destination inside the Alpha’s home far sooner than Wade had expected. He’d had no idea where the room was located in the house because he hadn’t paid one iota of attention. Completely lost in his own mind, they could have trudged their way to Hell and back for all he would have known—or cared. All he could think about was touching his mate, tasting her. Would she taste as sweet as she smelled or better?
“This will be your room for as long as you’re here,” Rafe announced as they stopped in front of a heavy wooden door. “You’re free to come and go as you please, but Wade will be keeping an eye on you until we’re sure we can trust you. I hope you understand. If you’re hungry, the kitchen is fully stocked, feel free to help yourself.”
Rafe paused and turned back to face Adalyn. “I’d stay away from the peanut butter fudge ice cream. My mate has a real craving for it these days, and she’s been known to bite a head or two off if anyone even thinks about touching it.”
“I understand and thank you, brother. Your hospitality is more than I could have hoped for.”
Wade watched as Rafe flinched at Adalyn’s casual use of the termbrother.
“You’re welcome.” Rafe glanced at Wade once more, his expectation clear: Do not leave her side.
Fuck.
How was he supposed to combat the overwhelming draw he felt toward his mate if he was forced to spend every minute by her side? He hadn’t had a single clear thought since he’d breathed in her delectable scent.
Rafe knew his dilemma and had still ordered him to look after Adalyn.
“It’s not like you’ve ever discussed your aversion to a mate with anyone,”his wolf reminded him.
True.
He hadn’t. What would have been the point of denying a mate he’d never thought to exist? Wade had roamed the Earth for centuries, thinking himself unworthy of a mate. Now—he had no idea what to think.
“Are you going to stand there daydreaming or did you want to have a conversation with me?” Adalyn interrupted his thoughts.
A low rumble vibrated up from Wade’s chest, startling Adalyn. She tried to sidestep him but failed. Before Wade knew what had happened, he’d slipped inside the room and closed the door. His wolf fought for control, intending to stake his claim on their mate. He pushed the beast back with all of his mental might, but the pull he felt toward Adalyn was indisputable. He’d never felt anything like it.
Attraction.
Desire.
Lust.
Need.
He stalked closer to her, all the while, trying to fight against the mystical connection. With every step forward he took, he knew it was a losing battle.
