“Shifters bite their mates to claim them,” I say, my voice deepening.“After that, everyone will know you’re taken, that you’re mine.But only when you’re ready, Taylor.We won’t do anything until you’re ready.”
She studies me for a moment, then nods once.I watch as she grabs her tea and takes a drink.
“How’s your throat?”
She gives me a thumbs-up and stands to clear the dishes.
I stop her.“I’ve got it.You just rest.”
I want to help.I’m not used to being so idle or having someone wait on me.
“I want you to get used to it, mate.You always took care of yourself and your sister.Something tells me you took care of your mom most of the time, too.But you have me now.It’s my job to take care of you.”
I can take care of myself.
“I know you can.You’ve been doing it for a long time.You don’t have to do it all alone anymore, though.”
She takes a deep breath, grabs the mug from my hand, and turns toward the sink.I smile at her back, loving her stubborn, independent streak.
I join her at the sink and pick up the dish soap to wash the dishes.“What did you like to do back in Orlando?”
We went to the beach when we had the time.Landry and I would swim, find seashells, and sunbathe on the sand.We never had much money for things like the mall or amusement parks.We used to go thrifting when we could.I worked a lot, and between that and school, there wasn’t much time for anything else.
“We can put in a pool here,” I offer.“Or go on vacation to the beach.Once Landry is back.”
Her eyes light up.I’ve always wanted a pool!We had one at our last apartment, but it was never cleaned, so we couldn’t use it.
“Well, I’ll let you pick out whichever one you want, and I’ll clean it.”
She smiles, grabbing the plate I just washed and drying it.
“What did you do for work?”
This and that.Lots of odd jobs like yard work and babysitting.I worked at a diner for a bit, was a cashier at the corner store, and did some dog walking when I had the time.
“Wow, how did you have time for school?”
She shrugs.I made it work.
I hate that she’s had such a hard life.I wish I’d found her sooner and saved her from all that, maybe even prevented her and Landry from being taken.
My wolf paws at me, and I assure him that she’s here with us now and we’ll take care of her.She’ll never have to work again if she doesn’t want to.
My phone rings.I dry my hands and step into the living room to answer it.I can still see my mate at the sink, and I shake my head when she takes over washing the dishes.
“Hello?”
“We found her,” Pyrce says.
“Where?”I bark.
“She’s at the cult.One of the guys saw them moving her.I think they’re getting nervous.I’m sure they know we’ve been scoping them out at night.”
“Do we know which building she was taken to?”I ask as Taylor turns to stare at me.
“Yeah, and we have guys there watching for any signs of movement.We’ll be meeting at headquarters in a few minutes to come up with a plan for tonight.”
“Great.Listen, I’ll call you back,” I tell him.
