Landry bites her lip.“They think the cult is still after me.It might not be safe for me to stay here.”
“This is the safest place for you,” I promise.“My wolf and I won’t let anything happen to you.We’ll keep you safe.”
Some of the tension leaves her, and she smiles.“Okay, roomie.Let’s give it a shot.”
I feel like I’ve just won the world as we share a smile.
My mate is moving in with me.
Now I need to figure out a way to get her to stay forever.
4
Landry
I sleepin late the next day—maybe because I’m lying in the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in.Or maybe because Cooper and I spent half of last night at Reyes and Taylor’s place, explaining that I’m Cooper’s fated mate and packing up all my things.
Not that I had much.I lost everything when the cult took me and have slowly been buying clothes to make up for it.I hate that Reyes has to pay for it.I’ve been trying to find a job in town, but so far, I’ve had no luck.
I look around Cooper’s guest room, at the few shirts and sweaters hanging in the closet and his shoes next to the dresser.I could tell that Cooper wanted me in his room last night, but I’m not quite ready for that yet.
I’m not sure if I should risk getting too attached to him.I may not stay in Night Grove Falls forever.This place was never part of my plans, and with the cult still operating a few miles away, it seems like a big risk to remain here.I’ve only stayed this long because Taylor is here, and I can’t imagine leaving her.
Taylor and I have been through everything together.She’s the best big sister I could ask for.Our dad left when we were babies, and our mom was pretty much useless.Taylor looked out for me.She helped me with homework and worked to provide for us.I pulled my fair share of the weight too.I’ve been working since I was fourteen, doing most of the chores around the apartment so she could have a break.We were a team.A good one.
I hear footsteps in the hallway and sit up in bed, stretching as I listen to Cooper moving around.My stomach growls loudly, and I glance at my phone, surprised to see that it’s already afternoon.I can’t remember the last time I slept this late in my life.
Throwing my legs over the side of the bed, I hurry to get dressed and ready for the day.
Cooper is waiting when I step out of the room, looking worried.“Morning, mate.”
I smirk.“Technically, it’s the afternoon.”
He smiles, the tension easing from him.“Are you hungry?”
“Starving.”
“Come on.I’ll make us lunch.”
I take his hand and let him lead me downstairs.I’ve noticed that Cooper loves to touch me.He always seems to have at least one hand on me.Wrapped around my waist, playing with a lock of my hair, rubbing my back, holding my hand.I’m not even sure he realizes he’s doing it half the time.
I’ve become more and more enamored with Cooper since we met.I love how infatuated he is with me.He’s protective, thoughtful, and generous.It’s like I’m his queen, the most important person in the world to him.It’s nice not to have to guess his intentions or feelings.
I watched my mom be used and discarded by various boyfriends my entire life.It’s why Taylor and I swore off dating and men until we met our mates.We thought men couldn’t be trusted.
Turns out we just hadn’t met the right ones yet.
I follow Cooper into the kitchen and watch as he opens the fridge.
“Okay, so we have…” He trails off.
I bite back a smile when I see that his fridge is mostly empty.
“Um, not a lot,” he finishes.He turns to grin at me.“How about we go out for lunch instead?It will be our first date.”
“My first date ever,” I admit.
His eyes heat.“Mine too.I’m excited to have all your firsts.”
