Page 54 of The Secret Mate Society

"Something important named Ethan Murphy?"Trevor's voice held a knowing edge that made my hackles rise.

"Watch it," I growled.

"Look, I'm not judging.Just need to know if you're coming in today."

I glanced back toward the kitchen where Ethan was watching me, those green eyes tracking my every movement."No.Handle it without me.And reschedule any appointments I have for the next few days."

Trevor's low whistle carried through the phone."That serious, huh?What did the Council say?"

"They've given me temporary guardianship.He stays with me until we catch the rogue."

"And after that?"

The question hit like a punch to the gut.When the threat was gone and I no longer had an excuse to keep Ethan close, what would I do?When the Council would expect me to walk away from my mate as if the bond between us meant nothing.

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," I said finally."Just handle the shop please.I’ll make it up to you."

I hung up before Trevor could respond, turning back to find Ethan leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest.My t-shirt hung loose on his smaller frame, exposing his collarbone in a way that made my mouth go dry.

"Everything okay at work?"he asked.

"It's fine," I said, shoving my phone in my pocket."Trevor can handle things."

"For how long?"

I moved closer, drawn to him like a magnet."As long as it takes to keep you safe."

Ethan's eyes widened slightly."You can't just put your life on hold for me, Calder.I appreciate what you're doing, but?—"

"I'm not putting anything on hold," I interrupted, reaching out to brush a strand of hair from his forehead.The simple contact sent electricity through my fingertips."This is exactly where I need to be right now."

He caught my wrist, his touch gentle but firm."You're not telling me everything.I'm a reporter, remember?I know when someone's hiding something."

The earnestness in his gaze made my resolve waver.Would it be so terrible to tell him the truth?To explain why I felt this overwhelming need to protect him, to claim him?

"Ethan," I began, my voice rougher than intended."What I feel for you...it's complicated."

"Try me," he challenged."I'm pretty good with complicated."

I took a deep breath.“I can’t explain it,” I lied.“Not yet anyway.I’m still trying to figure it out.”

“Because I’m a guy?”

I nodded even though that wasn’t the reason anymore.“Y-Yeah.This is all really new to me.I like it,” I added quickly.“But it’s… different and kind of intense.”

Ethan's expression softened, and he stepped closer, his free hand coming up to rest against my cheek."Intense how?"

The simple touch made my wolf rumble with satisfaction, and I had to fight to keep my eyes from shifting."Like I can't think straight when you're around.Like nothing else matters except making sure you're safe and...mine."

The possessiveness in my voice should have scared him, but instead his pupils dilated slightly, his scent spiking with arousal."Calder..."

"I know it's too much, too fast," I said, leaning into his touch."But I can't help it.When I thought that thing might hurt you last night, I nearly lost my mind."

"You didn't though," he said softly."You came for me.You protected me."

The trust in his voice made my chest tight.Here was this incredible man, placing his faith in me despite all my secrets, all my half-truths.He deserved better than lies, but the truth would get him killed.

"Stay with me," I said instead, my forehead dropping to rest against his."Not just until this is over.Stay."