Page 118 of Big Bad Wolf

Rafe swallowed the bile that rose in his throat at the mention of how his father chose his mates.

“But my sister, she left the pack before you were born. She found her true Mate, a lone wolf she met on a hunt.”

Rafe’s heart sped up just hearing that other Mated pairs existed, that they were even possible.

“Devon wanted to pair her with a member of the pack, but she couldn’t bear it, knowing her true Mate was out there. So she left.” Nell paused, her fingers squeezing his forearm. “She couldn’t fight it and neither can you. It will kill you.”

It already was killing him. He’d been apart from Ruby for only a few hours and already he could barely breathe, barely think. What would days of separation do? Years? Hot panic settled in his gut.

“I’d rather die than put her at risk.”

“Is that why you’re all torn up?”

Rafe sighed, leaning against the counter. He took in the sight of his mother standing in his kitchen, her familiar scent filling his nose, and he was just so damn tired of being alone.

“The wolves following Ruby attacked again. I got there in time… She… She’s okay.” Even as he said it, he barely believed it. She was okay. “I chased the bastards down.” He swallowed hard, the memory of the fight still fresh in his mind. “I took care of it.”

Nell ran a hand down his arm, avoiding his injuries. “You always were the sensitive one.”

A startled laugh escaped him. “The sensitive one?”

“These things always bothered you more than your brothers.”

“These things? Killing? Seeing people I love get mauled?”

Nell flinched. “I should have done more. I know that, Rafe. But just know that, as much as you were under your father’s control, so was I. For decades that man controlled everything in my life.” Shadows crossed Nell’s face and a layer of guilt was added to Rafe’s swirl of emotions.

“Well, the bastard is dead.”

Nell nodded. “Yes, he is.”

Silence stretched between them. Rafe didn’t know what else to say. It didn’t really matter if his mother could heal all the wounds of his childhood; he only brought danger into Ruby’s life. Nothing Nell said could change that.

“I think this is bigger than you and her, Rafe. Something is going on. Knox has been … worried.”

Rafe perked up at that piece of information. “Worried about what?”

“I don’t know. He’s been nervous, tense, as if he knows something is coming, but he hasn’t told us yet.”

“Shit.” Rafe scrubbed a hand down his face. He’d been foolish enough to think he’d ended whatever this was with the Highlanders by killing Wyatt and his buddies. But if Knox was involved, if both packs were involved, this wasn’t going away.

“What did Knox say to you when you told him about the Highlanders?”

“He blew me off. Said he’d send out more patrols.” Rafe grunted in frustration. “Certainly didn’t admit to being involved.”

“I don’t know if he is or not. I only know he’s been acting odd, but he really is trying. For the pack,” she said.

“As long as he’s taking care of you.” Rafe blew out a long sigh, realizing as he said it that it was true. He wanted his pack to be taken care of. If his brother was figuring out how to do that without terrorizing and manipulating everyone, then good for him.

“He is.” Nell glanced at him, looking like she might say more, but she dropped the subject of his brother. “I should get back. Just think about what I said. Things are different this time, Rafe. This girl is the one for you. Don’t let her get away because of some misplaced guilt. Don’t be afraid.” She squeezed his hand, her green eyes glinting with tears.

“I’ll think about it.” It was probably all he would think about for the rest of his life. He walked his mother to the front door. “If you can, I’d like to know if you hear anything that might affect Ruby or her sister. I still want to…”—Keep her safe, be with her forever, protect her at all costs, wrap myself around her and never let go—“keep an eye on things.”

Nell arched an eyebrow. “Of course. I’ll see what I can find out.” She opened the door into the chilly night. “And don’t stay away so long next time, Rafe.” She reached up on her toes and kissed his cheek.

He wanted to argue. To tell her he had nothing to return for, but maybe that wasn’t true anymore. Maybe his family was worth returning for. “Yeah, we’ll see.”

“Goodnight, Rafe.”