Page 54 of Unravel Me

I blink in surprise at Renato's unexpected suggestion, but for some reason it immediately feels like the perfect solution.

My first thought is that maybe I could try to find that green fae again…

Then the opposite thought hits me.

Why? He can’t possibly be my True Mate.

And what would I do, ask him to be my boyfriend? The guy lives naked in the forest, and I have a toddler.

Tommy!

My poor son, who’s now far away and has no idea what’s going on with his dad.

I should keep looking around here for my real True Mate. That's why I came all this way in the first place, and my search isn't over yet.

I glance at the handsome alpha.

Sadly, it probably isn't Mauro. We never experienced First Touch, so maybe there's someone else?

I've traveled halfway across the States to find him. Perhaps I shouldn't give up and spend a few more days looking?

But my heart clenches painfully at the thought of Tommy. What a horrible dad I am!

I open my mouth to protest, but Renato's eyes settle on me, those distinctive eyes that are strangely calming. What to do now?

I cough softly to buy myself a bit more time to think. "Veyron, I really appreciate you coming all the way out here for me, and I'm grateful to Alex for arranging all of this. I'm sorry I worried him so much, but my phone got soaked, so there was no way for me to call anyone."

Veyron steps closer, immediately drawing another deep, vibrating warning rumble from somewhere in Mauro's chest. But their guest ignores it completely and sits down on the couch, taking the spot on my other side, opposite Renato.

"Jared, I still think we should get going. I know it's a twelve-hour drive, but—"

Renato cuts him off in a firm, authoritative voice.

"It really would be much safer if Jared stayed here for those three days before traveling. And please, don't hesitate to stay as well. You're more than welcome in my home. You can remain here and keep an eye on Jared yourself if that'll put your mind at ease. My estate is large, I have plenty of empty rooms, and I'd be delighted to have guests. The more, the merrier."

"But—"

Renato's voice seems to have a naturally commanding quality to it, the kind that makes people instinctively listen when he speaks.

It's all the more surprising because betas rarely have an aura like this. It's usually a characteristic of mature alphas, yet he seems to dominate the room energetically.

"It isn't worth risking a young omega's health. Failing to provide proper rest during heat recovery can lead to fertility issues later in life, as well as shortened heats," he adds, and there's weight behind every word.

To my own surprise, I find myself completely agreeing with him. Not exactly because of the medical reasons, though. I just really need to untangle the mess that's somehow started swirling around me.

"But wouldn't I just be imposing? Maybe I'd be better off staying at a hotel—" I have to say it. Basic manners demand it.

"Nonsense!" Renato replies at once. "My house is large and far too empty. It'll be a pleasure to have guests. You're both welcome to stay."

Veyron still looks uncertain, but then he glances at me, silently asking what I want to do.

"If it really isn't a problem… I'd like to stay. I feel absolutely awful. My head won't stop spinning. Earlier I thought I was going to throw up, so there's no way I'm fit for a twelve-hour drive. But I do need to call Alex. My son is with him, and I have to know if everything's okay."

Without hesitation, Veyron hands me his phone.

The instant he does, another low, vibrating growl rumbles deep from Mauro's chest.

What's going on here? We literally met fifteen minutes ago, and he's already reacting with instinctive jealousy toward another alpha, acting possessive of me…