Page 42 of Broken Souls

“Axe told me to check on you, then he took off.” Carson walks over to the edge of the bed and sits down. “It wasn't what you expected.”

“He was a lot rougher than I thought he would be.”

“It won't be like that next time. Trust me, my mate ravaged me the first time. He got gentler over time. I think with men it's something about touching their woman for the first time that makes them lose their composure and restraint. It's not that they want to hurt us. It's just the drive of their body is stronger than the concern in their mind,” Carson says honestly.

“That makes sense. But why do you think Axe left instead of staying?” I ask.

“Elora, that was his first time since his mate. You have become so important to him, and he hurt you so he must be filled with overwhelming shame right now. He's most likely struggling with a lot of emotions which would keep leading him to regret.”

“Oh.” I look down. “What should I do?”

“You should get some rest. He'll get over it,” Carson says calmly. She goes around and blows out all the candles. “I'll be in my room if you need anything.”

I roll over on my side and close my eyes. I'll talk to him tomorrow, but I can't seem to fall asleep, worried that this affected him in a way that makes him not want me anymore.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Iwake up when I hear the door opening. Axe walks into the dark room and sits on the edge of the bed, letting out a sigh.

“Axe,” I call softly, not to startle him.

“Go back to sleep, Elora,” he breathes out heavily.

“Please talk to me,” I plead, sitting up and touching his shoulder. He switches on the lamp and turns to me.

“I need you to know I would never purposely hurt you. I think my subconscious took over as soon as I was inside you. I'm sorry I hurt you,” he says sadly, dropping his head in shame.

“Axe.” I grab his face to look up at me. “I'm not angry at you. I understand you wouldn't hurt me. Carson assured me most first times are like that,” I try to reassure him.

“You still want to be with me?” He frowns, looking bewildered.

“Yes, it's not a big deal.” I give him a small smile to make him feel better.

“You are one of a kind.” Axe caresses my face. “And I don't deserve you,” he whispers.

“You're the only one who does,” I say truthfully, his eyes widening and either shining or getting watery. Axe presses his lips to mine, giving me a reassuring kiss. “Where were you?” I ask when he pulls away.

“I went to see Dash. He knows how to talk me into feeling better.”

“Oh. When will you be able to talk to me like that?” I ask softly.

“Most of the time we're talking about you.” He chuckles dryly.

“Can we talk about what happened tonight?”

“I lost control, Elora. My last lay was seven years ago. So much was on my mind; her, you, the time frame. Once I slid in, my mind went numb and my body just took over. I didn't even notice you were crying.” Axe runs his hand through his hair, making it messy.

“If you were having such a complicated experience, how did you hear me say stop?” I ask, intrigued about how his mind and body reacted to our sex.

“My wolf was more present than I was. His senses helped me come back to reality.”

“Does that mean your wolf will be more... pleasant when my heat comes?”

“I don't have a clue,” he breathes.

“Well, we've had an intense night. Can we cuddle and go to sleep?”

“That sounds great right now.” Axe lifts up the blanket and frowns when he sees the blood. “You haven't washed it off. Let's have a bath. It'll relax you and help you sleep better later.”