Page 28 of Rafe

“Yes. That’s kind of how it works.” Rafe laughed, relieved her reaction wasn’t fear.

She looked up to his face, her cheeks flushed red. “I…I’m confused. I think I need to lie down. I don’t know what’s happening. Where is the wolf?”

“I’m here.” Rafe patted his chest.

“No.” She walked toward the bed and sat down.

“It’s okay, darlin’. It’s me.” Rafe reached for a robe that hung on the back of the bathroom door and donned it.

She closed her eyes. “What is happening?”

“Hey.” Rafe sat next to her and put his hand on hers. She looked up to him, her blanket pulled tight to her chest. “I have something to tell you, Sky.”

She nodded in silence.

“Now I know something ugly happened last night with those vampires and we’re gonna get to that. But first we need to talk about my wolf.” Rafe sighed. He couldn’t recall the last time in his life he’d had to break someone’s paranormal cherry.

“I know you’ve lived in New Orleans for a long time, so you must know about the other people who’re there besides humans. Do you know what I mean? Wolves? Witches? Vampires? Blood clubs?”

She shook her head. “Yeah, I don’t, uh, go to those places. I’m spiritual and all that. Love a good tarot card read, but that’s not my scene.”

“But you’ve seen a wolf.” It wasn’t a question.

“I’ve never seen a…” Skylar’s words dropped off as she raised her gaze to meet his.

Rafe watched the confusion in her eyes as she came to the realization. In that moment, he knew for certain, he was her first. Her only. Her Alpha.

“It’s okay, Sky,” he smiled.

“You’re a wolf? You’re Adonis?” She rolled onto her back and stared up at the ceiling.

“I am indeed.” Lying was never in his nature. The truth would set him free…or at least sail him in the right direction. His conscience wouldn’t allow him to deceive her.

“But you’re a…a guy?” The corners of her lips ticked upward.

“Yes.” Reality warred with his arousal, her sexy smile melting him from the inside out.

“A hot guy who turns into a wolf?” She laughed with disbelief.

“I am wolf.” A low sexy growl permeated his voice, his wolf craving its prey.

“Are you dangerous?” She gave him the side eye, cautious, clutching her blanket.

“I can be.” No lie detected.

“Those things back there. Last night. The vampires.” Panic crept into her voice. “Did you kill them?”

“Yes.”

“Good.” Anger radiated in her glare.

“Those guys were doing some very awful things.”

“Are you going to hurt me?” she asked.

Rafe hesitated to answer, weighing his next words. It was the one promise he couldn’t keep. Disciplined, he fought the thirst, but his restraint was tenuous at best. Craving, loving someone he’d watch die, or worse, meeting his true mate and crushing her one day wasn’t an option.

“I will never attack you.” Rafe evaded full disclosure.