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TWENTY-THREE
Ford’s expressionwas stony as he drove, his left foot tapping the floor of the car. I wasn’t bothered at him; Rocco’s brother had probably been a friend to him too, if not a brother. But I didn’t know what to say or do to help him, so I just gripped his hand tightly in mine and remained quiet.
We stopped at one of those drive-through places with healthy food, and I didn’t say a word when Ford ordered at least three times more food than even three werewolves could eat. He set it all on the back seat, maintaining his grip on my hand.
He pulled away from the drive-through and parked in one of the spaces, letting go of my hand as he leaned over the steering wheel, his breathing hitching as he swallowed roughly.
Instinct told me to ask him if he was okay, even though I knew it was a stupid question and he was clearly not okay.
“What can I do?” I whispered instead.
“I don’t know.” His voice was gruff, his head lowering to the steering wheel. “Fuck it all.”
I put a hand on his thigh, knowing he wasn’t cursing at me. Even if he was, I could take it.
“He didn’t deserve that,” Ford said, his words low. “Usually the guys who get rejected are the bastards. The ones who abuse their mates, physically or verbally. That’s not… it shouldn’t have happened. There’s no fucking reason for it.”
He flung the car door open, ripping his seatbelt off before pacing in the parking lot.
I remained where I was for a minute, watching him. His hands were on his head, buried in his hair while his eyes faced the sky, his expression twisted. I didn’t know how to help him, and there was no way to take away his pain.
But… when I was hurting, he’d always hugged me and held me. And when he held me, even though the pain remained, it was easier to carry.
I unbuckled my seat belt and got out of the car, walking around to the other side. My door stayed open, and the assload of food inside the car was getting cold, but I didn’t give a shit about that.
Stepping up to Ford, I went up on my tiptoes and wrapped my arms around him. He stiffened for a long, long moment, so I squeezed him tighter.
His arms finally locked around me, and he turned me, pressing me into the car as he hugged me fiercely. “I’m a bastard for even thinking about it right now, but what if your wolf rejects me?” He whispered into my neck, his voice harsh. “My pack would have to…” He trailed off, swallowing hard. “Fuck.”
Though my natural inclination was to worry about it with him, I knew that wasn’t what Ford needed. Shoving my own fear aside, I said firmly, “My wolf isn’t going to reject you; she’s just as obsessed with you as I am. We don’t know what was going on between the two of them, but they’re not us. And we’re fine. Right now, we’re just going to stick together and take care of Rocco, okay?”
He nodded against my shoulder. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry. No one can be strong all of the time, Ford. We all need other people.”
He held me tighter. “Thanks, Ebb.”
“Of course.” I squeezed him.
“You’re going to miss your classes,” he said, his voice still rough. “I don’t want to cost you your scholarship.”
“I’m starting to realize that some things are worth losing a scholarship for.” My fingers reached up around the back of his neck and pulled him tighter to me. “But this won’t be the thing that loses me mine.”
“I love you,” he said, his words almost just a breath. “I know you’re not there yet, but I love you.”
My heart hurt. “I think I love you too. But I’m not sure, so don’t—”
His lips collided with mine, desperate and needy. Our tongues melded, our hands gripping each other while we kissed.
He pulled away a minute later. “Sorry. I needed that.”
“Don’t apologize for needing me.” I squeezed his bicep lightly. “Let’s get this food back to Rocco.”
Ford’s head dipped in a nod, and we both slipped back into the car.
He seemed a little steadier on the way back, though he still gripped my hand just as tightly as he had a few minutes earlier.
We droppedoff all but one bag of the food. Neither of us looked at the bag; we didn’t care what we ended up eating.
