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I squinted playfully. “This feels like a trap.”
“I told you it looked like a trap when we pulled up, but—”
“Don’t sass me.”
She grinned mischievously. “Or what?”
“Or I’ll have to do something about it.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
I shook my head. “You’re such a brat, little boxer. I meant it when I said you pack a mean punch.”
She didn’t respond, choosing to saunter around the front of the truck and slide into the passenger seat of the truck. While wearing the grin she gave me, I climbed into the driver’s seat, carefully setting the tube in her lap. It was a curious discovery and one I hoped would lead us somewhere significant—even if it meant having to face the demons of my past.
***
Back at the inn, we managed to avoid running into any of her sisters. The security cameras probably picked up our whereabouts, but it was best to keep the deed to ourselves for a little while. At least until we could figure out a proper action plan.
We slipped into the Orchid Suite and collapsed on the bed. With Rose by my side, exhaustion crept over my limbs, inspiring me to close my eyes. A few minutes later, I heard the soft sigh that indicated my little wolf had fallen into a deep slumber. My eyes popped open. I glanced at the door.
It was true what I had told her in the tavern. My presence had done nothing but put her in grave danger. She wasn’t safe with me and she would continue to suffer attacks until I fixed everything—by myself.
This deed was to a house that belonged to me. No one else. That meant it was my duty to scope it out and make sure there wasn’t anything dangerous waiting for her there. Going away for a few hours wouldn’t cause any harm. She would worry, but she wouldn’t die from my absence.
It’ll kill you instead of her, my wolf insisted.Don’t leave her side.
But I ignored him. What did he know about our connection that I didn’t? We had gone through a few traumatic events and that was something that always cemented people together. It was likely the same for her and her wolf sisters. They were united under a common goal—and that was the same for us, too.
Despite my logic, something kept nagging me about the whole situation. As I slid from the bed, night crept over the horizon, the last hues of sun stretching frantically toward the window in a last-ditch effort to remain.
I looked at Rose, at the gorgeous creature spread out on the bed without a care in the world. At least not while she slept.
“I’ll be back, princess,” I whispered as I leaned over to kiss her forehead. “I promise.”
I grabbed the tube, left the suite, and jogged toward the elevator with my heart beating in my throat. Recalling the cameras made me skip the elevator. I headed toward the stairs and took them by two’s, lunging the last bit to get outside to my truck. If Rose woke up, then she would find me gone and come looking for me. Or one of her sisters would stop me. I had to get to my truck before someone intervened.
Dim blue light hovered over the parking lot. The tar steamed with leftover heat, leading the way to my truck. As soon as I got the key into the lock, I felt a hand fall on my shoulder, putting me into fight mode. I whirled around with a growl.
Rose crossed her arms over her chest. “Yeah, I don’t think so.”
“I was just getting something from my truck.”
“Bullshit.”
I shrugged. “Worth a shot.”
“You were honest with me in the mountains. Did that change the moment we left?”
“I don’t know where the attitude is coming from, little wolf, but it’s not cute on you.”
Her frown deepened. “Don’t talk to me like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like I’m somehow less than you.”
Irritation swirled in my chest. “I don’t know why you would assume that.”
