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“I don’t know what the fuck you have to prove, but trust me, I’m not into fucking someone who hates me for what I am. And I’m not trying to get you into bed, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
She shot him a look. “I’m not.”
“And I’m not about to fucking harm you, either. I risked my life for you. I’ve risked a lot, and frankly, I’m at the end of my rope right now. I need to heal, I need you to be safe, so please, get in the car and trust me or you’ll end up dead.”
For a moment, she considered that. Not death, but just pretending she was. Taking off and hiding out. But she wasn’t one to give up. She’d promised herself to get the Blood Opal back, and that was what she would do, even if it meant being with Kodiak until the gem was found.
Tamaska tilted her head and locked eyes with Kodiak. She looked deeply into his, trying to read what sort of man, or wolf, he really was. He had protected her multiple times. His actions were noble. His intentions seemed trustworthy, even though he was a wolf.
“I know this is a lot,” he said, “but standing by the road is foolish.”
“I’m trying to gauge if I can trust you.”
“After all that? You need to ask?” He shook his head.
She tried to choose her words carefully. “I know what you are now, and I’m trying to see if it’s worth the risk.”
“I’m trustworthy and you know it on some level, otherwise you’d never have gotten in my car.”
She glared. “I didn’t have a choice.”
“We all have choices.”
But did she? “I need to find the Blood Opal.”
“So do I. It’s important. The vampires can’t have it. Or keep it.”
She nodded. “Agreed. Seems our goals are intertwined.” They were destined to work together to find the gem that had disrupted both of their lives.
“Great. Get in the fucking car.”
But she’d had enough of being in the dark, of not knowing the next move.
“First, tell me where you’re taking me,” demanded Tamaska, keeping her gaze locked on his.
“Somewhere safe.”
“Where?” She put her hands on her hips and frowned. “Otherwise, I’ll leave.”
A darkness crossed his face and heat surged in her as his eyes narrowed and his mouth thinned. He took a step closer.
“I’ve had enough, Tamaska.”
“Too bad—”
“Try and leave. I’ll grab you and tie you up if I have to.”
He growled softly, and a surge of adrenaline coursed through her, igniting the heat into flame. She couldn’t face him if he changed into a wolf right now. Exhaustion weighed on her, and she swayed.
Kodiak slid his arms around her, keeping her upright. His strength once more soothed her fear. How was she ever going to reconcile that he was a wolf but was never going to attack her? That he called to something in her and frightened her at the same time? Love and hate… If she couldn’t work it out, it would hinder them in their search for the Blood Opal.
And that could mean death.
11
Tamaska
“Tamaska,”he breathed against her hair.
