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I turn back around to face her before I ask with all seriousness, “Are you afraid of them?” She shakes her head “no” while her beautiful hazel eyes meet my gaze. Nodding, at least I know I chose well for who would accompany her when I couldn’t. Lev, even if he is younger and less experienced—he’s soft where the rest of us aren’t, charming and easy to talk to. He has patience where I don’t, and more importantly, he’ll protect her.
Satisfied, I nod, letting my gaze drift down her body.
She’s so fucking gorgeous covered in just my white T-shirt. I have a perfect view of her pale rose nipples through the thin fabric and I’m not sure if they’re hard because she’s aroused or if she’s cold. Maybe it’s both. Her bare feet dangle from the counter and her ankles are crossed. She looks so sweet and innocent. The blush that rises to her cheeks proves she’s not so innocent as her gaze lingers on my chest, then moves lower. I watch her lick her lips before her eyes meet mine again. My sexy, knowing smirk makes her roll her eyes.
Damn, I love her confidence.
Her eyes dart to the far edge of the counter as the small smile on her lips fades. I follow her line of sight and my brows pinch. I’m not sure if it’s my laptop or something else that’s caught her attention, but I’d be willing to bet she would do anything now to tell the people in her hometown that she’s all right. Which can never happen. Never. There are laws in place and her silence is required.
I flip her grilled cheese before striding across the room and bringing the laptop to her. I don’t care if she uses it and I want her to know I trust her. That she has access to everything she desires.
“Go ahead and order those jeans.” I smirk at her shocked expression and then give her a stern look so she knows I’m serious. “No social media, though.” Focusing again on the sandwich I turn my back to her, but she nods before she leaves my view.
Her buttered bread is perfectly golden and crispy, with the melted cheese dripping down the sides. I smile inwardly. It’s just the way she likes it. I’ll never admit to her that I practiced making them as soon as I noticed her obsession. The first week, I burned all the ones I tried making. After that, I had to actually study her while she cooked and realized she kept adding butter. No wonder her ass has that tempting curve to it. My dick hardens at the thought of pounding into her against the wall. I stifle my groan.
“I don’t have my card …” Her sweet voice brings me back to reality. Nervousness echoes in her worried statement.
The ceramic plate clinks on the counter and I slip the grilled cheese onto it before taking it to her. Her hazel eyes light up and the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen plays at her lips, exposing her perfect white teeth as she immediately picks up her comfort food, not hesitating for a moment. Sometimes she adds salt, so I grab it from the cabinet and set it next to the empty plate. The sandwich occupies both of her hands. “I love grilled cheese.” She practically moans the words through a mouthful of sandwich before she realizes she’s talking with her mouth full. She blushes and puts a hand up to her mouth. “Sorry,” she chokes out once she swallows.
Fucking adorable.
Shaking my head, I admit, “I don’t mind.” I glance at the screen and see she’s picked out her jeans. They’re only fifty bucks and I’m honestly shocked. I thought women’s clothing was more expensive than men’s. “Those are what you want?”
She hesitantly nods her head. “I know Lizzie wants a pair too.” Although it’s a statement, her meek voice makes it a question.
“Go ahead and order them, choose the first card that comes up, or any of them. Get as many pairs as you’d like.” I turn back to the stove and take a look at my own grilled cheese. I burned it. Motherfucker. I don’t really care about the damn thing.
“It’s important you only use the computer for shopping … you know that?”
She nods, midbite and drops the late-night meal to the plate. “I imagine there are rules.”
All I give her is a nod and then say, “We’ll discuss them later.” I take a large bite of my sandwich and gesture to the last bit of hers.
“I didn’t know werewolves ate real food.” I chuckle at her comment and take a bite with my back leaning against the sink so I can face my mate.
My curiosity is piqued. “What did you think we ate?” Even with as much as I have to tell her, I’m curious to hear what the humans think and say. I’ve heard things, but the truth is always hidden and less obvious.
She shrugs noncommittally. “No clue. I figured since vampires drink blood, and witches eat organs and nasty shit that you would eat …” she trails off and scrunches up her nose before concluding, “I don’t know, raw meat or something.”
From the corner of my eye I watch Lev pause at the doorway when he catches sight of Grace perched on the counter. I nod at him, acknowledging his presence and giving him permission to enter. He walks into the kitchen and yawns audibly, obviously in an attempt to make her aware of his presence before he says, “You two are up early.” He eyes Grace on his way to the fridge, no doubt wondering what kind of a mood she’s in … and probably wondering if she’s struck me again. “Good morning, Grace.” He turns his attention to me and says, “Alpha.”
The entire pack knows that she hit me and tried to get away from me. Part of me is delighted because I can feel their admiration for her strength and courage; the other part of me wants to sulk at the fact that she denied me. It’s embarrassing at the very least, and alarming at the worst. There’s so much she doesn’t know, but the wolf of a denied mate can’t lead a pack. She doesn’t realize how much control she has and how much is at stake.
So, striking me … it’s a precedent that can’t be set. Lev got to see it firsthand and I still feel ashamed for making her want to run from me. His presence reminds me that I need to talk to her about why she bolted the moment I left her. And more importantly, how it can’t happen again. No matter the circumstance.
“You consider this early to be morning?” she asks Lev like he can’t be serious. My lips kick up into a smirk at her response. She’s confident and relaxed. She fits right in as the Alpha mate.
It was shocking when I found out my mate was human. When I felt her, when I was drawn to her. Having to leave without her at last year’s offering was … excruciating. The pain is inhumane. We’re the strongest pack on this side of the country. I thought having a human mate would make me weak and waiting for her certainly held its challenges, but I can already feel the power she’s giving me through our bond. I’m honored to be her mate even if she’s younger and has so much to learn. I hope one day she’ll feel the same way.
Lev smiles at her response after taking a swig from the jug of orange juice. “Well, it’s the morning shift.” He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. Lev is … Lev. A fucking animal. “I’ve got to go do my laps and get shit in order before Jude checks out.”
Grace tilts her head in confusion, her brunette hair slipping from her shoulder and falling behind her. The curve of her neck is … tempting.
“We have to do rounds to ensure the estate is secure,” he explains to Grace and her expression falls just slightly, a flicker of uncertainty present. As she swallows, her fingers grip the edge of the counter slightly.
“You think … you think someone would try to come for us?” she questions and Lev keeps his laugh to himself, although I hear it.
“She doesn’t need to know yet,” I warn Lev and although he doesn’t respond to me, he tells her, “No, it’s just a good habit for a wolf to be in.” We share a glance and Grace’s shoulders lose some of their tension. She offers him a tight smile.
