AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Fuck off,” I tell him. “I thought you were taken.” I start to pace the room. “I thought you were taken, and Bishop was hurt. I thought Brandon got to you and either was torturing you or killing you. You have to answer your phone. I need you here with me. I need you near me. I hate that I can’t lock you up here where you are safe.” I stop and glare at Bishop. “You should know better. You were taken. You know how fast it can happen.”
“You’re right,” Bishop concedes. “I should have had her call you. I was caught up in the day. It was fun, and I haven’t had fun in a long time.”
I nod. “Thank you for that.”
“I didn’t think,” she admits. “It wasn’t my intention to worry you. I’m not used to anyone worrying about anything I do. I turn my phone off all the time. I’ll do better.”
“I’m going to go home,” Bishop says. “Call if you need me.”
I stare at my mate, feeling the most vulnerable I have ever felt. “I’m sorry that I spoke to you that way.”
“You don’t have to apologize; I do,” she says. She slowly makes her way to me. “Truly, it upsets me that I did something that made you angry.” She stops five feet away, twisting the ring she wears nervously.
“Come here.” I crook my finger.
She throws herself into my arms. “I’m sorry, Bash,” she whispers, her face buried in my neck. “I promise to answer your calls.”
I wrap my arms around her, pulling her up so she doesn’t have to strain her arms. “I can’t lose you, Marie. I can’t stand the thought,” I confess. “If I was thinking, I could have called on your blood to find you.”
“You can do that?”
“Yes, but it’s not that strong yet since I only took blood once.” I transfer my hands to her thighs, wrapping her legs around me.
“So, the more you drink, the easier it will be to find me?” she asks, pulling back to look at me.
I nod slowly. “Are you truly alright?”
“I am. It was a fun day. I like Bishop.”
“He’s not bad,” I admit. “As long as you don’t like him too much,” I grumble.
“He touched my arm,” she stutters.
“Excuse me?” I stiffen.
“He was trying to get my attention. He didn’t do anything wrong. I was distracted, and he pulled me. We couldn’t lose Travis.”
“Okay,” I start. “I trust you, and as much as I don’t want to admit it, I trust Bishop. He understands the mating bond and would never do anything to interfere.”
“He said the same thing. He told me never to lie to you, even over something so simple.”
“He’s right.” I roll my eyes. “I hate that I have to be nicer to him.”
“Bash,” she laughs.
“I like that sound,” I say softly.
“Good.”
“Do you want to take a shower?” I ask.
“Yes, please,” she says. “I feel dirty. I think I have extra chips in my shirt.”
“Do you want to take a shower with me?” I ask.
“Yes, please,” she says huskily.
I carry her to my bathroom and set her on her feet. I start the shower and slowly begin to unbutton my shirt. Marie quickly brushes my hands to the side and takes over the job. I look down at her bent head, my hands dropping to my sides. Her hands are steady, working her way down. It’s a new experience letting someone undress me—to take care of me. I don’t remember a time that I allowed it.
