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Jagger studies me a moment longer, then nods slowly. “Alright. I’ll take your word for it…for now. Just be aware that this new development could bring a whole world of shit down upon us.”
“Of course I’m aware of that.”
“Are you? Because this goes beyond your…mate. If this killing brings attention to Steel Lakes, we could be in for a lot of trouble.”
I’m silent because I realize how bad this could be for us…for all of us.
He goes on, “Now, I want you to keep an eye on her from here on out. No more wandering around town. Understood?”
I bristle at the implication that I need to be given orders to do something that I’d gladly do regardless, but I force myself to nod tightly. “Understood.” I rise, my bearing stiff.
As I turn to leave, Jagger calls after me. “And Barrett? Don’t let your feelings blind you to what’s really going on here. If she is dangerous…” He leaves the rest unspoken, but his meaning is clear.
I stalk out without responding, my mind whirling. Could Cedara really be capable of such violence? Part of me desperately wants to believe she’s not. But another part, a smaller, darker voice, wonders if maybe Jagger is right to be cautious.
One thing I know for certain – I won’t let anyone hurt her, no matter what. She’s my mate. And I’ll protect her with my life.
Chapter 19
Cedara
My legs are starting to cramp, but I don’t want to stretch them out. I’m still curled under the throw that Barrett draped over me, and I’m holding it to me like a shield.
I clutch it tighter around me as Casey and Edirn stand in the living room, their presence making me increasingly uneasy. The bristly she-wolf has been less than friendly since I arrived here, and I don’t like being this vulnerable in front of her.
“Can I…get dressed?” I ask hesitantly, glancing toward the bedroom.
Casey’s eyes narrow. “Sure, but don’t try any funny business.” Her tone is clipped, sharp edges to each word.
Edirn places a calming hand on her arm. “A little gentleness, Casey.” His rasping voice is a low counterpoint to her bristly demeanor.
She shoots him a look but relaxes slightly at his touch. With a curt nod, she gestures toward the hallway.
I rise carefully, clutching the throw around me, and make my way to the bedroom to find some clothes.
Once inside, I pace back and forth across the bedroom floor, trying to calm the anxious flutter inside me. Casey’s bad attitude has me on edge, but I force myself to take deep breaths and center myself.
You can do this, Cedara. Just relax!
The room is decorated in soothing hues of white and cream, and as I look around it, my gaze falls on the rumpled bedsheets of the unmade bed. A flush warms my cheeks as memories of last night flood my mind. Barrett’s strong arms around me, his lips trailing heat across my skin, the way our bodies moved together as one…
God…that was so good.
I shiver, equal parts desire and disbelief coursing through me. How did I succumb to him so quickly? I’ve never been one for casual sex, but I just couldn’t resist him. Being so close, his lips on mine…it had left me light-headed. And God, I’d wanted him so badly. Enough to overcome all rational thought.
Was that the bond talking?
Could he really be my mate? The concept is too incredible to be true, and yet… I can’t deny the profound connection I feel with him.
Closing my eyes, I recall the raw emotion in his stare when he told me about our bond. The conviction in his voice left no room for doubt. And the more I reflect on it, the more it feels like it might be true.
A bond…a mate bond…
We wolves were designed to pair up. To produce young. To love forever. I’ve witnessed mated pairs among my own kind before – the depth of devotion, the sacred trust, the beauty of two souls intertwined. It’s something I’ve always dreamed of finding for myself one day.
If Barrett is my mate, would that be such a bad thing? I like him. I like so much about him. His quiet strength, his steadfast courage, his unwavering protectiveness… And he’s gentle with it. I feel safe with him. Not to mention that he’s easy on the eye.
Understatement of the year, Cedara!
