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“Just one second please,” I call out. I climb onto his lap and stroke his face. His eyes soften, and I say, “Masen, I’m fine. Really, truly fine. That was a long time ago. Don’t kill whoever is at the door, okay? You have to relax, or they’ll think I can’t keep my Mate happy.” I give him my best pout.
“Stop that right now,” he says and stands, still holding me. “Wrap your legs, Little One. I’m taking you to go.” He laughs at his own ridiculous joke. I roll my eyes by complying. I know it’s shifters at the door, so it doesn’t matter if they see him carrying me around.
Seeming to change his mind and surprising me, Masen sets me down right before reaching the door. He turns me around, back toward the kitchen. “I’ll take care of this, Little One,” he says and gives a pat on the butt, pushing me forward. Curious, I look back over my shoulder. He’s still watching me, waiting before letting the two men at the door in.
While Masen greets his men and tells them he would like the door fixed tonight, I clean up the mess from dinner and make two plates from the leftovers. I offer the plates to the two shifters that are here to fix the door, but Masen growls before they can answer.
“Masen, these guys are probably missing dinner right now to come fix this.” I gesture to the door. “There’s plenty. Stop grumbling and let them eat if they want to. If you share, I’ll make you dessert,” I singsong with a big smile. “I know how much you like dessert.”
He looks at me but speaks to the men. “Eat the food after you fix the door.” He crosses his arms over his chest. “Pack a bag. I want my dessert at home,” he commands.
I pack without a fight. I know things are moving fast, but I also know that had yesterday been our first meeting, without the history of him leaving me, we’d both be Marked by now. I grab enough clothes to last a few days. I also pack a small bag of toiletries, my Kindle, and my school bag to do my homework. “I think I’m good,” I say when I walk back to the kitchen.
He’s standing staring down the guys trying to fix the door. They seem to be working as fast as possible, not even looking up. What did I miss? Now, just his body language is saying danger. His face is set in a hard, unreadable mask as he stands back watching them.
“Masen?” I ask, the question clear in my voice. “Everything okay?”
His body is coiled tight, I think if either shifter were to look up he would attack. Something is very wrong here. He hasn’t answered yet. I reach over and stroke his inner arm, and his elbows bend automatically to hold up my hand. He seems to relax infinitesimally, but his voice comes out a low growl. “Get it done, and get out!” The men seem to cower at his tone. Turning us, he gathers my things and walks out.
Masen walks to a black SUV and opens the passenger side door waiting for me to get in. After I sit, he reaches out with his free hand to grab the seatbelt. “I can do that,” I try as he snaps it into place then closes my door without a word. Opening the rear door, he puts my bags in and slams the hatch closed. By the time he’s in and has started the truck, he still hasn’t spoken, his heavy hands clench the steering wheel as he pulls out.
We drive for about ten minutes when I finally ask, “Are you mad at me?”
He stares ahead, and when he does answer, I’m a little surprised. “Yes, I’m very angry. I told you I’m struggling with you being around other men when you are unmarked, and you keep feeding them. I wanted to rip out their throats because you didn’t want them to miss dinner.” His voice rising with every word. He’s breathing heavy, knuckles white on the wheel.
“Then, you tell me to let them eat, and I listen! If they think about it and realize how strange that is, they might talk to others. I don’t want people looking too closely at you right now or me for that matter. If I’m seen as weak, even when it comes to you, it could threaten my pack. If I were to be challenged now, they could try and take everything that’s mine, you included. I’m still not sure what we’re dealing with as far as your differences go.” His voice is much calmer now, relaxing as he gets further from them or closer to home I’m not sure. “When we are with others, Little One, try and remember I am the Alpha,” he adds, finally looking over at me. His strong jaw still tense, but his eyes are much softer.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t think the food was a big deal. It would have just gone to waste.” I understand where he’s coming from. I don’t want his people to think I undermined him. “I think I’m just not used to being in a pack environment. I’ll try harder, Masen.”
He sighs. “You aren’t doing anything on purpose. I like that you stand up to me. We just need to figure out why you do it before someone else does.” He grabs my hand and holding tight he lays them on top of my thigh. “Now, what do I get for dessert?” He smirks while pulling up to his personal gate.
It’s almost nine o’clock by the time I’m done baking brownies for Masen. He’s been in his office working and researching. Navigating this huge house is much easier when I’m not panicking. I find his office quickly and knock on the open door. He’s on the phone while staring at his computer screen, so I quietly place the plate of brownies down I brought him and look around. The office is very masculine. The walls are a dark wood. There’s a massive desk facing the door. Large windows behind him frame the pond, now barely visible in the twilight. There are two chairs angled opposite the desk and a large leather chesterfield sofa in a deep brown shade against a side wall. I can see one door into what I assume is a bathroom or closet. Books line the same wall making a beautiful backdrop for a small bar.
When I finish studying the room, I turn to find Masen done with his phone call, watching me and taking in my reactions to what I’m sure is a very important room to him. He needn’t worry. “It’s lovely. Do you spend much time in here?”
He tilts his head. “Yes. It’s mostly my personal business I run from here, but sometimes, I will see to pack issues here.”
Curious, I ask, “What business do you run?”
He smiles sweetly. “A few. Would you like a brownie?” he asks, changing the subject. I roll my eyes, letting him know I see exactly what he’s up to.
Walking around the room, I take a seat on the sofa. It’s a little stiff, but the leather is buttery soft. “No thanks. I might just go get in bed. I’m beat.”
Standing, he comes to join me, picking up my feet and dropping them into his lap. I sigh, it’s wonderful when he touches me. “Unfortunately, I have a few more things that need my attention tonight since I played college guide today.” He smiles while rubbing my ankles and legs, my head falls back as I relax from his touch.
“You could stay here, but I’ll be on the phone quite a bit. Would you like me to take you to our room, Little One?” His voice is so soft.
“I like hearing your voice. I’ll stay, if that’s okay? I don’t want to intrude,” I say sleepily.
“Let me get you a blanket and pillow. I’ll be right back.” My eyes are closed, but I feel him take my feet from his lap and rise from the sofa. Seconds later, he’s back with a few soft throw pillows and the coziest gray blanket. He places the pillows under my head then covers me. I feel his lips at my temple then at the corner of my lips as he feathers gentle kisses there. Soon after, I hear his deep melodious voice speaking softly. I don’t listen to the words just the sounds as I’m lulled to sleep.
“Let the blanket go, baby. I'm taking you to bed.” I hear rumble from his chest that my ear rests against.
“Love that blanket, so soft.” My hand drops the fabric to wrap around his thick neck, brushing the fine hairs along his nape. My forearms rest on his wide shoulders as he carries me to his room. Masen lays me on the mattress and starts to remove my pants. That wakes me up quickly. “What are you doing?”
He shakes his head. “I’m not going to molest you, baby. You’re half asleep, but I do want to feel your skin next to mine while we sleep. That’s all. I promise.”
I lift my hips to assist, his hands go to the hem of my t-shirt next. Leaving me in a sleep bra and cheeky panties. I’m a little self-conscious, this is the closest to nude I’ve ever been with anyone. The lights are dim, but I know he has excellent night vision. I pull the covers up quickly and turn on my side, scooting to the far side of the bed.
