Page 65 of Mated to the Wolves

Ijerk into a sitting position.

“Yeah?” I call after the second knock.

Kirk’s voice comes through the door. “Cadoc and Fell are back. We’re having a meeting in fifteen.”

The thought of being surrounded by the four men arouses, and frightens, me. They’ll know immediately if I don’t do something.

“Okay.” I peer at my wrist, remembering his vow. He’s duty-bound to help me, I can trust him. I climb from the bath and towel off. Maybe if I layer my clothing?

Another knock comes again. I freeze.

“Ylva?” Kirk’s voice is softer and concerned. He knows.

“Yeah. I uh. Just need to get dressed.”

“Is that all you need?”

His pointed question irritates me. Kirk isn’t going to let this go.

I lower my head and squeeze my eyes shut. “What do you mean?” I release a bitter laugh.

“I can smell you. I noticed when we got out of the car, but I thought it was in my mind.”

Rushing forward, I yank the handle toward me and he stumbles inside, viewing me still clad in only a towel. I slam the door behind him.

“Did anyone else notice?”

“I don’t think so.”

“We need to keep it that way.”

His eyes widen and he inhales sharply. “Trust me, they’re going to figure it out fast.”

“I can’t do this, Kirk. I’m not ready yet.” My lower lip trembles.

His shoulders slump. “I know.”

“What can I do? I don’t have any ashwagandha.”

“I do in pill form.” He presses his lips together and studies me. “I’ll get it for you—” he points at me. “As a temporary fix.”

“Trust me, I’m very aware the reprieve will be brief.” I bite the inside of my cheek and wait for his response.

“You have to stop taking the pills when I tell you to, or things could get a lot worse.”

Worse than binding myself to virtual strangers?

“I mean it.” His gaze narrows and the bass that creeps into his voice pleases my she-wolf.

“I will. I promise.” I’d agree to just about anything for another couple of weeks to come to terms with the situation.

He nods. “Stay here, I have some things in my emergency supplies.”

He moves to leave and I catch his wrist.

“Thank you.”

His lips quirk.

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