Page 38 of Wedding for My Werewolf

“I know he is, but I can’t prove anything, and he’s right—they’re my signatures, my authorizations.”

“So you had to run.”

“What choice did I have? Stay and go to prison for his crimes?” she asked bitterly. “I thought I could just disappear, but I didn’t know how to do it. I made the mistake of using one of my credit cards to put a deposit on a small apartment in another city. I just happened to see Rick talking to my neighbor and recognized him. He’d been to the office before. I’d even written checks for him. Checks with my signature. So I ran again.”

He forced himself to calm, gently removing the mug from her clasp and taking her hands in his.

“What happened then?”

“I learned. I called a friend once to see if I could stay with her, and learned that he could track my phone. I got rid of it and picked up a prepaid one. I took as much money out of my account in cash as I could, then destroyed the cards when I realized he could track them too. Learned I couldn’t get a regular job because he could track my social security number. I thought I might be safe this time, but he found me anyway.”

There was so much despair in her voice that he couldn’t stop himself from pulling her onto his lap and wrapping his arms around her. She didn’t resist, but she didn’t relax either.

“Listen to me, little bird,” he said firmly. “You don’t have to run anymore. Not while I’m here.”

“You don’t understand. Martin has connections, money?—”

“I don’t care what he has. This ismyterritory.Mytown. And you’re under my protection now, and no one is going to hurt you ever again.”

CHAPTER 15

Robin found herself leaning into Eric’s embrace, her body seeking comfort before her mind could catch up. His arms tightened around her, solid and warm, pulling her closer. His familiar scent surrounded her as tears finally began to spill down her cheeks.

“I’m so tired,” she whispered into his shirt. Months of fear and exhaustion crashed over her like a wave. Her shoulders shook as she finally let go of the rigid control she’d maintained since that terrible day in Martin’s office.

His hand rubbed gentle circles on her back, his touch anchoring her as she fell apart. His steady heartbeat thumped against her ear, its rhythm soothing her ragged breaths.

“I know, little bird, but you’re safe now,” he murmured into her hair, the rumble of his voice vibrating through her body. “I’ve got you.”

She pressed closer, letting his strength hold her together. She’d been alone for so long—sleeping in cheap motels, looking overher shoulder, trusting no one. But she didn’t feel alone now, and she didn’t push him away.

“Can you stop him?” she asked quietly. “Rick’s not going to give up.”

This time a growl vibrated through his body.

“You let me worry about him,” he said grimly.

The certainty in his voice helped her to breathe a little easier. She didn’t want to think about how he might take care of Rick. She didn’t want to think about anything other than the warmth and safety she felt in his arms.

“Will you…” She hesitated, unsure how to ask. “Will you hold me for a little while?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you,” she said softly, and let the warmth of his arms pull her under.

When she awoke, it was to find herself still in Eric’s lap, her cheek pressed against his shoulder, his arms tight around her. She didn’t think she’d been asleep long, but she felt better, calmer. She didn’t move, reluctant to leave the warmth of his embrace, but a soft laugh ruffled her hair.

“Playing possum?”

She leaned back and looked up at his face. Golden eyes glowed down at her, no longer angry but warm and kind.

“Thank you for holding me,” she whispered.

“Anytime. It’s a mate’s privilege.”

He spoke lightly, but the word mate reminded her of Lila’s earlier words and her heart ached. She didn’t want to be a temporary distraction, just a playmate until he decided to settle down with a real wolf.

“What’s a mating bite?”

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