Page 120 of Rejecting his Mate

I frown at her choice of words. “You’re not different. I’m not either.”

“Then why does everyone hate us?”

“Because they are assholes.”

She snorts a laugh, which makes me smile. I like knowing she's happy, even if it’s only for a fleeting moment. “I like that explanation. Do you think the others will want to stay?”

“I don’t know. I hope so. I don’t like the thought of them being out there alone.”

“I wonder if Wyatt is still pissed at me.” I squeeze her hip. “I do kind of deserve it. I turned your life upside down. You’re running, away from your home and all the things you know. He should be angry.”

“No, he shouldn’t. No one forced him to come with us. I gave him the opportunity to stay behind.”

“I don’t think you realize how much loyalty you command from those around you.”

I do know, and there’s a part of me that hates it. It would be easier and safer if the guys walked away. Halle is mine to deal with, not theirs. But I know my brother, and I know the other two. We’ve been together for so long that splitting up is not an option. I would never leave them to face whatever the hell is coming for us, and I know they won’t leave me either.

“Don’t worry about the others.”

“But I do.”

I like that she cares. The guys are important to me, but she has bigger problems right now. I don’t remind her of this fact, running my fingers over her hip instead.

“I could just go to sleep,” she admits.

“Then we’ll sleep.”

I get out from under her and hold my hands out. She takes them, and I pull her off the couch, leading her into the bedroom. I undress her until she is only in her underwear before moving her under the covers, undressing, and sliding in behind her.

I don’t care that it is early; I only care that I have her in my grasp. How did I ever think about backing off for her son of a bitch former mate? If he tries to take her from me, I will slit his fucking throat with my claws.

I cling to her as if she is my reason for existing, and I promise myself I’ll be right by her side whatever comes for her.

Chapter 29

Halle

When I wake, I’m alone. There is a moment of fear and panic until I sense Cade through the mating bond. He is close, probably still in the cabin somewhere.

For a moment, I just lie still, staring up at the ceiling as if I can just go back to being boring little Halle.

How did things get so messed up?

The only thing I am certain about is Cade. I have never felt this way about anyone, and while it should scare me, it doesn’t.

Eventually, I force myself out of bed, knowing I will need to face the day and whatever is coming. I find Cade’s bag and get some clean clothes before heading out of the room.

I see him through the kitchen window, sitting on the porch. The smile that crosses my face isn’t fake, and I hope we can find some measure of peace here.

I go into the bathroom, take a quick shower, and brush my teeth before I pull on a cleanpair of his boxers, dark gray sweatpants, and a sweater that is too big. While I’m at it, I take the chance to wash my underwear in the sink.

If we’re staying, we’re going to need to go shopping at some point. I can’t keep wearing Cade’s clothes, though he doesn’t seem to mind. He gets a weird possessive look on his face every time he sees me in his stuff.

I go to the door and step out onto the porch. There's a chill in the air this morning and a thick layer of ice on the grass that sparkles as the low winter sun catches it. It looks as if there are diamonds everywhere.

Cade glances up and gestures for me to come and sit with him. I sink onto the bench next to him, letting him wrap his arm around me, infusing me with his warmth.

“Why are you sitting out here?”

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