Page 34 of Bullied Pregnant Mate

He smiles, glancing over at me with wide eyes. I can tell he’s still a bit embarrassed but also pleased that he was able to show a vulnerable part of himself and be accepted for it.

We drive into town, listening to the lilting melodies swirl between us. I can feel our auras reaching out to each other, entangling, joining, and almost dancing together.

This kind of synchronizing can only happen if—

No, it can’t be! How can we be fated lovers if he rejected me?

The ugly thought shatters my peace, and as Jenks parks the car, the magic between us dissipates. When he reaches for my hand, I actually jump a little.

“Both pack and witches are inside,” he says. “We should make an effort to look united.”

“You’re right,” I say, letting him take my hand. Immediately, sweet music seems to surround us again, and I realize I really don’t want to let go of him.

I’m so confused. I’m getting something I always wanted, but now I can’t accept it.

When we come through the door to the back of Shelley’s, the atmosphere is tense. Amanda and Lucy are sitting at the table along with Nate, Bae, Rider, and Carson.

“Good to see you,” Bae says, waving us over. “You sounded pretty serious on the phone, Jenks. You’ve got some news to share about your patrol?”

“Yes, Bae, thanks for coming in,” Jenks answers. As we walk towards the table together, he doesn’t let go of my hand, and I feel like it isn’t just to put on a good show.

He needs me. He needs my support. And more than that, I don’t want to let go of him.

The realization hits me like a bucket of ice water.

I feel safe with him. I feel safe with the guy who terrorized me!

As we sit down at the table, I see Amanda giving me a questioning look. I gather my energy quickly, smiling at her to show her I’m okay.

She’s an empath, too. Even if she’s not a mind reader like Nell, I have to be careful.

“Okay, Jenks, what news do you have?” Bae asks.

He sighs, glancing away before meeting Bae’s eye again. “I saw a strange wolf on patrol last night, right out at the edge of the border.”

“Why didn’t you tell me immediately?” Bae demands sharply.

“I didn’t know if it was worth reporting,” Jenks says. “I don’t want to make excuses for myself, but I am new at this, and I couldn’t even be sure it was an enemy wolf. The scent was kind of familiar.”

“Definitely not an Ancient One?” Carson asks.

“No,” Jenks affirms, shaking his head. “Not big enough.”

“Where did you see him, exactly?” Nate asks.

“Past the second high ridge, near the pass.”

“That’s closer to our patrols than I’d like,” Nate states. “He could be talking intel back to Decker, or Kelta.”

“Everyone, stop,” Bae orders, waving his hands. “What happened, Jenks?”

“Well… nothing. We just looked at each other, then he ran off.”

“But that’s not the whole story, is it?” Bae asks.

Jenks shakes his head. “No. This morning, I heard Alisa screaming. I ran out the back, and she was running towards me, two wolves chasing her. I jumped straight in, and there was a brief fight before they backed off.”

“Did you injure them?” Bae asks.

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