Page 29 of Taming of a Wolf

“I want to be between you and the door, pet.”

Jamie scoffs, smiling like I’m amusing. “Why? To protect me from the dust bunnies in my living room?”

A furious snarl erupts from me. I don’t know what these dust bunnies are, but if they seek to harm my mate, I will tear them apart! “Are these dust bunnies dangerous?”

Jamie hides his face in his hands, laughing for some reason. “Oh no. What have I done? Anders, I’m fine!”

“I cannot let you sleep near the door if these dust bunnies lie in wait! Move over. I will watch the door.”

Still laughing for some unfathomable reason, Jamie scoots over and lets me lie on the side of the bed nearest the door. “Keep the light on. Beasts fear light of any kind. Dust bunnies must be no different.”

Jamie’s still giggling. I’m not sure why. Eventually, he quiets while I continue to glower at the door. If anything tries to enter this room, my wolf will rip them to pieces.

“You wished to talk?”

Jamie hums thoughtfully, hooking one leg over my waist. “Were you close with your parents? I know you and your brothers have a difficult relationship, but what about your mom and dad?”

An odd lump forms in my throat as I think of them. I haven’t allowed myself to dwell on their memories, not in years. Yet I can’t seem to deny Jamie anything. “Very close. I only knew my mother a few short years, but… she was a kind woman. Stronger than anyone I’ve known.”

Warm hands rub my chest, almost soothingly. I close my eyes and bask in the warmth of Jamie’s touch. It’s good we aren’t mated. Otherwise, he could sense these disgusting feelings tearing me apart. How weak they make me feel…

“She died birthing my brother Wulfric.” Why am I still speaking? “I hate him for that. For taking her from me.”

“Anders,” Jamie begins, and I despise the sadness in his voice.

“I will kill him for killing her. For taking my father from me.”

“Hey.” Jamie grips at my chest, but I squirm out of his reach, curling my body away from his. All I want is to bare my heart and soul to him while he holds me tight until all my broken pieces cease to ache. I can’t. I can’t let him numb my anger. I need my fury to do what must be done and save my pack.

“Go to bed. I will keep you safe.” Even if I could stay, I would never be a worthy mate for Jamie. He is too kind, too trusting.When I leave, it will be for the best. I don’t deserve someone like him, not when I can’t even keep my own family safe.

Jamie hums softly. “Okay. Good night, puppy dog.” I ignore the hurt in his voice as best as I can, curling my fingers in the sheets so I don’t reach out to him.

I focus on guarding the door and try my best to ignore the empty space between us.

The next day, after more delicious pancakes for breakfast, Jamie drops the lad off at his school, then drives us to his bookshop. It’s warm inside and smells of parchment and Jamie himself. The wolf in me yawns and stretches out, longing to curl up and nap in this place that smells so much like our mate. His apartment smells even more divine.

I’m tense as the door closes behind us, and I reach back to lock it. Jamie insisted I wear the clothes of this time, which are soft and unsuitable for combat. He dragged me to this place called Goodwill on the way to the café and let me pick out my own clothes but insisted on picking my outfit for work. The jeans, dark shirt, and green apron fit comfortably, but if we’re attacked, how will I defend myself?

“Everything okay?” Jamie looks back to watch me curiously.

A scowl twists my mouth. “I should have brought my furs.” We left them at home, hidden in Jamie’s closet. Gods willing, they’ll be safe there.

“Anders, we went over this. You need to fit in, and walking around looking like you walked off the set of HBO’sVikingswill intimidate customers.”

Jamie’s voice is placating, but I’m still irritated. “What do I care what some peasants think? Your safety is all that’s important to me.”

My mate throws me a teasing smile. “We both know you don’t need your furs to protect me, puppy dog. You’re strong enough, aren’t you?”

“Of course I am!” As if I’d let anything happen to him.

Smiling, Jamie walks back to me and rubs my arm. “Then don’t worry so much. You’ve got this.”

His touch and sweet smile ease the tension from my body. “Did you build this all yourself?” I am impressed with my mate’s craftsmanship.

“Oh no. The building was already here. But my grandma did all the work turning it into a bookshop. I’m not sure what it was before.”

Still, it is remarkable that he has his own business. The Norns chose well. My mate is hardworking and kind. With a start, I force down the thought. I’ve got to stay focused, work hard, and get the necklace. Jamie is a fun distraction, nothing more or less. Although he is very nice to wake up next to. And suck off in the shower. And eat breakfast with. Jamie is lovely, like a sunrise at the end of a long, cold night.

---