Page 21 of Shattered Soulmates

Her bond with Miles may be broken, but when you love someone, it doesn't just end. If she lets me, I’ll do everything I can to heal her heart.

On the first night, after our kiss, I started watching over her. That’s when I saw Miles walking away from her cabin. I can smell when he’s been prowling around, and the scent is fresh every night. I always spray myself with a scent neutralizer, so I don't trigger his territorial instincts or frighten Paisley. All I can do is be patient, and I will be for her.

Paisley, a gentle and childlike she-wolf, is loved by everyone in the pack for her kindness and sweetness. Miles and Marissa have earned the pack's disgust because of how they mistreat Paisley, although they still have some support from a few drama-loving wolves.

I curl up under Paisley's open window to get as close to her as possible. I know that being near your mate is comforting. I want to be able to do that for her. Withina few minutes of my being there, her crying ceases, and she falls asleep.

That's when I rise and look into her window. Her soft blonde hair is spread across the pillows. A moonbeam shines directly on her beautiful face. I ache to caress her tear-streaked cheek and press a tender kiss on her sweet lips. As I take in her lovely face, I notice her eyes are open, and she’s gazing at me.

"Knight?"

“I'm sorry, Paisley. I-I didn't mean to scare you.”

“You didn't. I can sense when you're here," she says softly. "It feels good when you're around."

I place my hands on the window screen. “I'm glad, Paisley. It makes me happy to be close to you as well. I just didn't want to overwhelm you or cause you any pain or discomfort.”

"Will you hold me?" she pleads.

I nod quickly, feeling blessed that this tender-hearted female might be my mate. Without hesitation, I remove the screen from her window and climb through. After replacing the screen, I turn to Paisley and gather her onto my chest. Are these feelings I have when I hold her a sign of the mate bond? My heart warms as she curves into me, resting her head on my chest, makingthese adorable little sounds. She wraps her arms around my torso. Within minutes, I hear her soft snores.

Peppering her head with gentle kisses, I close my eyes and hum in contentment, knowing that at least tonight, I can soothe her pain. I want to make sure she’s always safe and happy.

In the stillness, as I lie next to her, I gently brush her hair away from her face, my heart overflowing. I whisper comforting words to her sleeping form, promising never to leave her side, through thick or thin. Knowing that I can bring her this kind of contentment and peace fills me with joy.

Chapter 8 – Of Mate Marks

Miles

I just left my nightly vigil at Paisley's cabin and am on my way to relieve Knight at the main gate. As I approach, I see Knight speaking to a female shifter. When they hear me, she turns and smiles. It's Marissa. I’m stunned; she’s a fugitive. Knight watches my approach warily. Coming to stand with them, I address Knight.

"I’ve got this," I say. He nods, handing over his clipboard and radio. I hear him spit a slur at me, then stalk off into the night.

"Marissa," I begin. "What are you doing here?"

I drop the clipboard as Marissa jumps into my arms, wrapping her long legs around my waist.

“Baby,” she moans. "I missed you."

“What are you doing here?” I repeat when she finally breaks the kiss.

"Well, it turns out I didn't commit a crime after all." She smiles, winding her fingers through my hair. "I came here as soon as I was released."

“I’ve seen all the news reports, Marissa. You broke out." I gently push her off me. She steps back, steadying herself.

“Technically, I was broken out," she purrs. "But I turned myself in and was released."

She reaches into her bag, pulls out a file folder full of documents, and hands it to me. She's telling the truth. All charges have been dropped, and she has been freed.

Miles," she continues. "I would’ve never left you this time. Please, believe me. I still want to make a go of it."

She smiles at me prettily.

I could never deny her anything she asked of me. That has always been my weakness. “Marissa, I’m on probation here because of what we did. This has been my life’s work, being Beta here. It’s my home and I can’t leave.”

“I know, baby,” she slinks up to me and wraps her arms around my neck with one arm, while rubbing my chest with her other hand. “I’m sorry for everything, but believe me, I’m a changed she-wolf.”

“If we do this, you can’t leave again,” I warn. “My job and reputation are both on the line. You’ll need to settle in and take on the role of a leader here. Since there is no Luna, being the Beta female is a huge responsibility. You’ll become a wife and later a mother. Are you up to it? Are you through running off? The games end here.”

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