Page 93 of His White Moonlight
“No.”
“Why not?Hildcrask is one of the best in the country.It has a Social Science degree and the best graduating employment rate for the program.”
“It does,” I said calmly, glad I could practice my counter-argument on Bennett first.“However, Hildcrask is too connected to the power players in the city, including the Wulf family.Even though my last name is Belak, I’m still tied to the Wulf family and want to go somewhere where the Wulf name isn’t well-known.That way, I know without a doubt that my association with a powerful family doesn’t influence the people around me.
“I want to know I can stand on my own.”
“Is it really that bad to be associated with the Wulf name?”Bennett asked.
“It’s not about being good or bad.It’s about having the freedom to choose my own path in life.”
The steering wheel crackled, and I looked over at his white-knuckled grip.
He knows I’m going to upset Mom again by wanting to leave.That’s all that means.Don’t panic.You need to coax him to your side, or you will never leave this place.
I slowly let out a breath and smiled, attempting to evoke a calm, happy state of mind.
“Do you know what I’m looking forward to?Walking to a gas station and buying junk food.I like the idea of stockpiling some chips, chocolate, and cola and then studying for hours.”I turned toward him.“If you had to pick three items from a gas station to help you study, what would you pick?”
His hold on the steering wheel didn’t relax as he frowned at the road ahead.
“I don’t think anything there would help me focus,” he said.“I need my mate, Wrenly.That’s it.”
My stomach dropped, and I faced forward again, losing my smile.
“How long until we get there?”I asked.
“Soon.”
The rest of the ride passed in silence.When he pulled in front of one of the grand buildings on the other side of downtown, I wished the night were already over.
A valet jogged around to Bennett’s side of the car as soon as he parked in front.
Bennett got out and handed the keys to the guy as another valet moved to open my door.
“She’s mine,” Bennett said with a growl in his voice.
My stunned gaze met the man’s through the window before he quickly backed away.
Bennett didn’t mean it like that.He’s just protective because I kept getting hurt.
I loosely fisted my trembling hands in my lap and focused on my breathing while staring at the door handle and debating opening my own damn door.Bennett walked faster than I could decide, though.
He opened it and held out his hand.I moved to get out on my own, but he stepped in front of me, blocking my way.
“Take it, Wrenly,” he said.
Play nice.Just get through tonight.
I reluctantly placed my hand into his and pretended like it wasn’t shaking like crazy.His warm fingers closed over mine, steadying me as he backed up a step so I could stand.
Then he leaned in until his mouth was close to my ear.
“This didn’t scare you before,” he said.“Why do you smell like you’re two seconds from running?”
“Because I am.How are you going to explain that to Mom?”
He pulled back and studied me.His jaw clenched, and his hand started shaking more than mine.
