Page 60 of Never Tamed
Because it’s not something you’ve done before, Noble answers.
Will you fuck off already? I bite.Get out of my head.
He chuckles.You’re a real asshole when you’re being vulnerable.
But he shrinks until he’s only a nudging tickle at the edge of my consciousness, just like Mathis. The two of them are starting to integrate and feel more natural there. Like I’ve always had the space in my mind but I never realized it until the bonds sharpened through Ren.
The last bits of sunlight glint off the necklace in my hand as I stalk into the dimly lit dining hall. It’s stupid, really. Just something to say “I’m okay with sharing but I want everyone to know you’re mine.”
She’ll probably shove the thing down my throat and force me to eat it. Which, okay, fine.
The ring was supposed to be a symbol of commitment between me and Catarina.
I halfway consider yanking the ring off the necklace and throwing it into the bowels of the forest. But the cool shadows ofthe dining hall soothes a little bit of ragged edges. Restores some much needed sanity.
I stalk into the kitchen like I actually know what I’m doing and sneer at the wolves there.
“Move. I need this space.” I bark the command to them and they share a look before hustling off.
I don’t even think about it anymore. Alpha command is natural.
The pots of boiling chilli are abandoned and the salad is only half chopped. The scent of bread baking in the oven winds through my senses, my stomach growling.
Our people need to be fed. I don’t want to ruin what’s already been done while I try my hand at… ugh, fucking cooking.
So I turn off the burner beneath the chile and take the rolls out of the oven, finding some kind of mitt to protect me from the heat.
I want to give Ren something more.
What?
I find a few ingredients, something easy but thoughtful—at least in my mind—and then stop, shifting my weight from foot to foot. I slick my tongue over my lips as the pit in my stomach deepens. Christ, I need to grow a pair.
I shouldn't be this nervous to contact my mate. My wolf sits up, pays attention, and growls at me. She ismine.
Before I lose my nerve, I open the channel between our souls.
Ren?I, ah,I need to talk to you. I send a wave of emotion along with the words.
Her awareness deepens but no words come through the bond. How do I even know if I’m doing this right?
Will you please come to the dining hall?I need a minute of your time.
Again, there’s no response, and my unease grows stronger and louder.
My instinct is to inject a command through the bond and force her to me. Like I did in the office. I made her crawl to me and it was the prettiest damn sight of my life.
This is not the same.
The kitchen blurs, the edges darkening and the only bright spot is the image of her in my head.
Finally, softly, comes,You’re seriously sayingplease?
I will use it a thousand times if you come meet me, I add.
You’re calling me by my name, too.
Do you want me to call you something else?
