Page 27 of Banished Mates
A shiver worked its way through my limbs.
I could take some time for myself, right? Without having to worry about the pack or seeing Camden be with someone.
If it was only that, I would not have to debate, but it was also my concern for Rowan and Kit. The connection with them was undeniable. I wanted to curl up in his lap and have him caress my face as he was.
His thumb angled up and brushed against my lower lip. My heart jumped in answer.
There was a loud thump and the truck rocked. I twisted out of Kit’s grip and a panting gray wolf was sitting in the bed of the truck.
I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose.
Who was I kidding? I wanted to stay. The tension in my shoulders loosened.
Decision made, I shoved the door open, pausing briefly to yank the wires apart, and slammed it shut behind me. Making my way directly to the dropped notepad, I scrawled my message to Kit who was already on my ass.
“If my presence is ever a danger, I’ll leave and you willnotstop me.”
A myriad of emotions flashed across his face when I held it up. It settled on frustration, and he gave no indication he agreed with it. Honestly, I wasn’t surprised. He was my mate, he was hardwired to protect me, as I was hardwired to want him. Realistically, being mates just showed you who was a perfect match with you. It didn’t force you to love someone or force you to want to fuck them. That was all there because you matched in a biological and a mental sense.
“Let’s get some more food in you.”
I gave a short nod. He reached toward me and I tensed up. He frowned and fisted his hand before turning away.
I followed after him, his back stiff, with Rowan rubbing against my bare legs as we walked, hampering my progress.
Once inside, he turned right, the opposite way we’d gone when I first got here. Passing all those doors, he kept on until he reached the end of the hall which opened to a kitchen connected to a living room.
He went to the simple kitchen area, and I stood staring until Rowan nudged my legs, then snagged the large shirt with his teeth and tugged me toward the dining table. I didn’t bother fighting him.
I pulled the chair out and sank down as I placed the drawing pad on the table.
Licking my lips, I laced my fingers in front of me and watched Kit pull out a pot and set it on the stove.
“Are you ready to tell me who had you in such a state?” Kit asked, turning the burner on. He said it too nonchalantly. I licked my lips, shoulders tensing up. I turned away when he glanced my way. Talking about it would put him in danger. I would rather that sick fuck remained out there living than have any of my mates in danger. Kit sighed, obviously sensing I wouldn’t inform them of anything.
I turned my attention to the panting wolf sitting beside me. His gaze was heavy on my shoulders, the intensity weighing on me.
Rowan was a beautiful beast. His gray coat shaggy and shiny—perfect for sinking fingers into it, which was why mine currently twitched. I would not give into the desire. If I started, I’d rub myself all over him. He inched closer and leaned against my chair, warming my side.
My chair creaked but held steady.
His nose nudged my arm insistently. Damn it. I licked my lips and finally lifted it to his ears and scratched. A deep groan vibrated through his chest.
The soft tufts at his ears tickled my palm in the best way possible. It rubbed against my skin, shooting strikes of pleasure to my toes. I pressed my lips together to stifle the sappy smile. He groaned deeply when I arched my pointer finger on the underside of his ear, his eyes half-lidded.
Why hadn’t he shifted? I had yet to see his human form.
His tongue lashed out and wet my cheek. I grimaced and jerked my head away.
Since I was staying, Nola would be a good person to reach out to for advice. She had to have tips on staying hidden even though she’d never shifted.
I knocked on the surface of the table and brought Kit’s attention to me. I lifted my hand to mimic a cell phone.
“I do nae own a phone, but we can get one from town tomorrow. I need to stock up on groceries anyway.” His deep voice was calm and reassured me.
He’d been nothing but caring, and I couldn’t help but be relaxed around him now that I’d been around them for a few hours. It seemed so surreal. It was such a short span of time, but everything seemed so disjointed.
Kit seemed to hold himself back a lot. He was treating me with kid gloves. The only time I’d seen true anger from him in the short time was when I’d tried leaving.
