Page 47 of Shifters' Fated Summer
He shook his head. “No. Turns out, her family was lying. They didn’t want a territory for themselves. They were selling land to vamps. And when things went sideways, their allies turned on them. She was killed by the vampires they were working with.”
Understanding dawned, and I grimaced. “It didn’t bother you that I came from the vampires?” I asked. “After all of that happened?”
“I could tell you were a victim, even if they convinced you otherwise. And one look in your eyes and I knew you were different.” He cupped my cheek, wiping away tears with his thumb. I sniffled, embarrassed I was crying. This was his tragedy, not mine.
“But that might have something to do with why Cade is so cautious. He was my best friend back then,and when she died, he picked up the broken pieces. He’s never left my side since then. Even when he became an Alpha, he made those plans with me in mind.”
I drew in a slow breath and released it in a rush. “The Cade you know and love does not match the one I’ve met.”
Luca rolled his lip ring between his teeth. “That’s what should give you hope. You haven’t seen the other side of him. And that’s the side you’ll get once you guys get to know each other for real.”
Ice eyes met mine, and he held my stare, imploring me to understand.
That promise hurt, burning my heart. It didn’t seem possible, but I needed it to be real so badly. Luca had been honest from our first moment together. Maybe he was right about Cade too.
“It’s the side you know, the asshole one, that defends us. Protects us.” He tried to explain, and I clung to the words.
“Okay, I trust you.”
“That’s my beautiful mate,” he said, and the word curled through me, comforting and healing.
Sighing, I tucked my head against his chest and closed my eyes. Luca’s hand stroked down my back. The bed was so comfortable, I could easily…
Luca brushed my hair off my forehead. “Hey, no falling asleep. We have work to do.”
“No way. I didn’t sleep hardly at all last night.” I yawned, rubbing the back of my hand over my eyes.
“We are moving.”
“What?” I sat up, my sleepiness fading. “Why? Where?”
Those dimples distracted me again. “You’re moving into my room.”
“Are you going to ask me, or just tell me?”
“I knew what you’d choose, and I want you close. Besides, now you can use my bathroom and tub whenever you like.”
“Luca, what’s the point? You're here with me every night anyway.”
“Summer,” he said, drawing my name out teasingly. “I’m not taking risks with you. And my room smells like Cade. It will help your instincts.” His sincere expression crumbled my defenses. “Not to mention my bed is bigger.”
“Yeah, because it’s where Cade sleeps. It’s his room too.”
“He can get used to it.” He shrugged, unbothered.
“I don’t think he will agree,” I chided him.
“It’s only a matter of time before he gives into the bond, and he’ll be so glad you’re already in our room, ready and ripe for the taking.” His voice dropped seductively, and my core clenched.
“Ugh, when you put it that way,” I said, unwilling to give in without grumbling.
“Thank you,” he said, planting a kiss on my forehead that sent warmth through my chest and swirling lower. I focused on that feeling and not the anxious dread I felt atthe idea of moving into Cade’s personal space.
I had to attempt to win Cade over. My body wanted him, and Luca wanted us both. It seemed impossible, but Luca deserved everything he desired. For him, I would try.
My hands twisted in the sheets, fighting with myself. I could do this. Besides, the mate bond was strong.
Luca rolled out of bed and pulled open drawers, taking the clothes I had been borrowing. They were mine now, I guessed.
