Page 15 of Unbelievable Faith
Michael dropped the rag to his side and took deep, calming breaths. It was okay. She was okay. She was going to wake up and she was going to befine.
A soft knock sounded at the door and Michael hesitated only a second before moving towards it. He already knew who was going to be on the other side. If he’d been listening he would have heard the soft footfalls but the knock was just as telling. Besides, after the way he’d snapped in the main room none of his men would dare interrupt him now. But she wasn’t one of hismen.
He opened the door and managed what felt like his first smile all night, “Zoey.”
His best friend in the world grinned at him and he chuckled. She looked like a little kid on Christmas morning. Her pale cheeks were flushed pink and her green eyes practically glowed. She bounced on the balls of her feet, trying to peer past him, but he was too big for her to see around and she dropped back to her heels with asigh.
“Rafe said you… that she…” Zoey’s eyes got even bigger and he couldn’t help but smile back at her inreturn.
“Yeah, she’smine.”
“Oh my God, Michael.” Zoey squealed, “I want to hug you but I won’t. I don’t think you should smell like me when she wakes up. She’s not awake yet is she? Rafe told me she was unconscious. Is she hurt badly? Isshe…”
“Zoey.” Michael shook his head as she rambled on, “Zo. Take abreath.”
She squished her nose up adorably, “Sorry.”
Michael felt a familiar warmth in his veins. God he loved this girl. He alwayshad.
He’d wanted to protect her and keep her close and he’d mistaken the feeling for a different kind of love than it was. He’d thought he was in love with her but now, now he could see how ludicrous that had been. He didn’t love her the way a wolf loved a mate. He loved her the way a brother loved a sister and that’s what shewas.
His sister. Rafe’s mate. And she would be Luna’s sistertoo.
“I’m sorry. I just wanted to check on you and make sure you wereokay.”
“I’m more thanokay.”
Zoey’s head tilted and her smile eased, “No. You’re not. Not yet. But you will be when she heals and wakesup.”
“You know mewell.”
“I do. So tell me what I can do for you. What do youneed?”
He sighed and said the first thing that came to mind, “Time.”
“Time?”
“I need more time with her. Alone. Can you keep the othersaway?”
Zoey frowned, “Michael, you have to know her family is already pushing to see her. Nova went to check on Maya but Leo is throwing a fit about seeing his twin and I’m not sure even Darius can hold him back for too muchlonger.”
“I know. I know.” He ran a hand through his hair, “But I can’t let them see her yet. Not like this. Nobody else needs to see her likethis.”
“Michael…” Zoey started but he shook heroff.
“She’s my mate, Zo. She’s going to be my queen. She’s going to help me lead the Moirae pack and I’m not letting any of them see her until she’s awake and coherent. She needs to get back on her feet and then, once she’s feeling better I’ll present her to the pack. Notuntil.”
Zoey gave him a soft smile, “You’re a good Alpha, Michael. You’re going to be a good matetoo.”
“God I hope you’re right.” Hesnorted.
“Oh come on, have you ever not been good at anything?” Zoeysmirked.
“Fly-fishing?” He joked and she rolled her eyes just like he knew she would. “Thank you for coming to check on us. I appreciateit.”
“But I’ll get lost now so you can go back tobonding.”
“Thanks.” He started to shut the door and then paused, “Oh andZo…”
“Yeah, yeah.” She waved over her shoulder without turning around, “I’ll keep everyone away for as long as Ican.”
Michael smiled and shut the door. Yeah, he loved that girl. He turned back to face the woman on his bed and his heart squeezed in his chest. But he didn’t feel a single spark like he did when he looked atLuna.
She was his mate. The other half of his soul. And with her here, in his room, in his space, he finally feltwhole.
