“Where would I start?” I finally replied with a grin. “Seriously.”
“Now that you’ve had some rest… do you want me to leave you alone?” Roark asked.
“No!” I snapped and gasped at the instant fear that surged inside of me. Roark moved faster than a human should be able to and grasped my hands. But the reminder of what he was didn’t freak me out like I thought it should.
“Are you okay?” He looked down my body, searching for injury.
“I’m… fine,” I replied.
“Kendra?” Roark looked at me strangely.
“Can we just… um… cuddle?” I asked and fidgeted as my cheeks heated. I wasn’t one to cuddle or to get close to anyone. But after everything, I just needed comfort.
“Sure, come here,” Roark pulled me into his arms and began to run one of his hands up and down my arm and through my hair. The movements soothed me and I soon fell back to sleep.
“I don’t give a fuck what it takes. I want it taken care of,” Roark’s voice hissed from over by his door as I came awake.
“Prez we’re doing ev–” The male voice faded.
“Don’t give me fucking excuses,” Roark snapped. “And don’t bother me again unless the place is burning to the ground.
“Damn it, Crimson,” Banshee’s shrill cry broke through the noise from the man in the hallway. “I told you not to fucking bother them.”
“I needed –”
“You didn’t fucking need shit from Roark. And the next time you disobey me I’ll have your fucking hide.”
“Fucking hell, Banshee… ow, ow, ow… I’m going.” The voices faded and I heard the door close.
“Sorry we woke you,” Roark said, looking at me from the door. “I made the mistake of peering out to order some food to be brought up.
Rolling to my side, I leaned on my hand and looked down the bed at him.
“I’m not sure what woke me,” I assured him. “But I think I slept enough. And, food sounds amazing.” My stomach growled and Roark grinned.
“Did you hear that?” I asked and he nodded. “Oh. You have really good hearing.”
“Yes. Enhanced senses. I’m stronger than a human, faster, too.” Roark shifted on his feet and leaned against the door.
“You won’t hurt me, will you?”
“Not a chance in hell,” Roark sighed. “Can I come over there? I need to explain something.”
“Of course,” I smiled and sat up so I could pat the bed beside me.
Roark settled on the edge and adjusted himself so was facing me. It irritated me that he still kept his distance.
“I’m not going to freak on you, Roark,” I teased.
“Maybe…” he grinned at me. “I just… I need to get something out.”
“Alright… If you want me to leave, I ca–”
“That’s just it, I don’t. Ever.” His fingers kept curled and uncurled as if he wanted to do something but restrained himself.
“Roark…” He held up his hand to stop me.
“Kendra, for my kind, when we find the one that’s it. There won’t ever be anyone for me but you. You are my mate.” Roark ran his hand over his face and then dropped it back down to his leg.
He looked at me expectantly as I struggled to process what he was saying.
“I’m trying… but I don’t think I understand,” I finally said to give myself more time. “I mean I just found out that you can become a cat. Are we even compatible? Like… is this some sort of weird bestiality thing?”
A laugh burst past Roark’s lips but he smashed them together to keep the rest bottled up.
“I’m serious, Roark. I know I trust you, that became obvious when…” My chest tightened and I brought my hand to my chest.
“Kendra…” Roark moved forward and I waved him off.
“I’m… okay…” I gasped. “Just… nerves.”
“Kendra, you don’t have to be strong. I’ve got you,” he whispered and I knew it was the truth.
A tear slipped down my right cheek and I inhaled deeply. “It’s just been... a lot.”
“I know, sweetheart.” He gave me a soft smile. “Want me to hold you?”
“Please?” The word was so soft that I don’t think a human would have heard me. But Roark did and he immediately came up beside me and pulled me onto his lap as he wrapped his arms around me and cuddled me into his chest.
I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and let my tears for my garage and the future I had planned for myself – a future that wouldn’t happen now that the garage was trashed – fall and soak his chest.
314
Roark
There was so much I wanted to talk to Kendra about but the timing just wasn’t on our side. I had held her throughout the night assuring her she was safe with me and that I’d never let her get hurt again. Deep down I hated myself for not following her once she made it to the gas station.
Banshee had told me how Kendra would need some time to digest what she had just seen. I knew Banshee was right so I backed off and decided to give Kendra some space. A feeling in my gut and my leopard-half wanted to stay with Kendra. I shook the feelings by telling myself I was feeling that way because she was my mate.
If I hadn’t gone against my gut, Kendra wouldn’t have gotten hurt. There was no way in hell those bastards would have gotten anywhere near her. This was my fault.
“What are you thinking about?” Kendra asked, looking across the dining room table at me. Thanks to Doc the swelling, bruises, and cuts were healed, but I could see the pain in Kendra’s eyes. “Roark, stop. I’m fine.” She gave me a fake smile.
“How’s the food?” I asked, shoveling a bite of scrambled eggs into my mouth.
“Roark,” she sighed and set her fork
