“I know it’s a lot, but I want you to know everything. Yes, my animal says we’re mates but ultimately you decide where this goes. It’ll hurt like hell to let you go, but I won't force you to stay if it’s not what you want.”
She blushes, before murmuring, “My panther says you’re our mate too. I feel this pull to you, this connection like nothing I’ve ever felt before. I felt it the moment I met you. And if I’m being completely honest, I’d like to give it a shot, if you’re okay with that.”
“I’d like nothing more than to give things a shot with you.” I smile down at her.
“And I think I know what you mean by the scent thing. I smelled teakwood and fresh linen before you came into the room this morning and it got stronger once you were by my side.”
“Yeah that’s how it works. Our animals know before our hearts do. And they can be a bit pushy about it too.” I chuckle because mine has become a royal pain in the ass.
Asshole
Well, you are pushy.
But I was right.
So what.
Never mind. Dickhead.
I just smile, it’s the small victories I enjoy when it comes to my panther. He can be quite the smartass.
“Is your panther talking to you?”
“Yes, he’s basically saying told ya so and being a big baby.”
She laughs. “Aww.”
“All ready?”
“Yep, ready, if you are.”
I get up from where I sit and make my way to the door, stopping to remind Ray to lock the doggy door.
“Ray, let's be on the safe side and lock the doggy door. We won’t be gone too long; I just don’t want to come back to any surprises.”
“Good idea, Jax will be okay for a couple of hours.” She jogs off to lock the doggy door as I wait for her, so we can head out to the clubhouse and my place.
I’ll be damned if I’m gonna let that son of a bitch get the drop on me. And as far as he knows, Ray is in the hospital. I’d rather let that fucker drop his guard. He has no idea who he’s fucked with.
33
Sharayah
“I need to call Vinny, or maybe have you call him and let him know I was attacked last night and won't be in. I’m sure once he knows I was attacked he won’t give me shit about coming in.”
“It’ll be better if I call. We want everyone thinking you’re in the hospital because he’ll suspect something’s up if he gets wind you didn’t go to the hospital after all the wounds he gave you.”
“Which are all gone by the way. Is it normal to heal this quick?”
“One of the perks of being a shifter. We also each have a special gift along with our shifter abilities. Mine’s being a marksman or assassin. It’s what got me through the Navy and what earned me a spot on the SEALS.”
“Wow, that’s incredible. So you never miss a shot?”
“Not a one.”
“I wonder what my special ability will be. This whole shifter thing is so amazing.”
“You’re taking it better than I thought you would. Not everyone is so accepting of us, which is why we keep our shifter abilities a secret.”
“So, if you’ve never missed a shot, why were you discharged?”
“Well in order to hide my rapid healing abilities, the unit doctor, also a shifter, put that I was injured in combat and lost my eye during a mission. Without two good eyes, you’re no use to the Navy as a sharpshooter.”
“Damn, so how do you explain having both your eyes now?”
“Officially, I received a transplant but never regained a hundred percent vision in my new eye.”
“Well shit, that sucks that you had to lie.”
“For the protection of our kind, it’s necessary. So you can never tell anyone outside of the pride you’re a shifter.”
“The pride?”
“Yea, it’s what we’re considered, like a pack or herd.”
“Oh, well that makes sense.”
Damn, so much shit to remember
I’m always here to help you remember.
Do you think I’m even cut out for this shifter life? I’m nothing special.
But that’s where you’re wrong. We’re their mate. That’s a special ability all in itself. Let’s just take this one day at a time.
Good idea. I’m gonna like having you to keep me in line.
Always.
“We’ll take my bike to my house then drive my truck back. Here put on this helmet. The less you’re seen the better in order for our story to work.”
I slide the helmet on as we jump on the bike and get ready to head out. I’ve never ridden on the back of a bike before.
Just hold on. Our mate will never hurt you.
Okay. You’re right.
Smiling, I wrap my arms around his waist and let him know I’m ready.
We take off and the feel of being on the back of the bike is invigorating. Riding through town, I loosen my grip some and enjoy the ride.
Within a half hour’s time we’re pulling up an old dirt drive leading to an old farmhouse on the outskirts of Spotted Hills. Jude signals me to get off so I do.
“Wow, your place is beautiful.”
“Thank you, it’s my childhood home. After my parents died, I took over the place and although it doesn’t look like much, it’s home.”
“Well I love it. Can you give me a tour?”
“Absolutely.”
With that he grabs my hand and leads me up the steps of an old wooden wraparound porch. Unlocking the door, he pushes it open and lets me walk in first.
Before me stands an old winding staircase to the second floor. Looking to my left I see what looks to be the living room decorated with old vintage furniture and the kitchen to my right.
Walking into the kitchen I admire the big beautiful island in the center of a modernized kitchen. Equipped with a large fridge with glass doors and not one but two stove tops, with one of them a half grill top. Marble countertops and beautiful wooden
