When he said it like that, it made me feel ignorant. “Well, not exactly.” I raised my head so I could see his face. “You know how an alpha can feel the members of his pack once everyone goes through their first shift?”
“My father is our alpha, and yes, he’s told me.”
“The king can feel all of us.” It wasn’t something that was widely discussed even though it wasn’t a secret. “If I shift, he’ll know…” My voice broke off.
“That you’re alive.” He took a deep breath and exhaled. “That makes sense, but I’m worried about what it’s doing to you. You couldn’t see the way you looked tonight.”
“She’s been getting stronger.” I couldn’t believe how supportive he was being. I figured he’d be grossed out or thought I was a coward.
“You do realize that you aren’t actually two separate beings, right?” He reached over and pushed a piece of hair behind my ear. “That’s probably one reason you’re struggling. Your soul is splintering.”
Yeah, that didn’t sound good. “What else am I supposed to do?” I didn’t see any other option.
“I don’t know.” He placed his hands on my arms and rubbed them. “But we’re going to figure this out together. You’re not pushing me away anymore. If you leave, I’ll find you. Even if I have to get that freaky witch to help.”
“I like the sound of that.” Those words had always seemed so scary before now.
“Me too.” His eyes fell back to my lips. “Dammit, I really want to kiss you right now.”
“What’s stopping you?” At that moment, his lips on mine seemed like the most important thing.
“We’d be heading back to that witch for another spell.”
“When you put it that way…” I hated the situation we were in. “I don’t know what to do.”
“For tonight, why don’t we go hang out at your place and just be a guy and his girlfriend spending time at her house.” He tugged me toward the car. “And then tomorrow, I’ll come pick you up for breakfast, and we’ll get back to the serious matters at hand.”
“Are you trying to seduce me like a human?” Mates usually didn’t hold back and typically cemented their bond as soon as possible.
“Oh, hell, no.” He tugged me into his arms again and winked. “I’m seducing you as a wolf taking care of his mate. Putting her needs above my own.”
“Even though I fought it at first, I’m so damn glad we’re finally together.” It all seemed so pointless now.
“Let’s start over again, no secrets from here on out.” He let go of my arm and headed over to the passenger door. “Your chariot awaits.”
“For you to be such an alpha, I never expected the word chariot to pass through those lips.” He was being exactly what I needed right now. Destiny did have a way of making things work.
“If you tell anyone, I’ll be forced to tell them about your secret.” He raised an eyebrow and pursed his lips.
My heart felt like it fell to my stomach. “What?” Here I was thinking we might be able to work through everything, and then he threatened me like that.
“Hey.” His forehead lined with worry, and he stepped closer, taking my hand. “I was kidding. I was only going to say that I’d tell them you liked me.”
Of course. I was being ridiculous. “I’m sorry. It’s just that I’m a little on edge.”
“No, after what you just told me, I shouldn’t have joked about it.” He took my hand and led me to the car. “Come on. Let’s go and relax.”
Everything seemed perfect right then. Not only had I found my mate, but he was being supportive in every way. But for some reason, this added to my hysteria. The other shoe had to drop at some point.
Chapter Thirteen
The next morning, I woke up with a goofy grin on my face. I glanced at the clock and realized it was only ten minutes until my alarm would go off. The previous night with Mason had been more than I could’ve ever imagined. He was kind, attentive, and made sure that I was okay before he left. It was hard to believe how we treated each other before then.
I’d told him that we needed to tell my guardians everything we’d learned. Even though I’d messed up, I couldn’t keep things from them, especially when I might have inadvertently put them in danger.
It was time to come clean and determine a plan of action. I jumped out of bed and began searching my closet for an outfit to wear. I’d never worried about how I dressed before, but that had all changed. I pulled out a hunter green romper that hit right above my knees and had short, puffy sleeves. I remembered Kassie buying it for me and telling me, “You never know when things like this will come in handy.” I’d never thought she’d be right, but here I was, being proved wrong yet again.
Not wasting any more time, I jumped in the shower and quickly washed my hair and bathed. I got out, threw on my outfit, and blew my hair dry. It wasn’t long before I was back in my room, sitting at my makeup counter, putting on my makeup. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d put so much thought into my appearance.
I opted for a medium pink color for my lips and a neutral brown for my eyeshadow. As soon as I finished, the doorbell rang.
He was a few minutes early, and my heart fluttered. I bounded down the stairs, but Kassie was already at the door, staring at Mason.
“Why are you here so early?” Kassie rubbed her eyes. “Elena’s not going to be happy.”
Mona stepped from the kitchen into the hallway. “I bet she isn’t even…” Her words cut off as she rounded the stairway and saw me. “...awake.”
“What?” Kassie
