My Surprise Mate

We walked the rest of the way to the house in silence.

Dane’s arm wrapped protectively around me, only confusing me more as to what was going on.

He still wasn’t talking to me—still had the same damn expression on his face—but here he was looking after me.

Then it hit me...he feels sorry for me, or he feels obligated.

I don’t want anyone’s pity and I hate the thought that I somehow made him feel responsible for me.

I could feel my heart clench.

Dane opened the front door for me, “I have some things I need to take care of, but it shouldn’t take me long.” My heart clenched.

“Will you be coming back over here tonight?” I didn’t want to sound desperate or needy, but I wanted to know.

I really wanted him here with me.

“I'll come to check on you when I get done.” He walked away, leaving me alone.

I shut and locked the front door and made my way to the bathroom.

After letting the bathtub fill with steaming hot water and bubbles, I slowly slid in and then I let the tears fall.

I wasn’t sure why I was crying.

Well, I did know because I wasn’t sure what had happened to cause Dane to act the way he is.

What I shouldn’t care.

I didn’t know him that well anyway.

Thankfully, there was no growling during my downtime tonight.

After sitting in the water until it turned cold, I finally climbed out and just threw on a clean t-shirt and some panties.

I really doubt that he’ll be coming back tonight, so I didn’t bother with pants.

I was more comfortable this way.

to think of

where I’m not sure I’m even wanted, or I can leave, find

I needed

Time was running out.

shot open asI felt

to wake you up,” Dane

just

wasn’t sure what to say without sounding

he could walk away, “Can you stay in here with me?” The

as he walked to the other side of the bed and climbed under

was there, in bed

My heart cracked.

do this anymore, “If I need to leave,

I did the

shake as he sat upin bed, “Is this because of Nyla? I promise you won’t have any more problems with her

to

been acting weird since I

trust me, I get it —and the fact that you aren’t the biological father, I’m sure, makes

was in the right

the bedside lamp on, filling the room witha

roll over on my side to hide my

I supposed to tell him? The truth, I

breath, “I don’t know what’s

anything else I’ve been feeling.” I sat up and faced him, he looked confused at my words

never let anyone close

he didn’t even have this effect on

this need to be around you, like something

you were fighting that guy outside, I couldn’t fight the

body, but in

like your smell engulfs

Soothes me somehow.

you’ve been acting weird and, for some

back or not, or even what

the top of my head as he rubbed

realize you were feeling the