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.

lay there trying to think of

not sure I’m even wanted, or I can leave, find a different town to

I needed to decide

Time was running out.

open asI felt

mean to wake you

say anything, just lay staring

to say without sounding

couch if you need me,” I grabbed his hand before he could walk away, “Can you

as he walked to the other side of

in bed

My heart cracked.

anymore, “If I need to

hard feelings.” I did the best I could to carried

this because of Nyla? I promise you won’t have any more problems with her if it is.” My eyes stayed trained on the ceiling as

to do

since I

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

heart was in the

the bedside lamp on, filling

to roll over on my side to hide

tell him? The truth, I guess, even if it does make me sound

deep breath, “I don’t

been feeling.” I sat up and faced him, he looked confused at my words but didn’t say anything,

have never let anyone close to

he didn’t even

just feel this need to be around you, like

outside, I couldn’t fight

but in a good

I’m close to you, it’s like your smell engulfs me

Soothes me somehow.

left the clinic you’ve been acting weird and, for

even what I had done wrong, I felt like my heart was shattering into a

me to him, kissing the top of my head as he rubbed

were feeling the bond so