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.

think

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

way, I needed to

Time was running out.

eyes shot open asI felt a blanket being pulled

mean to wake you up,”

didn’t say anything, just

wasn’t sure what to say

if you need me,” I grabbed his hand before he could walk away, “Can you stay in here with me?” The need to be close to him was

nodded as he walked to the other side of the

though I knew he was there, in bed

My heart cracked.

“If I need to leave,

did the best

he sat upin bed, “Is 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 silent tears fell down

to do with

acting weird since

I get it —and the fact that you aren’t the biological father, I’m sure, makes it more difficult.”

heart was in the

bedside lamp on, filling the room

to roll over on my side to hide

am I supposed to tell him? The truth, I guess, even if it

don’t

anything else I’ve been feeling.” I sat up and faced him,

have never let anyone close

Kain, but he didn’t even have

around you,

that guy outside, I couldn’t fight the

in a good

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

Soothes me somehow.

clinic you’ve been acting weird and, for

come back or not, or even what I had done wrong, I felt like my heart was shattering into a thousand pieces.” I just let

top of my head

you were