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.

trying to think of what I

I’m even wanted, or I can leave, find a different town

I needed to decide

Time was running out.

felt a

to wake

say anything, just

wasn’t sure what to say without

on the couch if you need me,” I grabbed his hand before he could walk away, “Can you stay in here

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

though I knew he was there, in bed

My heart cracked.

“If I need to leave, just tell

no hard feelings.” I did the best I could to carried through

Nyla? I promise you won’t have any more problems with her if it is.” My eyes stayed trained

to

weird since I saw

—and the fact that you aren’t the biological father, I’m sure, makes it more difficult.” I wanted him to know I understood, and I

heart was in

flipped the bedside lamp on, filling the room witha

on my side to hide my tears before he

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

don’t know what’s wrong

faced him, he looked confused at my

never let anyone

he didn’t even have this effect on

this need to be around you, like something pulling me

outside, I couldn’t fight the

in a good

like your smell engulfs me

Soothes me somehow.

you’ve been acting weird and, for some reason, it broke

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

him, kissing the top of my head as he rubbed my back,

realize you were feeling the