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.

there trying to think of

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

I needed to decide

Time was running out.

eyes shot open asI felt a

wake you up,”

say anything, just lay staring at

to say without

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

other side of the bed and climbed under the

there, in bed with

My heart cracked.

can’t do this anymore, “If I need to

feelings.” I did the best I

promise you won’t have any more problems with

nothing to do with

acting weird since

it —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 don’t

in

on, filling the room witha

to roll over on my side to hide my tears

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

breath, “I don’t know what’s wrong

I’ve been feeling.” I sat up and faced him, he looked confused

never let

even have this

just feel this need to be around you, like something pulling me

guy outside, I couldn’t fight the

but in

to you, it’s like your smell

Soothes me somehow.

since we left the clinic you’ve been acting weird and, for some reason, it broke

wasn’t sure if you would come back or not, or even what I had done wrong, I felt like my heart was

the top of my head as he rubbed

you were feeling the bond