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 what

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

I needed to

Time was running out.

asI felt

didn’t mean to wake you up,” Dane

didn’t say anything, just lay

wasn’t sure what to say without

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

as he walked to the other side of the bed and

was there, in bed with me, he kept his

My heart cracked.

this anymore, “If I need to leave, just tell

did the best

the bed shake as 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 my

nothing to do

weird since I saw the

I get 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

heart was in the

on, filling

to roll over on my side

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

deep breath, “I don’t know

it’s the hormones, but that doesn’t explain anything else I’ve been feeling.” I sat up and faced him,

never let anyone close

even

be around you, like something pulling

you were fighting that guy outside, I couldn’t fight the urge to help you and protect

body, but in

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

Soothes me somehow.

been acting weird and, for some

home and then left me here alone, I wasn’t sure if you would come back or not, or even what I had done wrong, I felt like my heart was shattering into

kissing the top of my head as he rubbed my

didn’t realize you were feeling the bond so