Page 48 of The Wolf's Bullied Bride

Kai turned to Cora. “Is that all right with you?”

She hesitated at first, but once her eyes fell on me, it was as if she suddenly remembered all of our previous bickering and how we weren’t necessarily the closest. A flood of emotions darted across her eyes at once, but as if she recalled how scared she had been before, Cora nodded.

Surprised by how relieved that made me feel, I nodded and motioned to where my truck was waiting for me. “I’m parked not far from here.”

Wordlessly, Cora followed along next to me, not straying too far for even a moment. It was apparent she was still shaken up, regardless of putting on a brave face. She looked concerned as she glanced around, likely wondering if anyone else was waiting for her.

But she had me then, and I hoped she knew she was safe.

At once, we piled into my truck, and I watched as her chest deflated once she closed the door behind herself and settled in. She seemed more at peace, and that was all I could hope for.

Bringing the engine back to life, I quickly turned the radio down so it wasn’t overwhelming, and I ensured the truck was warm enough. She had been hugging herself for warmth, but after only a few moments, she relaxed again.

Headed back toward town, I couldn’t imagine how she was feeling. She had been caught out there alone, and there was no way of knowing what would’ve happened to her just yet.

If I hadn’t been there, or if she never found a way to free herself from the assailant, she could’ve ended up anywhere. She could’ve been shipped out of town and sent to the city, or anywhere else for that matter.

She was almost taken, and it was an incredibly close call.

The thought made my blood boil despite how the relief tried to soothe my anger.

“Did you know him?” I asked, speaking before I could stop myself.

Cora shook her head. “No. I’ve never seen him before.”

Nodding, I continued carefully. “What were you doing out there?”

Cora swallowed hard. “I was just out for a walk when he jumped me. I didn’t know him.”

Something in her tone told me she wasn’t being entirely truthful. While I believed she didn’t know the man, something told me she was withholding the entirety of the truth.

While I wanted to know more, I didn’t want to press her. She had just gone through something traumatic, and I didn’t need to make matters worse.

Silence settled between us as I drove, concentrating on getting to her place without any more problems.

I tried to clear my mind, but I couldn’t stop myself from going back to that weird sensation I felt before. That strong urge to protect her, and to make sure she was safe.

Even if I was on the Task Force and it was my duty to protect others, that desire to help her ran deeper than expected. It was almost a primal instinct. One I couldn’t ignore.

There seemed to be a strange connection between us, and it made me wonder if that was why we couldn’t seem to get away from one another.

Chapter 20 - Cora

I couldn’t bring myself to say anything else during the drive back home. It took every ounce of control I had to not shake with anger, along with the complete shock over what happened.

I was mad at myself for not reacting how I should have. For even putting myself in the position of getting attacked at random.

Instead of using my magic, I froze up and didn’t use it when I should have. It was too late when I had clued in. While I did fight as hard as I could, it wasn’t enough. If it hadn’t been for Liam, there was no telling what would’ve happened to me.

Not once had I ever experienced anything remotely like that before, and it was terrifying. I wanted nothing more than to be back home, and while I should’ve been grateful to be on the way, I couldn’t ignore the mixed feelings within me.

I was somewhat irritated it had been Liam who came to help, but I couldn’t complain. He saved me. Regardless of who came to my aid, I was still alive, and nothing worse had happened to me. While something in me wanted to resist him, I was grateful.

When we pulled up to the apartment building, I finally let go of a full breath, and ease settled in my system. The one place I wanted to be, and it was finally in front of me.

“Thanks,” I mumbled, still feeling deeply uncomfortable after what happened. It was impossible to straighten out my thoughts or to know how to cope with it. I was left feeling numb and exhausted. I popped the door open and stepped out.

“No problem,” Liam said, turning the engine off and getting out as well.

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