Page 43 of Awakening

“Care to explain the fucking werewolves you stationed outside my fiancée’s apartment?”

“What’s to explain? They’re werewolves.”

“You said you didn’t have any pack connections. Now, unfortunately for you, I picked up on that right away when you also said in the same breath, that you have someone medically suppressing all of your natural instincts.”

“Yeah, so?” Moretti pushes against me, but I don’t let him free.

“So, who the fuck are you, where’s your pack, and where did these guys come from?”

“I don’t owe you a fucking explanation. They’re here to keep Olivia safe, and that should be all that matters.”

“You’re really fucking lucky that I actually agree with you on that, but just in case, my guys stay too. See, unlike your guys, my guys actually know, like, and respect Olivia. She won’t remember them, but as their Luna, they most definitely remember her.”

“They aren’t needed,” he says through gritted teeth.

“Oh, but I think they are, and they stay. The only reason I don’t eliminate you right now is because I don’t want to upset Olivia, but I will find out what the fuck your story is, Moretti. For now, though, I need to get back to my girl.” I back away and dust off his shoulders. “You have a good night. I know I will.” I turn and walk out, leaving a red faced and pissed off Anthony Moretti in my wake.

Olivia and Chloe are laughing about something when I walk back into their apartment. “Did you guys manage to settle things without tearing each other apart?” Olivia asks.

“Don’t worry. He’s still standing.”

“Well, I’m going to let you guys have some privacy,” Chloe says. “Nick and I are just going to hang out over at your place. Text me and tell me when to come back, or you know…not to come back at all,” she says, waving her fingers as she walks out the door.

Olivia’s cheeks are bright red as Chloe closes the door. “Do you want some of this pizza before I put the leftovers away?” she asks.

“No, thanks. All I need is some time alone with you.” I walk into the kitchen and lean against the counter while she puts the pizza in the fridge. She looks at me and smiles before blushing again and turning to the refrigerator longer than it should take to put a simple box of pizza away.

“Did you guys work out the security schedule?” she asks.

“For now, they all stay.”

She whips her head around and her mouth drops open. “What? Ethan, I don’t need four men watching my apartment. This is ridiculous.”

“As long as you’re out of my personal protection, you’ll have as many security guards around you as I deem necessary. I know you don’t remember him, but Ian is one fucked up dude. I need to know you’re safe, Olivia.”

“And you’re sure I’m in this position because of him?”

“I’m all but certain. Yes.”

“So, I loved you despite this messed up family of yours, huh?” she asks with a little laugh.

I stalk toward her until her back rests against the refrigerator, and I’m mere inches away. “You’ll be happy to know Ian is the only messed up member of my family, and you love me, despite that. Love, Olivia. Not loved.”

She looks everywhere but directly into my eyes right now. “I just…you’re really great, Ethan. You’re charming, you’re obviously very good looking?—”

“I like where this is going,” I say with a grin.

She smiles back, but then her face turns serious. “I’m so sorry, but I just don’t remember loving you. I do really like you, though.”

“Well,” I say, rubbing my hands up and down her arms, “liking is a good start. If I have to, I’ll make you fall in love with me all over again.”

“You’re a good guy for not giving up on me.”

“You’re worth it. You always have been,” I say as we stare into each other’s eyes. She looks away, and I suspect that she’s a little uncomfortable, so I back away to give her some space.

“Would you like a glass of wine?” she asks as she takes a drink of hers. “It’s not Screaming Eagle, and it’s white, but it’s good,” she says with a smile.

“Sure. Thank you.”

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