Page 17 of Riding with the Rejected Wolf

I edge toward the window, peeking through the thin curtains to catch a glimpse of Silas. The porch light casts a warm glow, illuminating his silhouette as he settles onto the wooden steps. He’s got something in his hands—looks like a piece of wood and a small knife. Whittling? Seriously? Who even does that anymore?

Apparently, Silas O'Hagan does. And damn if it isn't kind of... charming.

Unable to stay still any longer, I make my way to the door, the ancient hinges groaning in protest as I push it open.

Silas looks up, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Couldn't stay away from my big head, huh?"

I roll my eyes but can't help the small smile that sneaks its way onto my face. "Don't flatter yourself. The silence in there was just unnerving."

He nods and pats the step next to him. "Come on, sit. There's plenty of space out here for two big heads."

I sit beside him, keeping a respectable distance, but close enough to feel his presence.

The quiet hum of the crickets fills the gaps between our breaths. For a moment, it's peaceful—like the eye of a storm. Silas works his knife through the wood with a practiced ease, small curls falling to the ground between his boots.

"What are you making?" I ask, genuinely curious. It's not every day you see a biker whittling on a porch.

He glances at me, a flicker of amusement in those piercing blue eyes. "Just a little project. Keeps my hands busy, my mind focused."

“Can I see?” Silas holds up the piece of wood, revealing an almost complete carving of a wolf. It’s detailed and intricate, the lines smooth and precise. “Wow,” I breathe, reaching out to take it. “That’s actually really good.”

He chuckles, setting the knife aside and turning his attention to me. “Glad you approve.”

I look up from studying the tiny wolf and meet his gaze. “Last night, when you were a wolf and I spoke to you…what was going through your head?”

Silas leans back, his gaze distant. "Mostly trying to figure out if you were crazy or just brave as hell," he says with a half-smile. "Talking to a giant wolf like it's no big deal."

I laugh, a short burst of sound that feels honest. "I guess a little of both. You weren't exactly the scariest thing I've had to face."

He raises an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? What's scarier than the big bad wolf?"

I bite my lip, hesitating. The truth is too raw, too real for this fleeting moment of calm, but I say it anyway. “Spending the rest of my life scared and alone.”

Silas's eyes soften, the playful edge fading. "Yeah, I get that," he says quietly. "Fear's a hell of a thing to live with."

For a beat, we just sit there, the weight of shared understanding hanging between us. It's funny—I've spent so long running from people, but here I am, finding solace with a man who morphs into a creature most would flee from. Life is ironic like that.

“So, that’s what you’ve been doing that every night?” I ask after a while, my voice soft. “Turning into a wolf and sleeping in the forest to watch over me?”

He nods, his expression serious. “I didn’t really sleep much, but yes. I was watching over you.”

“Why?” I ask, even though I already know the answer.

“Because you’re my mate,” he says simply, his eyes locking onto mine.

I swallow hard, my heart pounding in my chest. “How did you know? Did you dream about me the way I did you? Did you just feel it?”

He shakes his head. “I knew by your scent. It’s unique, intoxicating. It drew me to you.”

I frown, processing his words. “So what, you were just riding along and you caught my scent and followed it?”

He hesitates, then takes a deep breath. “Not exactly.” He clears his throat, looking away for a second before locking eyes with me again. "Henry hired me to find you."

My heart stops beating and I feel a cold chill run down my spine. “What?” I’m instantly on my feet, trying to put distance in between us.

“Mika, listen to me,” he says quickly, reaching out to take my hand, but I flinch away.

“No,” I snap, stepping back further. “You’ve got to be kidding me. Henry? The psychopath who’s been ruining my life? You were working for him this whole time?”

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