Page 35 of Moon Fated

I raised an eyebrow and flicked my gaze down to his hips. He laughed and shook his head. “I know you’re curious, but you’re going to have to wait.” I smacked his chest, and he held onto my hand. “As much as I love sleeping on concrete or tree branches?—”

“You were sleeping outside my room!”

His grin widened. “I think you should stay with Will and Marissa.”

I frowned. “I’m not going to be a charity case.”

“It’s not charity. Actually, it’s a favor. Marissa’s within a month of delivery. I’d love to know someone else was watching out for her.”

“And…”

“They live down the street from me, so I can keep an eye on you.”

“There it is.”

He pressed his lips against my forehead. “I’m going to do it either way. This option gives you home-cooked meals and better carpet.”

“When you say it like that, how can a girl refuse?”

Relief eased the tension in Rowan's broad shoulders. "Thank you. You have no idea what this means to me."

I managed a smile, but it felt brittle. Trepidation still churned in my gut.

Trust him.

Rowan rose and found my clothes. I thanked him, and then as I dressed, I ignored the warning bells clanging in my head. I pushed aside the reminders that I was heading back to Seattle, that it wasn’t safe for me to be here. Mostly, I prayed that by letting Rowan in, I wasn’t making the same mistake over again.

Chapter

Eighteen

Rowan

With Evelyn standing on the step next to me, I rapped my knuckles against the solid wood of the front door. It swung open almost immediately, revealing Will, his warm smile welcoming us in. Beside him stood his wife, Marissa, cradling her swollen belly with a gentleness that spoke volumes of the precious life growing within her.

"Rowan," Will greeted me, clasping my forearm in a firm grip.

"Marissa.” I nodded toward her. Normally, I’d hug her, too, but with Will on edge, I didn’t want to give him something to grumble about. I’d spoken with him through the pack bond on the way over. He was nervous to have someone staying with them, and I understood that.

I promised I would be watching closely. We only had a few pregnant she-wolves, and each one was a treasure to be cherished and protected.

Truthfully, it was a compromise to have Evelyn even a few doors down from me. I wanted her next to me at all times. In my bed where I could watch over her. But based on the emotions that poured out of her at the cabin, I knew she was fragile. I didn’t want to push any more than I had to.

Will, understandably, didn’t want the dagger anywhere close to his pregnant mate. It took a little cajoling, but Evelyn had finally agreed to let me store it at my house until we could figure out what to do next.

"Come in, please," Marissa stepped aside, her smile softening the sharp lines of my worry. She moved with an ease that belied her condition, but Will hovered near her, ready to offer support or punch someone’s throat at a moment's notice.

"Are you feeling well?" I couldn't help asking, my eyes scanning her for any sign of discomfort. "Is there anything you need?"

"Nothing more than your company, Alpha Rowan," she replied with a lightness that eased the tension coiling in my shoulders. "We're doing just fine, aren't we, love?"

"Never better.” Will wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

I led Evelyn into the heart of Will's living room, my hand at the small of her back—a silent promise that I was there, that she was not alone in this unfamiliar territory.

"Will, Marissa," I started, my voice gruff with barely-contained urgency, "Evelyn will be staying with you for a while." The weight of my responsibility as alpha pressed down on me, and I fought to keep my tone even. "Her protection is paramount."

Will's gaze met mine, steady and understanding. "We'll guard her as if she were our own," he said, a solemn vow from one who understood the depth of my commitment.

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