Page 79 of Bind Me

I hold her, one arm looped over her back, the other cradling her chin and head, keeping her against me sideways to my chest. She growls, her eyes locked on mine, teeth bared, but I’m kneeling and won’t release her.

“I’m not letting you go,” I say firmly. “And I’m not leaving your side until you hear me out. Then, if you want to tear into me and watch me bleed to death, that’s your decision.”

She pauses, her growling ceasing for a moment, and I know I’ve gotten through to her. She understands me.

“I feel like the world’s worst shithead for forcing your wolf transformation,” I confess, my words tumbling out in a rush. “I had no idea, and I didn’t intend to use my alpha voice, but it came out, and it all happened in the worst way… Well, not the worst because you are fucking stunning as a wolf. But why didn’t you think you could turn? Nature has a way of ensuring all our abilities are of use to us.”

I realize I’m rambling, but she’s not growling at me. Her eyes are focused, alert, but no longer filled with the same panic.

“Okay, look,” I continue, searching for the right words. “I didn’t mean to scare you, and I didn’t mean to push you into this. But you have to know that I’m here. I’m not going anywhere, and I’ll do whatever it takes to help you through this.”

I can feel her body soften against mine. Her gaze eases, the wildness receding, replaced by something else—something that gives me hope.

“I’m sorry,” I repeat, my voice softer now. “For everything. I never wanted to hurt you. I just want to be there for you, to love you.”

Sasha remains still, her breathing steadier, and I hold her close, feeling the rhythm of her heart against mine. I can’t change what’s happened, can’t undo the fear and confusion, but I can be here for her.

The clouds overhead rumble, a low growl of thunder echoing through the valley.

“I promise,” I say, meeting her blue gaze. “We’ll figure this out together.”

She lets out a soft whine, a sound that tugs at my heart, and I suspect she’s beginning to trust me again. I stroke her thick fur gently, feeling the softness beneath my fingers, and offer her a small, reassuring smile.

I hold her close, determined to see this through. But then Sasha pulls back slightly, her eyes meeting mine with a clarity that surprises me. She gives a small, tentative nod, as if acknowledging my words and actions.

I pull her closer, wanting to calm her, waiting for her to settle completely. She gives a small whimper, and I lean down to kiss her head.

“Okay, here’s the deal,” I say softly. “I’m going to let you go, and if you want to bite me, I won’t stop you. But you have to know I would never do anything to harm you.”

Slowly, I release my hold, my heart thundering in my chest, muscles tense but trusting her and my instincts. She instantly pulls free from me, stumbling on her feet, and turns to me. Her lips curl in a snarl, but she doesn’t run or attack. She just stares at me with those mesmerizing aquatic eyes.

“You’re so beautiful in your wolf form, absolutely stunning,” I tell her.

After a long pause, she pads back to me, sitting by my side. I don’t push it. She lifts her head and releases a howl. It moves me. Something in my chest twists as I’d witnessed her experiencing her first transformation into a wolf.

Other howls echo in the distance, a chorus responding to her call. I grin as she glances at me.

“You’ve shown your respect to the wilderness, to embracing your true form,” I say.

She gives a shake, then settles down, her front legs draped over my lap as I sit on my ass, legs stretched out in front of me. Her chin rests on my legs, and she stays there.

I stroke her head, marveling at the super thick fur and her graceful ears. I’m in awe of her magic form, her power.

“You do realize how magnificent you are,” I say. “It’s not many who can hold two forms they can shift into—let alone two as powerful as a wolf and a mermaid.”

She makes a groaning sound but doesn’t move, seeming content, and I don’t want to disturb her. We sit there together, the silence around us comforting and serene.

I take a deep breath and continue, wanting her to know how much she means to me.

“I know I can be pushy, and I know it scares you,” I admit. “But I’ve never felt this way for anyone. When I want something, I take it. And I want you to know that we are an item, no matter what. I’ll be by your side, always.”

She shifts slightly, her eyes meeting mine with a softness that wasn’t there before. It’s a small gesture, but it speaks volumes, and I feel a warmth spread through my chest, knowing she’s starting to trust me again.

We sit there, me stroking her fur, her breathing long and calming. I study the woods, at the beauty of nature surrounding us, thinking back to when I was in prison, where I never thought I’d leave. Fuck, but those days were filled with darkness and despair, a time when hope seemed out of reach. Now look at me!

With my fated mate.

Free.

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