Page 81 of Bind Me

“Strange way of showing it by throwing water in my face,” I reply.

She grins, spreading her lips, and I notice Chowder at her leg, scrambling up her body to sit in the crook of her bent arm. He looks at me with bright, curious eyes.

“Oh, the water is for pushing me too far in the pool, for not listening to me, and for forcing my wolf out with your alpha asshole command,” she states. “Don’t ever do it again!”

I struggle to keep a serious face and smile instead.

“Oh, little mermaid, I know you’re mad, but that command was completely accidental. But now we know you can transform into your wolf.” I push my legs out of bed, wiping the water dripping into my eyes.

She stares at me deadpan, not giving an inch.

“They’re expecting us downstairs for a catch-up in ten, so, you know…” She turns on her heel and walks out, Chowder now perched on her shoulder, gawking back at me.

“Why you wet the bed?” Chowder chirps, his laughter a high-pitched sound that makes Sasha chuckle.

I shake my head, loving that we’re back to our playful taunts. As I get up, I know that one way or another, I’m going to get her to break down those walls and realize she can’t live without me.

Her strength and resilience inspire me, and as I dry off and change clothes, I’m more determined than ever to show her that we’re in this together. Her smile, her spirit, and the fire in her eyes are things I will cherish forever. And I’m ready to prove that I’m the one who will never leave her side. Whether she likes it or not, she’s stuck with me for life.

Chapter 22

Sasha

Kaden and I are dressed up and heading down to the entertainment room. Billie’s instructions were straightforward enough, and we don’t seem to be lost yet.

After the whole pool and woods incident and the fact that I turned into a wolf, I’m still reeling in shock. I assumed I’d never transform, yet it appears I have more in common with my father than I ever expected. The realization alone has my heartbeat speeding up because I miss him terribly, even after all this time. I wish he could be here to tell me everything I need to know about being a wolf shifter.

When I woke up earlier in bed alongside Kaden, I was back in my human form, but even now, I feel the wolf lingering beneath the surface, as though she’s part of me—and this whole time, she’s been hiding from me. It’s comforting in a way to have her present.

And sure, I’m annoyed at Kaden for his pushiness, but then, if he hadn’t pushed, would I have ever discovered my wolf side?

“Are you okay?” he asks, genuine concern in his soft gaze.

Chowder’s in my arms, just hanging out casually over my shoulder.

“Yeah.” I nod, trying to convince myself as much as him. “It’s been a long day.”

He reaches over and gently pushes a strand of hair caught in my lashes away from my face. Chowder quickly does the same with his little paw, making me giggle.

“You’re going to have to learn to share, little man, or we’re going to have some problems.”

Chowder just stares at him, unmoved by his words. “Why you hurt her?” he asks accusingly.

Kaden’s mouth pinches, and he stares at me. “I would never hurt you. You know that, right? I worship the ground you walk on.”

“I’m not mad, and I’m still dealing with it all. But let’s not talk about this now.” I’m eager to avoid another tense moment.

He smiles, and I sense the warmth of it seeping into me. As much as he gets me all riled up, he’s also crawled into my heart, and no matter what I want, I can’t deny my growing attraction.

“You look spectacular, by the way,” he coos, eyeing my outfit. I’m wearing black fitted pants and a dark-pink wrap blouse with a V-neck, tied at the front, paired with pink heels. My hair is pulled back into a messy ponytail. I feel both beautiful and relaxed, exactly what I need after today’s fiasco.

“Thanks, you don’t look too bad yourself,” I reply, smiling as he raises his eyebrows, staring down at himself and giving me that cheeky nod. The one where he knows he’s so damn hot that he’s lucky I’m not crawling all over him right now. His shirt pulls against the buttons from his muscles, open at his throat, drawing my attention to the ink over his collarbone.

I glance away, schooling my emotions around him.

As we reach the entertainment room, the double doors immediately push open, and a handsome man greets us.

“Perfect timing,” he says with a welcoming grin. “I’m Eryx,” he introduces himself.

---