Page 4 of His Innocent Mate

“Nothing to be sorry about,” he says in his gravelly, growly voice. It is the same one that gave me goosebumps back in the day. Looks like that still holds true. “I’m glad you’re back in Unforgiven. I’m glad you’re back in my life.”

And just like that, my feelings for Wyatt come rushing back to the surface, so strong that I actually gasp from them.

And just like that, I am his.

4

WYATT

Kendra’s body softens and relaxes against me. We stand like that for a few minutes. I breathe in her scent and allow the beast in me to relax.

I’ve missed you Kendi.

I don’t give voice to those four words, but inside I’m screaming them.

“I’ve missed you too, Wyatt. So much,” she whispers.

My body stiffens when she echoes my thoughts.

For a minute, I let my guard down and forgot that she could hear my thoughts and feel my emotions. I keep a block in place, not wanting her to read too deeply, but maybe it’s for the best I let her in a little … especially if she’s going to be living here.

“You’re the one that left,” I tell her, and there’s no way to keep the bitterness out of my voice.

“I couldn’t stay, Wyatt. I thought leaving would be for the best.”

I lift her face up with my thumb and finger under her chin so her gaze locks with mine. I look deeply into her eyes, and there’s so much emotion there it makes my chest hurt and my wolf roar in hunger.

“No one asked you to leave, Kendi. I sure as hell didn’t.”

“I couldn’t stay, Wyatt. Surely you see that.”

“I don’t see that at all. Unforgiven is your home—just like it’s mine. You don’t belong in the city, Kendi. I’m surprised you didn’t wither up and die there.”

“That would have happened if I stayed here and…” She trails off, trying to pull her face away from mine, but I don’t let her. I keep our gazes connected.

“Explain,” I command.

“Stop that,” she growls back, her voice loud and strong.

It surprises me. And my pack-mates and other shifters in the bar notice too—I can feel their eyes on me. I hate to do it, but I’m not about to back down—even with Kendra. I stiffen my spine, allow my wolf to leak out in my voice, and let her feel my power. It emanates around us, vibrating through me. I can hear the beta wolves in my pack whining in my head.

“Tell me, Kendi,” I order.

“Stop that!” she growls, shocking me even more.

“Stop what?” I ask through my surprise.

“Stop ordering me to do your will like I’m one of your pack-mates. I’m not.”

“You don’t think I know that?”

“Well, apparently not. If you did, then you would know why I left Unforgiven,” she says, and she yanks free of my hold, turning and stomping away.

I watch her go. She’s pissed and I don’t think I’ve ever seen her look more beautiful—even with her damn hair gone. I follow her, because I don’t think I have a choice. My wolf is tearing against my chest, demanding out, wanting to change and claim his woman. Kendra has no idea how much she’s teasing him right now. She has no idea the trouble she’s getting us all into.

“Are you running away already?” I ask as I make it outside to her. She stops, turning to look at me and there are tears in her eyes. They hurt me to see them. I never liked it when Kendra cried before—I like it even less now.

“You’re such an asshole. Why did I hope things had changed? Why do I even care?” she mutters.

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