Page 18 of Her Werewolf Protector

“Please, tell me something. It’sthe least you can do after kidnapping me.”

Slowly, she lowered her book so her eyes peered over the top and glowered at me.“I don’t owe you shit.”

Giving the binds another pull, I had to clench my jaw to keep from screaming out in frustration.

“If you keep yanking on the ropes like that you’re likely to dislocate your shoulder. While I personallywouldn’t give a shit, if Roosevelt finds you and you’re injured, he’s probably not going to behappy.”

I stopped pulling at the restraints and stared back at her.“I thought everyone in this town was supposed to be nice.”

“You thought wrong.” She started to raise her book to eye level again.

“Just wait!”

The book lowered.

“What do you mean he’llbe mad? If I’mkidnapped then why are you concerned if he’llbe mad or not? This doesn’t make any sense.”

Rolling her eyes, she placed the book face down on the table to save her spot, then crossed her arms over her chest.“Look. Werewolves have an ability to sense their mates. A connection, if you will. If his connection is strong enough with you, and his love is pure, he’llfind you before your time is up. If he doesn’t… Well–” She shrugged, the corner of her mouth curling into a smirk.“Guess it was never meant to be.”

Tears sprang to my eyes at the thought of never seeing him again.“Does he know about this?”

“Nope. I noticed that you two were taking your sweet old time coming to terms with your feelings for each other.”

“Why do you care?”

“Because I, for one, want to get the fuck out of here. There’s an entire world outside this wretched town that I want to get backinto. I’m not about to let an opportunity to break the curse pass through my…” She held her hand up and claws sprang from her fingertips,“…claws.”

I struggled against the binds again.“Then why the ropes? I won’t go anywhere, I promise. I need to pee.”

“Piss your pants. I don’t care. The only way you’re getting free is when Roosevelt comes bursting through that door and frees you himself. If he does.”

Closing my eyes, I leaned my head against the pole. This couldn’t be happening. I may never feel his arms around me again. May never taste his lips or hear his laugh. I only had one day with him. One day, and I was going to waste it with this crazy red-haired wolf.

Roosevelt

I was just rising from my chair opposite the mayor when it hit me, it was like a punch to the gut that nearly doubled my over. Grabbing the edge of the table, I straightened and gave my head a shake.

“Everything okay, Roosevelt?”

Frowning, I turned back to her.“Yeah, I… I’m not feeling quite right.”

The feeling hit me again, harder this time. I grunted as I doubled over, fighting the urge to shift. What in the fuck was going on? Something was wrong. But what?

Standing, I made my way to the middle of the diner.“Everyone, I need your attention, please. I’m closing for the day. Everyone needs to go. Now!”

There was some grumbling among the patrons, but they all quickly finished up and exited. The mayor trailed behind the group, lingering at the exit.“Hey, Roosevelt?”

“Yes, Mayor?”

“Sometimes people need a little push to admit their true feelings.” Without another word, she exited and disappeared in the crowd.

After closing the restaurant I hopped into the Jeep and sped home. The closer I got to home, the stronger the sense of dread that overcame me. By the time I pulled up to the house I already knew that I wouldn’t find Sophiainside.

“Sophia!” I called out, entering the house to be greeted only by silence. I knew she wasn’t here, her scent was too faint, but I searched anyhow. Her vehicle was out front, so wherever she was, she went on foot.

I felt her again. Stronger. Her call more urgent than before.

Exiting the back of the house, I inhaled deeply, gathering the scents of the forest and seeking out hers. Looking to the horizon, panic settled in. The sun would be going down soon. If I didn’t find her soon, then I’d never be able to find out her true feelings. I’d never be able to confess mine, she’d be lost to me– possibly forever.

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