Page 21 of Understanding Fate

“Not sure that’s how you summon him, but he’s not back yet,” a deep voice filled with humor says to my back, and I freeze, instantly recognizing it without turning around.

Cain.

What the hell is he doing here?

I take a moment to prepare myself before I face him.

The moment does nothing to stop my heart from jumping into my throat at the sight of him standing before me. He’s got on all black. Long sleeves cover his tattoos, and his cargo pants make him look like he's some kind of SWAT team member. His five o'clock shadow is longer, looking more like a full beard than scruff as if he hadn’t shaved it in a few days. The beanie on his head accentuates his storm-gray eyes. The very same eyes are drinking me in like I'm his first drop of water in a drought.

“What are you doing here?” I ask, my words coming out breathy rather than accusatory.

Get it together, Bri.

He doesn’t respond immediately, as if he is weighing his words.

“I would say it’s because of the contract, but that wouldn’t be the whole truth. I needed to see that you are okay. Needed to be close enough to be sure nothing happened to you,” he says, not hiding any of the desperation I see on his face.

“How do you know about the contract?” I ask, surprised.

“Ghost informed us once he had you safe. I never would have let you come had I known.” There's pain in his statement, regret.

“Let me? You wouldn’t have let me?” I say, trying not to get angry but feeling the same emotions bubbling up inside me from finding out all his lies.

Who does he think he is?

“I didn’t mean it like that, Firefly,” he says, rubbing a hand down his face.

“No, we talked about this. I needed this trip to make this decision on my own. To see what I wanted without any other variables. I would’ve come even knowing about the contract, and there isn’t a thing you could’ve done to stop me,” I say, trying to keep the anger out of my voice.

“I know. I just… You’ll never understand the way it felt to lose you, not knowing if you were alive or dead. To know that it was my fault you were in danger. That you still are. I couldn’t live with myself if anything happened to you again, Firefly. I don’t want to control you; I just want you safe.” By the time he finishes, he’s right in front of me. His eyes plead with me to understand, and I can see him forcing himself to keep his hands at his sides. His warm scent fills my nose, and I have to physically fight the urge to lean into his chest.

I miss his chest.

I’m overreacting.

There’s literally a kidnapping contract out for me.

Closing my eyes, I let out a sigh, calming myself before I respond.

“Thank you for wanting to keep me safe. I’m sorry I snapped at you, but I have Ghost looking out for me, or at least I did before you got here,” I say, opening my eyes to look at him again. “He can keep an eye on me until I return home,” I finish, putting more determination into the statement than I feel.

“You trust him,” he says, making it a statement and not a question.

“I do,” I respond honestly.

“I trust him too, but he’s only one wolf. We know of at least two high-level mercenaries who have taken an interest in the contract and several more trying to make a name for themselves. Let us protect you. I promise to stay in the shadows. I won’t interfere with your trip unless you’re in danger. I just can’t leave knowing what could happen if Ghost ends up outnumbered.”

“Us?” I ask, wondering if he is referring to his wolf and him.

“I brought a team with me, and we have a few of the local wolves pulling shifts as well,” he replies, making me wonder why I’ve become so important to warrant such a protective detail.

“Fine. You want to stay. Be my guest, but I’m holding you to your promise. Let Ghost know I’m going to a bar with a group of the staff to celebrate.” As soon as the words are out, I see his eyes darken, ready to argue, and I lift my hand in a ‘stop’ gesture before continuing. “It’s called The Tam. I’m riding there with Tristan and her husband. She’s making sure I have a ride back to the hotel. Now, before you argue, I’m going. If it's a safety concern, take your team to check it out and post yourselves wherever you want. I will not spend my life hiding,” I finish, dropping my hand and sidestepping my way around him back toward the office.

It takes everything in me not to turn around as I cross the street back to the main entrance.

Why does he have to look like that?

As much as I fight him, his protective instincts are really hot, and I love that he has always taken care of me. He walked me to my car after our study sessions, made sure I ate, drove me home when I’d been drinking, flew across the state to rescue me, and flew across the country when my safety was threatened.

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