Page 28 of Knox's Fate

"Knox," one of the younger shifters stepped forward, "what if the others are also being targeted?"

"Then we'll figure out why together. Strength comes from unity," Knox stated firmly. It wasn't just his clan at stake; it was the peace and security of Silver Falls. "Keep your eyes sharp and your senses alert. Until we know more, no one goes anywhere alone."

As they moved to their vehicles, the shadows lengthened, as the trees whispered their secrets to each other. The night's embrace was drawing near. Knox knew the real work was just beginning, and the path ahead was fraught with uncertainty. But he would walk it, as he always did, with unwavering resolve.

“Let’s head back,” he said, his tone softer yet still carrying the weight of authority. He helped both Ruby and Coco into his truck. "Ruby, I want you to stay at the compound. And I don't want you out alone."

“Way to be smooth, big brother,” groaned Coco, rolling her eyes. “Maybe I’ll ride with someone else.”

Before Ruby or Knox could stop her, Coco hopped out of the car and piled in with another group of grizzly-shifters.

Ruby turned in the seat to face him. "Excuse me?" Ruby's response was immediate, her voice sharp with incredulity, independent and unyielding. "You don't get to command me, Knox. I refuse to live in fear because some rogue shifters have taken a run at you and unsettled things. Lest you forget, I’m human. I doubt they see me as much of a threat."

"Ruby...” He tried to interrupt, but she wouldn't have it.

"Take me home, Knox. I won't be caged or babysat, not by you or anyone." She crossed her arms over her chest and huffed as she sat back, her eyes sparking defiance beneath the moonlight that filtered through the windows of his truck.

He met her gaze, understanding how she felt, but she didn’t understand the danger she could be in. Yes, she wasn’t a shifter, but she could certainly be used as leverage against him. Did she not understand that? It was one of the things that drew him to her—this fire, this spirit that refused to bend. But his duty to protect was etched into his soul, as unyielding as her independence.

Without another word, Knox continued driving and allowed the silence to grow between them. He could see the lines of frustration in every contour and angle in her body. Her breath caught, and he knew that she was reconciling her reluctance to accept his edict with the awareness that he was right. He would lead, she would follow, but not always willingly. They pulled up to the lodge in the compound, the lights casting a warm glow against the darkening sky.

He got out of the truck, and when she didn’t get out on her own, he opened her door, scooped her up and headed for the front door. "Welcome home, Ruby," Knox said as they crossed the threshold.

CHAPTER 15

RUBY

The air was thick with tension as Knox set Ruby down in his bedroom and closed the door behind them. Ruby’s heart was pounding with a mix of anger and arousal. She couldn’t decide if she was more aroused than angry or vice versa. The council meeting had been just this side of a disaster with heated debates and unresolved issues leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. And to top it off, Knox had decided to go all alpha male with her, declaring she would remain at the grizzly-shifter compound where he could ensure that she was safe.

Knox's bedroom, with its warm earth tones and cozy ambiance, offered a stark contrast to the tumultuous emotions swirling within Ruby. The large corner room felt like a sanctuary, a place where she had hoped to find solace and understanding. But instead, she was met with Knox's brooding presence, his tall frame leaned up against the door as he stood with his arms crossed, a silent sentinel guarding his space.

"Why did you bring me here, Knox?" Ruby asked, her voice laced with frustration. "I want to go home; I need some alone time to process everything. Reading about animal shifters in steamy novels is one thing. Finding out they actually exist, thatmy aunt was one, and that she was murdered is quite another. I don't need your protection."

Knox's dark eyes held hers, his gaze intense and unwavering. "That is debatable. You're my mate, Ruby. I won't let you walk away from me, nor will I allow you to put your life in danger. Whoever killed your aunt means business, as does that rogue group of shifters." His voice was low and gravelly, carrying a hint of possessiveness that sent a shiver down her spine.

Ruby's cheeks flushed at his words. A part of her believed and liked the idea of their being mates, but another was not sure she was ready to give up her old life. And she had no idea what to do with finding out her aunt had been living some secret life and had been murdered. "I need some space to think. I care about you, but you have to admit this has been a lot to handle."

Knox took a step towards her, his movements purposeful. "I'm trying to protect you, Ruby. Whoever killed Lorraine may well think you know whatever it is they think she knew. And that attack the other day was no joke. We have no idea what that means, if there are more than just the small group we battled, or if they are planning another attack. I won't let you get caught in the crossfire. You're safer here with me."

Ruby's temper flared, and she took a defiant step forward, closing the distance between them. "I'm not some fragile damsel in distress, Knox. I can take care of myself."

As she spoke, Ruby's hands found their way to Knox's chest, her fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt. She could feel the hard planes of his muscular body beneath, and her breath quickened at the touch. Despite her anger, her body responded to his nearness, craving his touch, his kiss.

Knox's eyes darkened, and his hands gently gripped her wrists, guiding them upwards until her arms were raised aboveher head. "You're right, Ruby. You're strong and capable, but that doesn't change the fact that I want to keep you safe. And right now, I need to feel you, to remind myself that you're here, with me."

Ruby's breath caught in her throat as she realized his intention. His dominance, his need to possess her, sent a rush of heat between her thighs. Her mind wanted to resist, to assert her independence, but her body wanted none of that; it yearned for his touch.

With a swift motion, Knox lifted her, his strong arms wrapping around her waist. Ruby gasped as he carried her towards the massive four-poster bed, her heart racing with anticipation. He gently laid her down, his body hovering over hers, and she felt the weight of his desire pressing against her.

"You're mine, Ruby," he growled, his voice hoarse with need. "And I'm going to make you feel it."

Before she could respond, Knox's lips claimed hers in a searing kiss. His mouth moved with purpose, demanding and insistent. Ruby's resistance melted away as she surrendered to the heat of his kiss, her lips parting to welcome his tongue. He tasted of want and need all tangled together, and she moaned softly, her hands gripping his shoulders as she arched her back, pressing her body closer to his.

Knox's hands roamed over her curves, his touch both gentle and demanding. He traced the line of her collarbone, sending shivers down her spine, before dipping lower to cup her full breasts. His thumbs brushed over her sensitive nipples, causing them to peak, and Ruby arched into his touch, craving more.

With a growl, Knox tore his mouth from hers, leaving her breathless. He kissed a path down her neck, his tongue leaving a wet trail that made her squirm with desire. His hands worked at the buttons of her blouse, his fingers deftly undoing each oneuntil the fabric parted, revealing her lace bra and the swell of her breasts.

"You're so beautiful, Ruby," he murmured against her skin, his breath hot and raspy as he removed the rest of her clothing so that she lay naked beneath him. "I can't get enough of you."

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