Page 64 of Rogue Games

I roll my eyes, but as I stumble toward his couch, I’ll reluctantly concede that he may be right. I’d never have made it the entire way if he’d let me push myself.

“You’ll be safe here. Nobody will bother you,” he says, placing a remote control on the side table.

“Safe or trapped?” I mutter.

His words stick in my brain, wrapping around me like a hug, as I sink into the soft cushions and let my body relax.

Nobody will bother you.

My limbs practically melt into the comfortable seat, and I sigh happily, letting my eyelids fall shut. The longer I sit there, the more flashbacks I get of last night. Dean carrying me in his arms, my cheek pressing against his bare chest.

Kind words and soft touches. Promises he’d take care of me.

He’s like two different people. One minute, he’s promising me safety and warmth. The next he’s angry at me for getting injured and acting shady when I ask the questions any reasonable person would.

My head hurts just from trying to figure him out, so I’m not going to bother.

He loves his pack, and he’s a good alpha, but he’s still a liar. He says everything he does is for his wolves, but how is keeping a mother from her children protecting anyone?

Letting my head flop back, I stare out the huge picture window at the shimmering lake. It looks calm and serene once more, and with every second that passes, I feel the fear I was holding on to dissipate.

Joel and Samuel aren’t brave enough to come here. Wyatt’s fine. I have a warm bed and food to eat.

“Towels.” Dean appears back in the doorway, stripped down to the waist, and with a toothbrush hanging out of his mouth. He drops two fluffy towels on the sideboard. He resumes brushing, and there’s something oddly intimate about it as he holds my gaze.

He ducks back into what must be the bathroom before reappearing and gesturing for me to follow.

I haul myself off the most comfortable couch in the world and follow him, trying my best not to stare at the way the muscles in his back flex with each step. It’s a shame really. I gave him a chance to do the right thing, to be honest with me. But he’s shown me his true character.

He points down the dimly lit hallway. “Your bedroom and ensuite. There’s a shower in there, or you can use my bath. Take whatever you want. Lynn dropped off your clothes, and I’ve left some baggy stuff here that might be easier to get into.”

Even though I’ve decided Dean Reynold’s is going to regret lying to me, my wolf is still smitten. He’s being the perfect host, even if he only wants me here so I can’t cause trouble. Is this what Stockholm syndrome feels like?

“Breakfast is in the kitchen. It might need to be heated up,” he continues, crossing to a chest of drawers and pulling on a clean T-shirt. I can almost see his temper rising, steam practically coming out of his ears as he dresses. “I’ll be back when I’ve dealt with this.”

Is the this that he’s talking about the competition, or me getting too close to the truth?

“It’s not my fault someone tried to kill me.”

He stops what he’s doing, muscles going taut.

“You’re right, none of this is your fault. And I’m sorry you’re suffering the consequences.”

Stunned, I stare at him as he moves around, gathering what he needs. Is this mercurial temperament how he has everyone fooled? He can be both charming and infuriating at the same time.

When he walks out, I stand in the doorway and watch him putting on his boots, struggling with my feelings. I want him and hate him all at the same time. It’s torture.

“I want to come with you when you speak with Joel and Samuel.”

Dean’s posture stiffens, and he growls, low and quiet, but the rumble is unmistakable. My demand is not appreciated.

“No. He hurt you, Jamie. I can’t…” Dean presses his fingers to his eyes and takes a deep breath to compose himself before lifting his eyes to meet mine. “Absolutely not. Or at least, not yet.”

I glare at him as he ties his laces. He’s humouring me. He has no intention of letting me anywhere near Samuel. His wolf is far too protective.

“That’s not fair. I should be allowed to speak to him. I’m the only one who’ll know if he’s lying.” If I got the chance to dole out some punishment, I wouldn’t say no to that either. “Or do you have a basement full of wolves you don’t want anyone to see?”

Dean’s hands stop moving, just for a second, before he finishes lacing his boots and pushes to his feet. Maybe he does.

---