Page 49 of His Mate

I glanced over at Kendra, who was still watching me with those bright, intelligent eyes, and I knew she could sense something was wrong. I forced a smile, though it felt hollow.

“The food’s almost ready,” I said, my voice rougher than I intended.

Kendra nodded, her brow furrowed slightly as if she wanted to ask what I was thinking, but she stayed quiet. She trusted me, even now, after everything that had happened.

I wouldn’t let her down.

Not again.

Notever.

I watched the rabbit roast over the fire, the smell filling the small cabin with warmth and comfort. Kendra was quiet, but her gaze never left me, and I could feel her eyes on me as I turned the meat, making sure it cooked evenly. It had been a long day—too long—and the exhaustion was finally catching up to both of us.

When the meat was ready, I tore off pieces, placing them on two small plates I found tucked inside one of the cabin’s cabinets. They were old, chipped, but serviceable, and that was all we needed. I handed her a plate and sat down beside her on the bed, close enough that our knees touched.

“Here,” I said softly, offering her a piece of rabbit. “It’s not much, but it’ll fill us up.”

Kendra accepted it with a small smile, taking a bite. “It’s perfect,” she said between mouthfuls, and for a moment, I let myself relax, watching her as she ate. The simple act of sharing a meal together felt… normal, in a way that so little did these days.

“So,” she said after a while, her voice light, though I could sense the underlying curiosity. “How long do you think this place has been abandoned?”

I glanced around the cabin, noting the layers of dust that had settled in the corners, the cobwebs strung across the beams.

“A long time, I’d say. Whoever lived here must have left before the worst of the Collapse. Maybe even before the wolves took over.”

Kendra nodded, her fingers picking at the food on her plate. “It’s strange, isn’t it? Being in a place that was someone’s home once. Wondering what their life was like, and if they survived all of this.”

I looked at her, my heart softening at the thoughtful expression on her face. She had that way about her—able to see the humanity in things, even when the world had stripped so much of it away. It was refreshing in a way I didn’t know I needed.

“Yeah,” I said quietly. “It makes you think.”

We ate in companionable silence for a few more moments, and when we’d finished, I reached out and took her empty plate, setting it aside with mine near the fire.

Kendra shifted beside me, her body brushing against mine, and I turned to find her looking up at me with a slightly playful expression written all over her face.

“You know,” she said, her voice teasing as she slid closer, “my bottom’s still a little sore from earlier.”

I felt the corner of my mouth twitch, and before I could stop myself, I let out a low growl, my hand sliding to her waist as I pulled her onto my lap, her body fitting against mine perfectly.

“You deserved it,” I rumbled, my fingers brushing lightly over her hips. “You ran off. What did you expect?”

“I know,” she whispered, and there was a softness in her voice now, an understanding. “I shouldn’t have run. I’m sorry.”

I looked down at her, my hand resting on her back, and I felt that fierce protectiveness flare up inside me again. She was strong, brave, but she was also mine. And I’d do whatever it took to keep her safe.

“Just don’t do it again,” I murmured, my voice softer now, but still firm. “Next time, you tell me. We’ll face it together.”

She tilted her head up, her lips brushing my jaw, and I could feel the warmth of her breath on my skin. “I will,” she promised, her eyes locking with mine.

I couldn’t help myself then. I leaned down, capturing her mouth in a kiss that was slow, deliberate. Her lips were soft, warm, and she melted into me, her arms sliding around my neck as I deepened the kiss, my hand tightening on her waist. There was nothing rushed about it—just the two of us, wrapped up in the moment, in the warmth of each other.

When we finally pulled apart, her eyes were half-lidded, and I could see the exhaustion settling into her features. She let out a small yawn, her body relaxing against mine, and I chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Tired?” I asked.

She nodded, her eyelids drooping, and I felt a surge of tenderness wash over me.

“Come on, then,” I murmured, shifting her in my arms as I stood, carrying her the short distance to the bed.

---