Page 26 of Protector Dragon's Shattered Mate

Levi wanted so badly to wrap his arm around her. But he would not put her in the position of having to push him away in front of all these people. Would his touch be welcome if it was just for comfort?

“Are you sure all of this is necessary? I feel bad. I just rejected you and now you had to come back,” Sofia said.

“None of that’s important right now. And it is very necessary. If Nora says it’s a problem, then it’s a problem, and from what you told me these wolves are violent. They want to use magic to manipulate and harm people.”

“You’re right. Let’s go,” she said.

Once they arrived backat the ranch it was Liam who greeted them. He was working from home and had volunteered to get a guest room set up for them.

That night she crept into Levi’s room.

He sat up in bed. “What’s wrong? Did you hear something?”

She sniffed. “I just feel like I’m putting everyone in danger. Kellan and Quinn have already told their mates not to come back. And the kids are staying with them, and Liam andBrennan’s mates are coming back to help fight. His house is packed with people.”

“No one wanted this, but these four brothers from Ireland truly are gifted in this way. I’ve never seen anything like it, not even in my own clan. Maybe it’s because they lost everything, maybe it’s because they deliberately chose the clan and it’s not just blood and proximity. They could’ve all gone their separate ways as teenagers, but they did not. They stuck together and all of them have worked hard to bring those of us who were alone together. So please, let them help you. Do not run away, if you’re thinking about it.”

“It did cross my mind,” she admitted.

He stifled a sharp intake of breath. If she felt like he was trying to control her, that would not go over well, but he had to at least try to make her stay.

“Not too long ago, one of the males connected to this clan found his mate. His name is Wyatt, and he’s a professional football player. His mate was getting threatening letters, so she decided to run away, and she was kidnapped. She’s actually a famous movie star—her name is Roselyn.”

“Oh wow. I’ve even heard of her. She’s part of this family?”

“Yes. And she was kidnapped by a deranged demi-god.”

Sofia blinked a few times at that.

“She’s not the only one who has wanted to leave to keep everyone else safe. It’s noble but it just makes everyone upset. No one wants you to leave. Even if I wasn’t here, they would be absolutely crushed if you took off. So, please stay.”

“I will. I promise.” She leaned in and pressed her lips against his. She jerked back. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.”

“Why did you do it?” He wanted to know.

“I thought we could have one more night together before all of this is over.” Her pretty face twisted into a grimace. “I knowthat makes me sound like a jerk. Or like I’m using you, but that’s not how I meant it.”

“So, you’re still planning to go back to the motorcycle club when this is solved?

“Yes.”

“Are you still planning to go to Canada?”

“Maybe. I don’t know, I don’t want to rule anything out. The thought of being trapped or committing to anything… it makes my skin crawl.”

He couldn’t lie to himself; the fact that she thought being with him meant being trapped stung. It hurt. But he wasn’t an idiot. He wasn’t going to pass up an opportunity to make love to his mate.

“I want to be with you too,” he said. He touched her cheek. “Just for tonight.”

She leaned forward, letting her hair fall in her face. “Just for tonight?”

“Yes. One last time.”

17

Sofia

“Ican do that,” she said. “To say goodbye.” She ignored the sting in her throat. “I want to taste you.”

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