Page 23 of The Storm Within

Although Ryker wasn’t foolish enough to dismiss the threat Diobno posed, he was more worried about what the demon would do to Nate for joining the fight.

That only made Ryker even more determined to protect his mate.

“Out of here?” Nate focused on the closet, taking a few steps back.

“Honey bear?” Why had his mate paled? “What’s wrong?”

“It’s just that…” Nate licked his lips, moisture gathering in his eyes. “All I’ve thought about since being trapped in this motel is escaping, but now…”

Ah, now Ryker saw what the problem was. He cupped his mate’s face, gazing tenderly at him. “And now that freedom is within your reach, the thought of rejoining the outside world scares you.”

Nate stood rigid, releasing a quick exhale, a sea of terror awash in his blue eyes. “I desperately want to leave, Ryker, b-but I can’t get my feet to move.”

The helpless look in Nate’s eyes broke Ryker’s damn heart. His mate glanced at the closet again, his body shaking slightly.

Demons traveled by shadows. It only made sense the closet would be their best chance at getting the fuck out of the motel.

“What if I carried you?” They needed to bounce, not only because Nate had been a prisoner for too long but Ryker wasn’t in any condition for another round of throw-the-bear. He was not only battered and bruised, but his hunger pains were also a stark reminder that he hadn’t eaten since yesterday morning.

With his hearty appetite, Ryker was ready to demolish some food, but he refused to rush Nate, further traumatizing the man by forcing him into the closet.

It had to be his choice.

A noise from somewhere in the motel had them glancing at the open door to Ryker’s room. His gut told him Diobno was still somewhere in the motel, probably too weak to leave.

Nate looked up at him as if coming to the same conclusion. “I’m-I’m t-trying.” The threatening tears finally fell, his mate’s trembles worsening.

It was the most heart-wrenching vision Ryker had ever seen. “I’ll be with you every step of the way, honey bear.” He hugged Nate, inhaling his peppermint scent while trying his best to give the man comfort. “I know you’re afraid. The world is big and sometimes terrifying, and you’ve been kept from it for so long. Whatever you need to cope, you’ll have, but, baby, you can’t let your fear stop you from taking the most important step of your life.”

Another, louder noise echoed through the motel.

The sounds were getting closer. Ryker’s gaze darted from the door to Nate, watching as the guy blew out a long breath, and then he gave a single nod. “I can do this.”

He gripped Nate’s hand, grinning as pride swelled inside of him. “Damn right you can.”

Only, Nate didn’t move. He just stood there staring at the closet.

As much as he didn’t want to rush Nate, Ryker had no choice. He kissed Nate’s temple, the man’s skin warm under his lips, his scent intoxicating. Nate groaned, his body slightly relaxing.

Get your ass out of here before you pull him toward the bed. His cock twitching, Ryker headed for the closet. “Just so you know, I’ve never traveled this way before, so you’re gonna have to tell me how to do it.”

“We just—” Nate slammed his eyes closed. “Does the offer to carry me still stand?”

“Always,” Ryker softly growled, sweeping his mate into his arms and cradling him close. His blond hair was soft against Ryker’s cheek, a few strands tickling his skin. His bear gently huffed, a reminder there was still an enemy nearby.

“Just walk inside.” Nate waved his hand toward the closet, his face crushed against Ryker’s chest.

That didn’t sound so hard, until he flung open the door and saw how cramped the space was. There was no way his bulky frame would fit in there. “We might have a problem.”

Nate unburied his face and glanced over his shoulder. “We just need enough room to close the door. It’s the darkness we’re after, not space.”

“The only way that’s possible is if I put you down.” With a smirk, Ryker bounced his brows. “Think you can stand to be away from my body long enough for that, handsome?”

“You’re so weird.” Nate looked at him as if the fight with Diobno had knocked more than a few screws loose. The side of his mouth twitched, and then a full-blown smile appeared. “But I do like your body.”

A low, throaty growl rumbled through Ryker’s chest. He nuzzled Nate, licking at his throat. “Once we’re out of here, feel free to cling to me however you want, honey bear.”

Nate’s head lulled to the side. “Go ahead and put me down,” he groaned.

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