Page 25 of Run Free

Dave gave me a puzzled look. “Why wouldn’t you be happy about that?”

“Me, Dave. Me,” I said, trying to get him to understand. “I’ve condemned her. I have nothing to offer her. She’s far too good for me and I’ve ruined her.”

He shook his head. “I’ve met a lot of people in my life, Gage, and there are few that I let close. Clara is very special to me, and I would protect her with my life. Do you hear me? If I thought for one second you weren’t good enough for her, I’d have had you banned from that place faster than your head could spin.”

“You should have,” I told him.

“No, I shouldn’t. You try not to notice her. I get that. We’ve talked enough I understand your hesitation. You’ve been alone for a long time and having someone else to worry about is bound to be scary, but she’s strong and determined. You don’t have a pack to take her home to, no problem. I guarantee her pack will accept you. Besides, she’s rarely home anyway. You’ve already proven yourself a value and natural leader to the team. So you travel together on missions. It will all work out. You’ll see.”

“I’ve done the pack life thing, Dave. I’m not sure I can do it again.”

He shrugged. “Talk to her. You’ll work it out.”

I downed the rest of my beer and declined a second. I needed a clear head to sort everything out. I’d panicked and left her when she needed me most. Some mate I was proving to be. There was no going back now. What was done was done, and we’d have to live with it.

“Can you take me back now? I think I need to talk to my mate.”

He smiled his approval. Not even bothering to finish his beer, we paid the bill and left.

Back at the clinic, I walked into her office to find her still sitting, naked and vulnerable, crying on the floor. It killed me to know that I had done that to her. I’d seen her in action during times of crisis and difficulties and she wore a plate of armor with pride as she faced whatever was thrown at her, and yet I had managed to break her shield. Not just break it, but obliterate it. I felt like a complete ass.

I sat on the floor next to her and pulled her into my arms. She sniffled and tried to dry her tears. I kissed the top of her head and allowed the bond to calm us both before speaking.

“I’m sorry,” I said as she started to protest. “I’m not saying I’m sorry we bonded. I’m just saying I’m sorry I handled it so poorly, and I’m sorry I let it happen before we really had a chance to get to know each other. There are so many things about my life that I don’t want to burden you with, angel. I’m sorry I didn’t give you the opportunity to say no.”

She hiccupped and looked up at me with watery eyes. “Nothing you tell me will take away the fact that you are my one true mate, Gage. Nothing.”

I sighed and kissed her forehead. “I hope you’re right.”

“You’re staying?” she asked hesitantly.

“You are mine, Clara. I’m not going anywhere.” I surprised myself with the truth of my words.Mine.

It was still late morning, but the emotional impact of our bonding had exhausted us both. We didn’t talk right away; instead, I carried her to her bed and somehow we managed to both lay in that small twin bed. Well, she was laying more on me than the bed, but I was okay with that. More than okay, if I let myself truly believe this was really happening.

We slept soundly. I didn’t stir until my stomach began to grumble in protest. I opened my eyes, surprised to fine the sky was already darkening. Clara was still asleep across my chest. I allowed myself to really look at her. My mate. I still couldn’t quite believe it. She was breathtakingly beautiful and still looked like the sweet angel of mercy that had rescued me and then saved my life. I would have to spend the rest of my life repaying her for that.

I smiled down at her and kissed her mussed hair. The thought of being tied to one person for the rest of my life still terrified me. I was still worried I’d screw up her life, but she made me want to be a better man to prove that wouldn’t happen.

She stirred in my arms, rubbing herself against me. I stifled a moan of pleasure, surprised by how much I wanted her. I couldn’t let us get carried away again. We had a lot to talk about and sort out, and I had no doubt she needed food as badly as I did.

She opened her eyes and looked at me, then smiled. “You stayed,” she said in a sleepy voice.

“I told you I’m not going anywhere. I’m sorry I freaked out earlier. I should have handled that better,” I confessed.

“But you’re here now. That’s all that matters,” she said, and I could tell she wasn’t fully coherent yet. She sounded like she was talking in a dream. My stomach protested again and she laughed. “Okay, I’m getting up.”

Her phone rang, and she cursed under her breath, but got off the bed and walked over to sit at her desk.

“Hello?” she said, and paused to see who it was. “Oh, hey, Lizzy. This really isn’t a good time to talk. I’ll call you back later, okay?” she asked. I could hear the person on the other end talking, but tried not to listen until I clearly heard my name. “I’ll call you later,” Clara said quickly and hung up.

I raised an eyebrow in curiosity. She rolled her eyes.

“That was my older sister, Lizzy. Elizabeth. Whatever. She goes by both now.”

“You told her about me?” I asked, already knowing the answer.

“Yeah, she’s been trying to help me figure out a way to break the bond,” she said, and shivered at the thought.

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