Page 42 of Run Free

It didn’t take long before my exhausted body dragged me into sleep with a watery smile on my face, clinging to my mate.

When I awoke, Gage was still sleeping soundly. He looked more relaxed than I’d ever seen him and I knew a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He was so handsome. It made me smile, just looking at him and knowing he was all mine. I knew he’d always have some concerns that I’d turn out like his mother, but I knew in my heart that could never happen to us.

He stretched and opened his eyes, catching me ogling him. I blushed, making him smile.

“Good morning,” he said in a husky voice that warmed me all over and gave me goosebumps at the same time.

“Good morning,” I said back, quickly kissing him.

“Hmm, if this is how I wake up every morning in Collier, maybe being in pack territory really isn’t so bad,” he mumbled sleepily.

“Are you up for a tour of the place today then?” I asked hopefully.

He smirked. “You’re relentless. I suppose I could be persuaded. You were gone a long time, so I’m guessing there’s not really any food in the house anyway.”

“Nope! But there’s a diner within walking distance that makes the best breakfast around.”

“Now I could definitely be persuaded to go out for that,” he said.

“Shower first?” I asked. I had a bad habit of not wanting to shower when we’d had sex. It always left his strongest scent on me and I never wanted to wash it off.

He groaned. “Food then shower?”

I smiled happily. “Deal!” Secretly I loved it even more, knowing that everyone in Collier would smell his scent on me and know he was one hundred percent off the market.

We dressed and got ready for the day. I didn’t bother with makeup and just threw my hair up in a ponytail. Normally when I was home I would at least try to look presentable in public. I think it was just part of being an Alpha kid and making a good impression for my dad’s sake, and because Mom often insisted on it, but today I wasn’t caring, and besides, Gage was already used to seeing me without makeup and my hair up in a ponytail, braid, or loose bun. It was my go-to look when working.

The morning air had a nip to it that I loved. The leaves were a mix of brilliant shades of reds, orange, yellow, and golds, and those that had already fallen crunched beneath our feet. Gage took my hand as we walked in comfortable silence.

I hadn’t been joking about the diner being close by; my driveway was long, but you could see the place by the time you reached the end of it. It took less than five minutes at a leisurely stroll. Kate’s Diner was still new to the area and didn’t sit in town like every other restaurant. Judging by the number of cars in the parking lot, it had definitely picked up in popularity while I was away.

As we walked in, the bell over the door chimed and everyone in the diner stopped and stared. The silence was almost eerie.

Kate smiled and waved. “Welcome home, Clara. Grab a seat anywhere you can.”

“Thanks,” I mumbled. “Why are they staring at us?” I whispered under my breath to Gage.

Even knowing there was no point in whispering in a room filled of wolf shifters, I couldn’t help it. Our hearing was significantly heightened compared to humans, even when we were in our skin. There was no way every person in there hadn’t heard me too, but maybe that wasn’t a bad point. They were being extremely rude.

Gage possessively put a hand on my waist and guided me to an empty table near the kitchen. That immediately started the whispers, as if we couldn’t hear them, too.

“Ignore it, angel,” he said.

We were only seated a minute before the kitchen doors burst open and Peyton came running out in an apron. I stared in surprise.

“Peyton? What are you doing here?” I asked.

She smiled and did a little happy dance. “I’m working here now.”

I jumped up and hugged her before retaking my seat.

Kate came over and put her arm around Peyton. “Best decision I ever made. Oh my word, your sister can cook. If you’d been ten minutes earlier, you’d have had to wait for a table. Business has been crazy since people started talking about her mad cooking skills.”

Peyton beamed with pride. She had always loved cooking and baking, anything that kept her in the kitchen. I was so proud of her for following her dream.

“I have to get back in there, but what can I get you guys?” Peyton asked.

“Oh, since I know it’s you, no questions about it. French toast for me!” I said. Peyton made the best French toast I’d ever had.

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