Page 61 of Rugged

“I’m so sorry, baby.” He walked toward me, fast, at first, then stopping a safe distance away, as if making sure I had space. “I had to get away, but then I couldn’t. Tell me to be here. Or tell me to run.”

“Cover yourself, Johnny.” Becky grabbed a dish towel and threw it at him with a laugh. He caught it and put it in front of his crotch.

“We’ll give you some space,” Marina said, patting my hand, and the women disappeared. They wouldn’t leave me if I was in danger, would they?

I remained sitting, still in shock. Trying to digest it all.

His gaze roved over me, as if cataloging everything he saw. “I didn’t mean to bite you, baby. I’m so sorry. It was an accident–I got too excited. Then my wolf was all enraged that you were hurt, so I just ran to get myself under control. I should stay away, but I fucking can’t. Are you okay?”

I nodded, standing. Was I crazy for being okay with this? Whateverthiswas? Was this me, Emma, wanting Johnny or my crazy Lyssa side? Would Lyssa want a shifter? A naked guy who turned into a wolf and ran with the full moon?

I would. I did.

“I’m okay.”

“Thank fuck.” Johnny rushed forward then stopped short again. “Can I touch you? Can I pick you up?”

I loved that he was asking permission. That he was taking care with me, even from himself.

I was so confused. So overwhelmed. And yet, withoutthinking, I threw my arms around his sweaty neck. “Pick me up,” I said.

He scooped me up, sheet at all, and carried me back in the direction of the bunkhouse, the screen door slapping behind us. “You’re okay? You’re not scared of me?” His brows were down low, and he walked swiftly, like he couldn’t wait to get me safely back to our bed.

“I’m… I’m okay,” I said again.

“No, you’re not.” He sounded so distressed. “Lyssa, I never ever meant to harm you. It’s just… biting is something wolves do with their mates. But you’re human, so, of course, you didn’t know. You don’t heal quickly like a she-wolf would, so it hurt, and there’s still a little cut. I’m so sorry. Rob warned me not to be with you tonight with the moon full, but I couldn’t stand the idea of being away. I fucked up. Again.”

I leaned my head on his. “Really. I’m okay. It was a surprise and a lot. So, youdoturn into a wolf at the full moon?” I had so many questions. “They said you’re not a werewolf, you’re a wolf shifter.”

He wasn’t even breathing hard carrying me around. “That’s right. The moon affects us, for sure. It brings out our wolf side. We usually run as a pack to let off steam. Tonight I tried to skip the run to be with you, but it was a mistake.” His gaze held an ocean of pain.

I kissed his temple. “I’m okay,” I repeated softly. “We’re okay.”

His gaze jerked to mine. We’d arrived back to the bunkhouse and were in the bedroom now, and he laid me carefully in the center of the bed. “We are?” Hope shone in his eyes.

I nodded. “We’re okay,” I murmured.

Johnny flopped down beside me in relief. “Oh, baby.” He wrapped me up in his arms. “That’s the best news I’ve ever heard.”

I swore for one second I thought this big, strong cowboy–this wolf shifter–was going to cry. I wrapped him up in my arms, too, holding him right back.

“We’re okay,” I repeated a third time, closing my eyes and listening to the crickets singing and the soft, far off chuffs of the horses in the stable.

To the sound of our mingled breaths.

To the beating of my heart and his as one.

Maybe I was even crazier than Lyssa.

27

JOHNNY

Who neededa blanket with their mate sprawled on top of them? Not me. Somehow during the night, she’d turned to face me, and I must’ve pulled her up. Her head was on my chest, one of her legs tucked between mine. Her pussy was pressed into my bare thigh.

I fell asleep to her soothing me. Strokes of her fingers, the calm lub dub of her heart, her words. Now I would soothe her, hold her, and let her continue to sleep in my hold. One hand slid up and down her bare back, the other played with the long strands of her hair.

She was safe. She loved me. I inhaled her scent. Yes–there it was–my scent mingled with hers now.

---