Page 74 of Rejecting his Mate

More motels.

Running.

I hate that the guys won’t leave me. I don’t want their blood on my hands, but I’m also glad I’m not facing this alone. I’m not sure what being grateful for them putting their lives in danger says about me.

“Any sign of my old pack or the hunters?” I stretch, wincing at the pull on my ribs as I do.

“None.”

Yet.

I hear the unspoken word, but I’m focused only on the fact we’re safe, for now.

“Where are the others?” I ask, realizing it’s only Cade and I in the truck. Suddenly, the space feels small, intimate even.

I’m sure my skin is tinged pink as a flush works through my body.

“In the room. Come on.”

I let him help me out of the truck. My legs are shaky and my chest is sore from sitting slumped for so long. As I step onto the asphalt, Cade closes the door behind me and, to my surprise, takes my hand in his.

I’ve noticed he wants to touch me as much as possible, even if just in passing. I like it. I more than like it, even if I have to remind myself he’s not mine and he can’t be while I’m marked by another male.

He leads me over to the room, only releasing me so I can step through the door. The space is clean, tidy, and small. There are two queen-sized beds and what looks like a pull-out couch—enough space for everyone, as long as we double up.

Cade sits me on the bed furthest from the door and leaves me there while he and the others get ready to sleep. I don’t move. I’m too exhausted to do anything. My throat is hurting more than it did earlier, and my ribs send shooting pains every time I shift even a little.

I close my eyes, wondering if I can sleep sitting up.

“Halle?”

Cade’s voice has my eyes opening again. His brightblue eyes are locked on mine, and there’s concern in his expression. “You still tired?”

I nod. “Uh-huh.”

He reaches for my foot. “What are you doing?”

“Taking your sneakers off.”

My foot slips out and he reaches for the other. Is he going to undress me?

I let him swing my legs onto the bed and douse my disappointment. Probably not the best idea to get frisky with his brother and cousin in the same room.

I’m too tired to participate anyway. He helps me lie down, careful to give me time to adjust as my ribs burn before he pulls the covers over me. I get myself into a position that doesn’t hurt my chest or my throat and close my eyes.

I start to drift off, listening to the rumbling of voices as the guys talk among themselves.

When I come back to awareness, there’s light on the wall in front of me, coming from what I’m guessing is a gap in the curtains. The bed isn’t mine, and although it’s comfortable, I feel stiff.

I start to move when an arm tightens around my body, holding me in place. I freeze, even though I know who it is before I scent him.

Cade.

I knew I would be sharing the bed, and I’m not surprised it was Cade who climbed in behind me.

I keep still, just enjoying the feel of his head against my back. This is what I wanted from a mate—waking up in their arms, being taken care of, and being loved.

Cade doesn’t love me, but he cares, and I’ve had more affection from him than I ever had from Dalton.

---