Page 82 of The Wolf Prince's Mate

He chuckled. “Good.”

I forced myself to look around the interior of his SUV. It was dark, but I could see fine thanks to my wolf.

“I should’ve seen him,” I said.

“You shouldn’t have needed to. And no one can be on their game all the time.” His eyes darkened. “I lost control. My wolf could’ve torn you apart.”

“Technically, he still could.”

The wolf flashed in his eyes, and Clay’s grip on my waist tightened. “That’s not going to happen. I won’t let it.”

“I know you won’t.” The words were simple, but honest.

I didn’t think the wolf actually wanted to hurt me, whether or not he was insane.

Letting out a long breath, I finally turned so I could see out the front windshield. I expected it to be triggering, but Clay’s car was totally different than mine. The interior was fancy and up to date, unlike my old vehicle. And his scent really did help put me at ease.

I shouldn’t have let it.

We were just friends with benefits. Even if said benefits included underwear laundering, and other questionable things.

But I breathed it in anyway.

My wolf stretched her haunches in my chest as I did, relaxing with his presence.

I decided against questioning that. Or overthinking it.

“Alright, let’s get this over with. Move over there.” I waved him toward the driver’s seat.

“I don’t know, I’m pretty comfortable right here.” He kissed the side of my throat. It was intimate, but surprised me by feeling good.

Until I remembered the mark that was now wrapped around my neck.

The scar.

My throat swelled, and I fought to keep my breathing even.

“How’s the arm?” Clay asked. Something in his voice told me he’d realized I was starting to panic again.

“I’m pretending it doesn’t hurt.”

“Don’t do that. If you need medication, we’ll get you some.”

“Painkillers will affect my mind, and I’m not ready to deal with that right now,” I said honestly.

He let out a slow breath.

Then kissed my shoulder.

“Alright, Gorgeous. You want to leave?”

“Yeah. Before I lose the nerve.”

“Alright.” He kissed my shoulder again, then sat me on the center console and slid out of the SUV. I eased myself down to the seat as he closed my door, and my gaze followed him as he strode around the front of the vehicle.

The man was stupidly attractive.

His white button-up was fitted in all the right places, showing off how thick his muscles were. His hair was done artfully, always a part of the put-together image he crafted for himself.

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