Page 35 of Vicious Wolf Mate

“And there will be only two bedrooms for the four of you,” he adds.

That’s fine by me I think to myself because there is no way that I’m going to let McKenna out of my sight.

“Sounds perfect.” I reply to Drario.

“Very well,” Drario says. “I’ll have Leon show you the way.” He adds motioning forward a shifter I’ve never met before.

“I’ll also have some clean clothes and things sent over,” Drario adds while surveying our motley group.

“Thank you Drario, we’ll see you in the morning.” I say. With my hands occupied, I simply nod at him before turning to follow our guide. As the alpha of Big Sky, I understand more than anyone the sleepless night that lies ahead of Drario.

24

MCKENNA

As I lead Mace through the townhouse towards the bedroom, my stomach churns. I can feel the anxiety and confusion building in me, like a terrible storm threatening from the horizon.

I don’t understand. Why would my father do this? It’s not like him at all. If I don’t stop thinking about it, I’m going to end up with a terrible headache.

I hear Mace’s soft step behind me as I head into the bedroom. I walk straight over to the window to cast my eyes across the magnificent view of the harsh red rocks. They seem to absorb the light of the sun and emanate with it, all tones of red, ocher and gold The shadows that pattern from their ragged edges glow deep purple with a tint of blue.

When Mace puts his hands on my shoulders and I jump, just slightly. He squeezes me gently, kneading at my shoulders with gentle fingers.

“Are you alright?” he asks. I don’t really know how to answer, but I know his touch feels very good.

“Yeah,” I say, softly. “I’m just thinking.”

“Don’t think too hard,” he says, trying to lighten the situation. I manage a small smile as I turn towards him and put my hands on his chest.

“I’m really sorry,” I say, meaning it. He stares deep into my eyes, and I realize I’ve never looked so deeply into them before. They are so dark, but with glimmers of fire in their depths.

He shakes his head and takes a step back, sitting down on the bed.

“It’s okay.”

“No, it’s not,” I say, moving over to sit next to him. “I should have been more honest with you.”

He takes a deep breath and looks at the floor. I already felt bad, but seeing the tight set of his jaw, I know that he is struggling with this. The problem is, I don’t know if he’s angry, sad, or frustrated. The idea that he might hate me hits me out of nowhere and my anxiety skyrockets.

That’s the moment I realize how strong my feelings are. Suddenly I’m full of a terrible fear—that maybe, I’ve totally blown it.

I keep looking at him, waiting for him to speak. I feel like I’m hanging over the edge of a cliff and with one word he could throw me over it. He could destroy me, right now, with just a few words.

Does he even know the power he has over me now? Furthermore, do I want him to know?

My stomach starts to twist again as my anxiety hits a whole new level. I can’t believe I’m sitting here so calmly when my insides are literally screaming.

“Look at me, please,” I whisper. I can’t make my voice come out strong, no matter how hard I try. Not right now, with my heart on the line.

My heart?

Yes, my heart. I can fight against this all I want, but the truth can’t be denied.

I love him. I know I do.

Finally, Mace looks up, turning to face me. His expression is hard to read, his eyes as dark and inscrutable as ever.

“Is there anything else I should know?” he asks, softly. I shake my head.

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