Page 27 of Destined Mate

My heart did a stupid flutter, and I was at a loss for what to say.

He placed the guitar on the couch beside him and stood. “Here, let me help you up.”

When he wrapped an arm around my shoulders, his scent swirled between us. He smelled amazing, like all man, and my blood warmed.

Stop it, Callie, I chastised.He’s touching you because you’re injured. Don’t make a fool out of yourself.But that didn’t cool the rush of heat at all.

Focused on these strange feelings, I forgot to be cautious about moving. As I stood, I whimpered.

Releasing his hold, Bodey faced me. His hand cupped my face, his thumb stroking my cheek. He murmured, “Hopefully, the pain will have eased a lot by morning.”

I watched his lips move and murmured, “Uh-hmm.”

“Okay.” He dropped his hand, leaving me feeling bereft. “Let’s get you to bed.”

That was enough to wake me up and reinforce that my reaction to him was one-sided. Not saying another word, we made our way upstairs.

He paused at my door and smiled tightly. “If you need me, all you have to do is yell.”

I snorted. “Hopefully, I won’t attack Samuel again.”

“Eh, he’s already in bed. Besides, it’s good for him. I hope you do it again.” He leaned against the doorframe.

“I don’t.” I took a step back, needing distance. When I saw my bed, I added, “And thanks for the new sheets.”

He shrugged. “No problem. You slept there before you showered. It was the least I could do.”

Oh, but he’d done more for me in a day than almost anyone else ever had.

An awkward silence settled between us as he stared at me.

My phone dinged.

I winced. I’d forgotten to call my parents.

Bodey pushed off the doorframe and backed into the hall. “Okay, see you in the morning. Good night.” He shut the door behind him.

Alone, I hurried to my cell phone and saw twenty missed texts.

A few were from Mom, Dad, and Stevie, but the majority were from Theo. The last text from him read, Call me now, or I’m coming to you. Bodey can fuck himself.

He’d sent it at eleven, and it was midnight. Fuck.

I hit call, my hands shaking.Please don’t let him be on his way here.

CHAPTERNINE

A lump formedin my throat as the phone rang twice. If he was that anxious to talk to me, I was certain he would’ve picked up by now—unless he was in his wolf form, racing over here. But then, how would he know if I was trying to call him back?

I sat on the fresh blue sheets, ignoring the sharp ache, and ran my hand along the soft, cool fabric.

The phone rang for a fourth time, and I hung my head. I’d be transferred to voice mail. Before the changeover could happen, the phone was answered.

“Hello?” Theo said gruffly. “Callie, is that you?” The thrumming of an engine filled his side of the line.

He was on his way here. I clenched my jaw. “Who did you expect? Unless I’m not the only one you’ve sent a ton of texts to,” I snapped, then tensed. In fairness, Bodey could have taken my phone and called him back, especially with that last message. “Sorry. I’m just a little out of sorts.”

Thankfully, he didn’t focus on my smart-assery. “Why the hell did it take you so long to respond?” he bit out.

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