Page 75 of Wolf Mate

Raffe nodded but kept his attention on me. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.”

If I hadn’t felt my blood running through my veins, I would’ve believed that my heart had stopped. He was saying all this again in front of his friends, and I fell a little more for him.

“Man, I’m not normally one to interfere.” Adam lifted both hands. “But I’m kinda with Keith on this. I don’t think it’s smart.”

My lungs didn’t fill as much as fear crept inside me. With Keith and Adam talking to him like this, what if he decided that being with me wasn’t smart?

Raffe crossed his arms. “Why do you think Slade is so desperate to lock her down, and his mom isn’t interfering like my dad is? They need her for something. I just don’t know what. So do you think it’s wise to hand her over to them? Maybe we should go buy some fucking ribbon, tie a bow around her neck, and deliver her to their door.”

Adam’s and Keith’s faces fell, but not as much as my heart. Was that the real reason Raffe wanted to be with me? Was he keeping us a secret because he was ashamed and doing whatever it took to put distance between Slade and me? I didn’t want to believe that was true, but how could I not afterthat?

“You know …” Adam tapped his finger against his lips. “I hadn’t thought of that, but you’re right. Priestess Olwyn and Slade only do things to further the coven’s agenda.”

“Maybe, but King Jovian would be aware of that.” Keith adjusted his boxers. “So—”

“Dad’s worried about being held accountable if she outs the supernatural world.” Raffe scanned the area. “Not about the other stuff, but that’s where I step in—to handle what he can’t see, even if it incites his wrath.”

My eyes burned, and I had to leave before I had a meltdown. My blood fizzed, and a hum was close behind. “Okay, while you three catch up, I’m going back to my apartment.” There was no way I was going to the student center. Since Slade had gone that way, Raffe would no doubt follow me. I’d skip breakfast, which wasn’t a problem because I’d lost my appetite.

I’d been so stupid. I’d honestly believed that Raffe was interested in me.

Not wanting to seem completely off, I nodded at Keith. “You three should go back to your apartment. You’ve gotta be chilly.”

Raffe’s forehead creased as Adam waved.

Keith glanced down at his crotch and frowned. “It’s not small or shriveled at all,thank you.”

I paused, blinking. Then understanding crashed over me. “I didn’t say that to insult your dick size.” My face burned, and tears filled my eyes. Not only had I learned that Raffe was with me just so I wouldn’t get with Slade, but now they thought I was making fun of someone’s dick. What sort of hell had I woken up in? I’d been so happy. Now it was all stripped away.

“Damn straight.” He wiggled his hips. “Because you can’t. It’s huge.”

“Shut up, Keith,” Raffe growled. “And she’s right. We should go back inside.”

“Thanks for coming.” I stared at the ground, praying I could make it back to my room before the tears fell. “I’ll see you guys later.” Without waiting for a response, I strode off to the apartment.

I headed straight to the elevator. The front door opened a few seconds behind me, but a tear ran down my cheek, and my blood started humming, so I didn’t turn around. I could feel the hum throughout me. It was only a matter of time before something happened.

When a hand took mine, the buzzing sprang to life, and I was tugged around and into a strong chest. Just like that, my blood simmered to a jolt.

“Hey, why did you take off like that?” Raffe asked.

I shuddered in the safety of his arms. Even though I knew he didn’t want to be with me, his arms felt safe, like home. How pathetic could I be? A sob formed in my chest, and I forced myself to pull away.

“I need to go to my room.” I somehow said it without breaking down. “I need to be alone.”

The elevator door dinged, and Raffe followed me inside.

“Sky, what’s wrong?” He blocked the elevator door. “Did Keith upset you with his dick comment? Because I punched thedickhead after you left for embarrassing you and even thinking you’d be looking there.”

I opened my mouth, but he lifted a hand.

“To be clear, even if you were looking.” He flinched and jerked his head as if he had a tic. “Which you weren’t. Don’t tell me because I won’t be able to not kill him.”

For some reason, that made me lose it. I laughed and cried simultaneously, which I hadn’t known was a thing. I felt like there were two people inside me. My blood hummed again, and I didn’t know what to do to stop it.

The elevator door opened just as the floor under our feet began to shake.

“Sky,” he breathed. “We need to get out of here.”

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