Page 93 of Wolf Mate

I didn’t have time to worry about it, not with the story of my heritage dangling right in front of me. “I hate to cut this short, but I need to go. Slade reached out, wanting me to meet him and see the library. He’ll wonder what’s taking so long.”

“Shit. Well, I’m going to follow you, and when you’re done, I get to come back here with you tonight, right?” He stared into my eyes, brow creased, not looking like the confident man I knew.

My heart ached, hating that I’d made him feel that way. “Of course. I always sleep better in your arms.”

He exhaled and winked. “I feel the same.”

“About sleeping in your arms?” I teased.

He laughed, carefree and happy, my favorite sound and one I heard only when we were alone.

“Cute.” He booped my nose.

“He told me not to bring you.” My body tensed. I didn’t want to ruin my one shot at answers.

“You didn’t. I found you, and he won’t know. You go out first. He could be watching. I’ll follow behind you in the woods. Keep your phone on and text me if you need me.”

I nodded. “Okay.”

I turned to leave when he grabbed my hand.

“Most important of all, be careful.” He kissed me, his tongue sliding into my mouth. “If he hurts you or pushes you inanyway, I’ll fucking kill him.”

I tilted my head and snorted. “That’s the second time tonight you’ve threatened to kill someone for me. Should I be worried?”

“Babe, where you’re concerned, I’ll kill anyone who’s ever done or will do you wrong.”

A shudder ran through me. That probably shouldn’t turn me on. There was something horribly wrong with me.

He smacked my butt and said, “Go before I change my mind. I’m not happy about this, but I know you want answers.”

This was the kind, caring, supportive, and sexy man that I lov—cared for. I kissed him once more, not wanting to leave, and forced myself to walk out the door.

No other students were out, which wasn’t surprising given it was close to ten thirty. Everything on campus was closed. I turned left and walked past the men’s apartments toward the library and residence halls.

The sky was dark and cloudy, and a light drizzle had started—a typical Washington night. I wrapped my arms around my waist and shivered.

After a few minutes, I felt a tingle at the base of my neck. Raffe was in the woods, watching me. That eased a bit of my tension.

I walked past the massive six-story library toward the all-brick residence halls. The men’s hall was at the edge of the campus, with the woods facing the back and one side. My breathing became more labored. I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into.

I made my way to the back and noted Slade’s presence. He was standing in the middle of the back wall of the building. He waved at me to join him, and when I got close, he scanned the area.

He smiled, reminding me of the Slade I used to know.

“Right on time.” He winked.

“Sorry. I took a nap and needed a minute to get myself back together.” I bounced on my feet. “Where to?”

“You’re here.” He waved a hand, and his magic pulsed from him.

Then the strangest thing happened.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Asection of the brick wall separated and moved to the side, creating a doorway. What was even stranger than the hidden door was that the wall didn’t shake or make a sound, as if it was purely an illusion.

I sucked in a breath and raised my hands, my fingers slipping through the opening.

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