Page 24 of Wolf Touched

Raffe wrapped an arm around my waist and straightened. “I think it’s time to head out.” He spoke loudly with command, sounding every bit like a leader.

Warmth spread through me. He might be the leader, but I’d be in control in bed. But damn if I didn’t find his sense of command sexy.

Josie kissed her dad’s cheek, then looped her arm through Dave’s and headed back to the vehicles.

We all turned that way, and Octavia’s brows furrowed as if she were trying to figure out the most confusing puzzle in the world.

I nodded toward the cars, and she sighed before following Adam and Keith.

“Wait!” Aldric called out. “Maybe we can work this out.”

Raffe paused, and I stilled beside him.

“It’s too late for that. You all made your intentions and how you feel about my mate clear.”

We continued, and when we reached the vehicles, Raffe tossed the motorcycle keys to Keith. “Lucy, Josie, and Dave can take your car with the cat. Sky can’t handle riding on that again. Octavia can stay with us.”

Raffe got the BMW keys, and soon, I was sliding into the orange leather passenger seat. My ass ached when I sat, but the seat was so much more comfortable than the bike.

With everyone in the vehicles, Raffe turned on the child lock so Octavia couldn’t get out. He backed out first and sped a little too eagerly toward the road.

I couldn’t blame him. I wanted to get far away too.

As soon as we’d all pulled out, Raffe turned in the direction away from Seattle.

So, I hate to be like this, but where are we going?Keith linked, asking the question no one wanted to address.

We couldn’t go back to campus, nor could we stay in their childhood homes.

Despite my reluctance, I suggested, “We could go to my parents’ house.”

Raffe’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. “That’s the first place the coven will look. But they shouldn’t bother your parents if you aren’t there. We’ll have to rent a cabin or something.”

“Actually, I have a suggestion.” Octavia cleared her throat. “But you won’t like it.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

“If you’re going to suggest we let you go, it’s not happening.” Raffe glanced at her in the rearview mirror. “You’re stuck with us. I won’t let you run back and report to the society or whatever group you belong to.”

I didn’t trust her either. This woman had abandoned me because of who I’d become. What sort of parent did that?

She leaned forward and sighed. “What I saw back there made me realize this group is different, and I’m offering to take you all to my home.”

I turned to her to see her reaction. I hated that my blood … power … or whatever gave me my abilities was calm, so I couldn’t read her intent. Learning to access those abilities on my own would beamazing.

Her expression was smooth, and her heartbeat was faster than normal, but that could be from being our prisoner.

Raffe chuckled grimly. “You think we’re desperate enough to trust you? No fucking way.”

“Where else are you going to go? You don’t have many options.” She leaned back and crossed her arms. “Believeme when I say that this offer is a big deal. Dru will be pissed as soon as he sees that I’ve brought wolf shifters and a vampire to our home.”

My ears perked up. “Dru?” I asked, then wanted to clamp my hands over my mouth. I despised that the name caused so many questions to spin around in my head. I hadn’t meant to sound interested because I wasn’t. I mean, how could I be? They’d tossed me out like garbage.

She grimaced. “Your fath—” But she cut herself off.

My lungs seized, and my heart ached. There was no doubt what she’d been about to say.

Raffe reached over the center console and squeezed my hand. The comforting buzz of our connection sprang to life, but the pain didn’t ease much.

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