Page 26 of Wolf Touched

I eventually snatched the remote from the light-gray coffee table and turned on the television, needing something to do other than watch people work while the rest of us sat in awkward silence. I flipped channels, wishing like hell this place had a smart TV for Netflix.

Then Josie cooed, “Let’s watch that!”

My lips tipped up. The movie wasHow to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,and for some reason, her liking it made things feel more normal. Though I had no interest in the movie, Itossed the remote on the table as the guys came in with the last load.

As soon as the door shut, Raffe came over and pulled me to my feet while holding the bag with our things. He asked, “Which one is our room?”

Josie pointed to the stairs on the other side of the living room. It was a split foyer with one set going up and the other side down. “Upstairs. The other three rooms are downstairs.”

“Sounds good to me.” He tugged on my hand.

I glanced at Lucy, who was still putting things away. “I should—” I started.

Fuck no. I need—he replied, tugging me to his chest and forcing me to stare into his eyes.You.

My body warmed.

“Man.” Keith set his bag on the floor and waved a hand in front of his nose. “Can you two not make it obvious why you’re leaving? We knew when he asked where the bedroom was, so you don’t have to go and make it smell like a Bath and Body Works shop in here. Those damn places give me headaches ’cause the scents are so strong.”

I snorted so loud that my throat burned. “You frequent Bath and Body Works that often? What scent’s your favorite?”

Lucy stood from behind the white island in the center of the kitchen. “Oh, I bet it’s Japanese Cherry Blossom.”

“Nah.” Josie beamed. “He seems like a Perfect Peony sort of guy.”

“Ha ha.” Keith’s cheeks flushed, but he stood tall. “If you must know, it’s Warm Vanilla Sugar, so beware. If I smell it on any of you three, I’ll know you’re trying to get my attention.”

Raffe snarled, his nostrils flaring while Davehissed lowly.

“Keith,” Adam sighed. “You’re a dumbass.”

Raffe marched toward Mr. Fragrance, dropping the bag, and rasped, “If you ever lump my mate in with other women like that again, I’ll teach you a fucking lesson.”

Keith lifted his hands in surrender. “I was kidding.Gods!”

“You don’t joke about someone’s mate like that.” Dave’s nose wrinkled. “You should know better.”

To defuse the situation, I took Raffe’s hand and tugged him to the stairs.Let’s get settled.Even if we didn’t have sex, he needed a break from everyone else. We’d been stressed for over twenty-four hours, and we’d lost so much, including a roof over our heads.

He followed me, though he kept glaring at Keith.

You guys relax. I’m going to marinate some steaks, wash our clothes, then cook some dinner. Go … rest for a couple of hours,Lucy linked.

At the top of the stairs, a door opened to a large room. The wooden floor was more of a gray, and a king-size bed sat against the wall with four spotlights above it. Right across from the doorway was a full bathroom with a barn door. The door didn’t seem to lock, so I was thankful it was in our room.

Raffe shut the outer door and pulled me into his arms. He cupped my cheek and pressed his lips together.What’s wrong? I’ve been sensing your emotions the whole ride here.

I lifted a brow.Really? What’s wrong? You have to ask?

He huffed.Okay, fair,but it feels like guilt’s mixed in.

Damn fated-mate bond and his ability to sense my feelings. I hadn’t meant to be so obvious, but he knew me better than anyone. I turned my head, not wanting to answer that, and a lump formed in my throat.

Hey. He pivoted, remaining in front of me, and placed a finger under my chin to lift my face so our eyes met.Don’t hesitate to meet my gaze now. You’ve already submitted.He winked, but the joke fell flat.

He frowned and stiffened. “Sky, what’s going on? Tell me.”

I closed my eyes, not wanting to see his reaction.If I hadn’t come to EEU, none of this would’ve happened. Maybe it would’ve been better if I hadn’t accepted the scholarship.

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