Page 17 of Mates: Posy

"Posy." Wyatt’s power-filled voice froze me in place. "Look at me."

My head whipped up to meet his glowing eyes. When he spoke again, it was with a clenched jaw and gritted teeth.

"Don’tcall me alpha. Just Wyatt, or whatever nickname you want."

His voice grew gentler and his eyes turned back to silvery blue as he got Granite under control.

"You take a shower at any temperature you want to, whenever you want to, for as long as you want to. If you had any restrictions on using shampoo or soap or anything at all in the bathroom, they’re gone now. Do whatever you want in here with whatever products you want to, okay?"

I nodded with wide eyes.

"Say okay, cutie."

"Okay, cutie."

When I realized what I did, I slapped a hand over my mouth and waited to be punished. Instead of yelling or hitting me, though, Wyatt surprised me with a roar of laughter. He left the bathroom, shaking his head and grinning, and I stood there in shock for several long minutes before I headed to the shower. A small smile tugged up my lips.

For the first time in years, I felt hopeful for the future.

5: Saying Goodbye

Posy

Packing my things didn’t go so well.

When my mates followed me into the dark room, they all froze in shock. Then the rage took over. I couldfeelit radiating off them. In the end, only Jayden stayed while the others slammed out without a word.

I bit my lip and hunched my shoulders and dug my fingers into Mr. Nibbles’ soft fur.

"They’re mad at your father, not you," Jayden assured me. "Mason and Ash are usually better at keeping their temper, but it challenges all of us to see what our mate was forced to live with for so long."

I glanced at him with a question in my eyes.

"Yeah, I’m angry, too, but—" He sighed. "I didn’t want you to know this so soon. My wolf is really violent and aggressive. When I let him out, usually people die."

I nodded. Lark had already told me that, so I wasn’t surprised.

"So, from the time I was a pup, I had to learn to keep my temper locked down tight. It’s hard, and some days are draining, but look how it’s working out now." He gave me a big grin. "I get alone time with our lovely mate while my brothers are out busting knuckles on hard surfaces."

I giggled, then realized what I’d done. Looking down quickly, I covered my mouth with my hand.

"Sweetness, your smile is so pretty. Please don’t hide it."

He slowly reached over and wrapped his long fingers around my wrist, then pulled my hand away. I raised my eyes to his dragon ones and saw only kindness and care. Maybe even love.

"I’m allowed to be happy?" I whispered.

His eyes glowed a faint gold, his wolf stirring, but he blinked and swallowed hard and the glow disappeared.

"You are allowed to be whatever you want to be. Happy. Sad. Upset. Angry. Joyful. The only thing Idon’twant you to be is scared, but I know that will take a long time."

"I don’t know how not to be scared," I admitted, still staring into his beautiful eyes.

"We’ll help you learn. If anyone scares you, tell one of us. If one of us scares you, tell another one. We can make a safe space for you at the house, too. A room that’s all yours, but it definitely won’t look anything like this one."

I thought about it for a few minutes, then nodded.

"I’d like that. Maybe— Maybe it could have a window?" I asked, nervous hope fluttering in my chest. "Just a small one? I’d like to see the sun."

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