Page 28 of The Silent Mate

I attributed it to nature. To my wolf’s innate desire to be claimed by her mate. To the hormones in my body that began pumping and churning the moment I locked eyes with Malik. To a she-wolf’s natural inclination to bring forth strong, healthy pups for the pack.

Even so, I couldn’t shake the deep-seated feeling that it went deeper than that. I couldn’t deny the affection I held for Malik. The warmth that swelled in my chest every time a smile dared to pull on his mouth. The itch in my fingers to stroke his hair and hold him when darkness settled over his features.

I wanted, more than anything, to bridge the gap he’d created between us. To chip away at the wall he’d constructed around himself.

It would take time. I knew that now. Though Malik’s scars told of a tragic past, the wounds he carriedbeneaththe surface ran deep. They would not be so easily healed.

At long last, I forced myself to slip out of bed, only to trip on a bundle of bags at my feet that Isworeweren’t there last night.Shopping bags.

I crouched beside one of the bags and plucked a neatly folded piece of paper from its depths. My heart burst into one hundred wingbeats at the now-familiar handwriting.

Little dove,

Good morning. Thank you again for last night.

I asked Emerson to find you some clothing. She brought these bags over this morning. If they are not to your liking, feel free to purchase whatever you need.

The pack’s lead nurse, Estelle, is looking forward to meeting you today. Emerson will show you to the infirmary. Be safe.

Yours,

Malik

Careful not to wrinkle my mate’s note, I placed it on the nightstand before dropping to my knees beside the bags of clothing. I rifled through layer after layer of sweaters and blouses, jeans and leggings, and silky little pajamas. Emerson hadn’t just bought me some clothes—she seemed to have cleared out an entire department store.

I dared to check the price-tag on an unfathomably soft sweatshirt, only to choke at the three digits staring back at me. Guilt tugged at the pit of my stomach as I shoved the lounge-wear back into its bag. I could guess whose bank account had taken the brunt of the shopping spree’s damage.

I made a mental note to return at least four-fifths of the items Emerson bought, not because I disliked them but because I didn’t want Malik spending such obscene amounts of money on me. Growing up, my father’s pack was small enough that our family possessed a modest income. Exorbitant spending felt like a sin.

Eventually, I picked through the bags until I found a pair ofleggings and a workout tank with a matching jacket. After I finished getting ready, I took an apple from the near-empty produce drawer in Malik’s refrigerator, promised myself that I’d find a way to get more food by the end of the day, and walked out the front door.

Just like yesterday, Emerson waited just beyond the threshold.

The red-haired young woman perked up when she saw me, though she shot me a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. In fact, she seemednervous.“Good morning, Aria.”

“Hi, Emerson.” I shut the door behind me and turned to face her, offering her a smile. “Thanks for the clothes. I really like what you picked out.”

A blush tainted her cheeks, making her freckles darken. “It was the least I could do after yesterday.” Shame leaked into her voice. “I shouldn’t have left you to go with Anders. I heard… I know what Alpha Roman tried to do. I’m sorry.”

My brows shot to my hairline. Though my encounter with Alpha Roman had been unfortunate, to say the least, I never once thought to blameher.

“Please,” I murmured, placing a hand on Emerson’s shoulder. “Don’t apologize. There was nothing any of us could’ve done to stop him.”Except for Malik. Malik made him stop.“It was probably best that you weren’t there.”

Emerson pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and shook her head. “Still, I’m sorry. I know what it’s like to be on the receiving end of the Alpha’santics.”

I didn’t doubt that. As an omega, the young female inevitably received the lion’s share of the pack’s bullying. Perhapsthatexplained why Malik considered Emerson a friend. He understood what his brother was capable of.

My hand fell away from Emerson’s shoulder, and I willed a cheerful smile onto my lips as we began walking along the pathaway from the cottage. “Let’s hopeneitherof us have to deal with Roman today, Goddess willing.”

Emerson giggled. “Yes. We should be safe in the infirmary. Alpha Roman rarely gets injured.”

Too bad,I almost snorted. Instead, I decided to learn more about my new hosts.

“I’m surprised,” I mused, feigning interest in the clouds above. “Considering theIntonat Noctehas been conquering packs across the north for years.”

“Oh, Alpha Roman does not travel with the army. The General leads every campaign.”

The General.My mate.

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