Page 90 of Grim

“That’s good. He is taking care of you. It’s his wolf’s need to make sure his mate is healthy and well.” He stood at the door to my apartment but didn’t touch the handle.

“He’s scented the entire door and everything inside. I won’t be able to follow you in. I’ll remain here and wait for his return.” He gripped the handle of his assault rifle.

I pursed my lips, my hands fisting together. Delilah was leaving tonight, and even with the promise I gave her, I couldn’t just let her go. Maybe there was a way around it. If I knew she was his mate, it would make everyone’s lives that much easier.

“You didn’t answer my question.” I crossed my arms to look more intimidating, but he scoffed.

“Little human, you shouldn’t put your nose in another shifter’s business. Now prance on in there and wait for your mate before he has my head, because I didn’t follow through with my orders.”

“No, I will not.” I stuck my finger out at him. “From what I gathered, you both are mates, whether or not you tell me. You look at each other, you secretly sniff her hair and gods knows how many times I’ve seen you look at her ass when she walks by you.”

Hawke’s clean-shaven face flushed, and his grip tightened on the handle.

“She looks at you like you hung the moon each time you walk into the bar. And shit, you do the same when she hands you a pint of beer. There’s something there, I see it. And I would bet my left tit you are both mates, but you don’t have the balls to pray to the goddess for your second chance. And when I bet my left tit, that means a lot because Grim likes that one!”

Hawke’s mouth hung open, and a smirk appeared. “Do you kiss him with that mouth?”

“It does a lot more than kissin’. Now spit it out, or you’ll be making a grave mistake that’ll haunt you for the rest of your days.”

Because she is gonna leave you tonight.

Hawke rolled his eyes. “I’ll tell Grim to keep you out of the bar. Your language is atrocious.”

“He hasn’t complained yet.” I bobbed my head like a southern woman judging someone for using off-brand Crisco.

He pinched his nose, his back hitting the wall. “I don’t know if she is my mate or not, Journey. I care about her, but the life I live, what we all live, is complicated.” Hawke grabbed the front of his belt buckle.

“I’m in more danger than most. I’m on the front line. Grim may be the tormentor, the punisher, the bringer of death, but I’m there first. I’ve always been that way, taking preventative actions before my brothers and sisters go into the fire. A life with me is not a happy one. What if I died?”

“But what if you live?”

He shook his head.

“What if you live once you have her, Hawke? You’re breaking her heart not being a part of her life. Isn’t that what a bond is about? Being together? Trusting it?”

“I’ve lost my trust in the bond a long time ago. No matter the status I have, no matter what I can offer, I’m not enough. I’m not enough to give her what she wants.”

“Then give her what she needs!” I shouted. “It isn’t about wanting, it’s about needing. You will die without her, and whether or not you think so, she will die without you. For humans, the bond thingy, it isn’t strong at first, but once you are connected, it’s…euphoric.” I dreamily looked out the window, the moon shining in the darkness.

“She will find another human, one that isn’t involved in this world.” He gritted his teeth.

I nodded, frustrated tears pooling in my eyes. “You know, you’re right.” I turned away and pushed open the door to the apartment.

“I am?” He pushed off against the wall and peered inside the warmth of Grim’s home, our home.

“Yeah, let her go find someone else to take care of her. Love her, cherish her, kiss her. Have endless nights of passionate love with her, touch her in ways you are too scared to do.”

Hawke growled, punching the wall beside the door.

I snickered.

“I know you’re mates. The goddess needs one of you to believe in her. Do you think she will pray to a big rock in the sky when humans have their own gods to worship? It’s time to eat crow, Hawke. She’s trying to make it right.”

I shut the door with a soft click and leaned against it. I didn’t recall the last time I’d ever yelled at someone, but it felt damned good.

I kept my promise to Delilah, and I hoped Hawke woke up in time to catch her before she left. If not, then he would have to chase her, and that would probably be good for his wolf.

I showered quickly, making sure to get the dried blood out of my ears. They were already feeling much better and, sounds weren’t so loud anymore.

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