Page 79 of A Wolf's Wound
Maybe I am reading too much into his actions, into his words.Maybe I’m making up something that’s not really there and I’m going to get my heart broken.I don’t know.
But it’s too late, I realize as I gaze at Ryder.Because I haven’t just started to fall for Ryder.Ihavefallen for him, and I’ve fallen hard and deep.
Whether he feels the same way for me, though, is a question I can’t answer.I think he does.I’m almost certain he does.His words earlier—I can’t lose you—echo through my mind.Those are the words of someone who cares deeply for me.They might even be the words of someone who’s fallen for me as hard as I’ve fallen for him.
But will those feelings matter when he finds his true mate?
That’s one question I do know the answer to.And it’s not the answer I want.
Chapter 45
Ryder
“Doyouwantmeto make dinner?”I ask Hannah, who’s sitting on the couch looking thoughtful.
“I don’t know,” she replies.“I’m not that hungry.”
“You still have to eat,” I say, walking into the kitchen.I open the fridge and rummage through the cupboards.“Although it looks like this kitchen hasn’t been used by anyone but us for a while.”
“Do you actually cook?”Hannah asks.
“Sure.Don’t look so surprised!”I say as her eyebrows shoot up.“I’m an adult.Adults cook, right?”
“Adults who live on their own do,” she says.“But adults who live on a family compound?I guess I assumed your mom cooked for all of you guys.”
“Shows what you know,” I say.“My mom’s never been the cook in the family.That’s my dad.And Thomas took over when he was around Cody’s age.He’s surprisingly good at it.”
“Okay, I was making an assumption,” Hannah says with a smile.
“A sexist, uninformed assumption,” I tease her.Hannah throws up her hands.
“Guilty as charged.But I’m still not that hungry.”
“Well, that’s good, because there’s no food in here.If you change your mind later, call over to the main house and someone will bring you and Shadow food.”
“Room service, how fancy.”
“Hey, this is a five-star safe house.”I grin.“Only the best.”
“I appreciate it,” she says as I sit down near her.
“Are you sure you’re okay?”I ask.
Hannah nods.“I am.Or at least I’m getting there.You don’t need to worry.”
“I don’t need to, but I do.”
“Well, stop,” she says, looking at me.“I’m fine.”
I put my hand over hers.It’s too cold, and I lace my fingers in between hers, hoping that helps warm her up.“I want you to be better than just fine.I want you to be safe.”
“I feel safe with you,” Hannah admits.She moves closer to me, and I move closer to her.Then I bend down and kiss her.
She kisses me back eagerly.I lie down and pull her on top of me as we continue to kiss.Soon my hands are under her shirt and her hands are slipping under mine, but I stop and move back.
“We shouldn’t go too fast,” I say.
“I know.”Hannah leans back too.She’s breathing just as heavily as I am.
