Page 63 of Grace of a Wolf 1
Now, it's childish.
He steps around me, but his shoulder bumps against mine. The backs of our hands touch for a split second, but I try not to flinch. He's doing what I want him to; I don't want to start an argument and keep him here longer.
"I should go," he says, as if he's wanting me to argue and beg him to stay.
Relief floods through me as he pauses only for a second before moving toward the door. His hand rests on the doorknob, but he turns back, expression solemn.
"I'm never going to hurt you again, Grace." The words fall from his lips with weighty significance, as if he's delivering a romantic vow rather than an empty promise.
I don't bother responding, turning my back instead as I walk toward my bathroom. When I finally look back, the door's closed and he's gone.
Thank. Fucking. God.
How can he possibly forget his cruelty on the night of the Mate Hunt, and the way he treated me the moment his fated mate appeared? Such thick skin he has, acting as if none of it happened—like I should be grateful for his attention, thrilled by his promise to "bring me home."
Perhaps all shifters are closet psychopaths.
I press my palms against my eyes until random shapes and colors bloom behind my eyelids. Rafe's visit has left me rattled, on edge again, ruining what rest I'd managed.
I splash cold water on my face, trying to wash away the lingering disgust. The mirror seems to emphasize the dark circles under my eyes, but at least the water helps clear my head.
When I step back into the bedroom, I freeze. Andrew stands by the window, dressed head to toe in black like some wannabe cat burglar. Black jeans, black hoodie, even black sneakers. My mouth drops open.
"Are you serious right now?"
He turns, frowning. "What?"
"The all-black ensemble? Could you be more obvious about sneaking around?" I gesture at his ridiculous outfit. "You might as well wear a sign that says'I'm up to no good'in neon letters."
"This is tactical gear."
"It's a hoodie from Target." I cross my arms. "You're a wolf. You should know better than I do, anyone following is going to smell us anyway. The color of your clothes won't matter."
Andrew tugs at his sleeve, looking slightly offended. "It's about blending into shadows."
"In a pack full of creatures with night vision?" I shake my head. "You're going to stick out like a sore thumb. Everyone's going to take one look at you and know something's up."
He scowls. "You sound like you've done this before."
"No, I just have common sense. The best way to not look suspicious is to not act suspicious."
Andrew sighs. "Whatever. It's too late to change now. We need to move soon if we want to make it out before the ceremony starts. Did you meet with Rafe?"
I bite back the annoyance building in my chest. "He thinks you're taking me to Forest Springs."
"I figured it'd be better to tell him after." He grimaces, scratching at his head. "No point starting a fight when we're on such a tight schedule. I'll just explain everything once you're settled."
"Or you could just never tell them," I mutter, even though I know full well he would never keep a secret from Rafe.
Andrew's frown deepens with my words, disapproval radiating off him in waves. His loyalty to Rafe is basically his only personality trait. Even now, he's probably only helping me because Rafe asked him to, not out of any real concern for my wellbeing.
I paste on my best fake smile. This is no time to alienate my temporary benefactor. "Should we get going?" I gesture toward the door, eager to leave before anyone else decides to pay me an unexpected visit.
Escape, take two.
Chapter thirty-three
Grace: So Easy
