Page 77 of Challenged Mate
“Where are you taking her?” It was Chase who asked.
I managed to tear my eyes away from Asher to look at the two shifters who’d protected me.
Both gasped.
“You…” Chase shook his head with disbelief. “You’re not hurt.”
I cracked a weak smile. “Magic.”
My response sent a flurry of murmurs and shocked whispers around the gathered shifters. I’d forgotten we had an audience.
Asher didn’t stop moving.
“Where are you taking her, Ash?”
“Home,” he answered his sister. “And we are not to be disturbed.”
Twenty-Two
Asher approacheda four-wheeler parked two streets away from the coffee shop.
He set me on the seat. My wolf whined when he let go of me to straddle the vehicle and start the engine. She was wonton and needy, and I didn’t blame her. I ached to be near Asher, too.
The moment I could, I wrapped my arms around Asher’s waist. Then, we took off.
Anticipation built in my chest as we drove, but it was overshadowed by surprise when Asher steered the four-wheeler down the road leading to Axel’s house.
I’d thought he was taking me to his home.
Disappointment began to take root, but the emotion withered away when Asher parked outside my apartment’s door, climbed off the four-wheeler, and lifted me into his arms to carry my inside.
My pulse skyrocketed. I didn’t care that Asher kicked in both the exterior and interior doors to get inside. He strolled into the living room and sat me on the couch, kneeling in front of me.
Dark blue eyes trailed over me, once again confirming I’d escaped the night unharmed.
I returned the favor, noting the sweatpants he wore ended above his ankles. Someone must have lent them to him after he shifted out of his wolf.
“Asher—”
“You did well tonight,” he interrupted. His hand rested on my bare thigh where my short dress had crept up my leg.
Warmth emanated from his touch. “I didn’t do anything.”
“You used your power to save yourself. I know it’s been a struggle. The fact you were able to do so tonight was remarkable.”
His praise didn’t sit well with me. “It was instinct. I probably couldn’t replicate it if I tried.”
His forehead creased. “Why are you determined to fail?”
I started to object, but the words faded from my lips as I realized he was right.
My behavior and words screamed of a willingness to not master my power, and the Mother knew my emotions swung like a pendulum.
But I didn’t want to deal with this. Not right now.
Right now, I wanted to focus on Asher. And the effects of the bond zipping under my skin, making every inch of me tingle with anticipation.
My gaze traveled over his naked torso. They landed on a pink, jagged scar traveling down his right rib cage, ending at his waist. I reached out. My fingers trailed the mark.
