Page 56 of My Haven
“Tell me more,” he begged, sounding breathy.
“No! Don’t tell him more,” Genevieve shouted, grabbing the counter.
“Five bucks she faints. She’s pale as shit and her eyes are darting every which way,” Meryn said.
Genevieve felt warm arms hold her. She thrashed for a second thinking Caiden was taking advantage, but relaxed when she saw it was Pip. “I… I…”
“Shuuush. It’s okay. You can be scared, because it’s scary for you. But, I’m here and so is Caiden. I know it may feel weird to think he’s your husband all of a sudden, but he’d never hurt you.” He kept running his hand over her hair. She turned to bury her face in his chest. He was small, but right now his hug felt perfect.
She felt a cool set of hands take hers. When she looked up it was Lily. “I met Caiden’s father nearly thirty-six-years ago. They didn’t have paranormal books or shows like they have now. Magic and men who turned into animals were seen as demonic.” She gave her hand a squeeze. “I totally understand how overwhelming this can be.”
Kendrick turned to Arlo. “Anne told me she learned alchemy from anime and about magic from RPGs, but you’re saying some humans know of shifters and write stories about them?”
Arlo grinned evilly. “Erotic romances even.”
“Why haven’t we heard of those?” Hunter mused.
“Any recommendations?” Zev asked.
“I’ll give you a list,” Arlo promised.
From Pip’s arms, she looked across the room at Caiden, who stood watching, hands clenched at his sides. She could see every muscle was tense, as if he was fighting to stay still.
He wants to come to me, but he’s afraid he’ll scare me.
She gave Pip a squeeze, then stepped away from them. She met his eyes then, taking a leap of faith opened her arms to Caiden.
Seconds later he had scooped her up and held her close. “I didn’t want to push you over the edge. I’m taller than most witches and I’m not the best at talking, I’m better at cooking and giving the men orders,” he admitted. “You don’t have to be okay with everything right away, we can take it slow, whatever you need,” he continued his cute ramble.
He held her effortlessly in his arms, so that they were nearly eye to eye. He spoke fast, and under her hands on his chest, she felt his heart beating out of control.
“I’d prefer it if you stayed here, but if you want to go back to Franklin, I can assign a unit to watch over you. I’d do it myself, but I don’t want to pressure you. I know you have your van, we can bring it here,” he continued, almost from a single breath.
He’s adorable.
She smiled.And he’s mine.
She placed both of her hands on either side of his face, stilling him for a moment. She took advantage of the lull in his ramble to place a single kiss on his lips. “Help me learn about your world, then we’ll address this whole mating thing. I’d love to stay here, but would like a separate room for now. The van can be dropped off whenever. My deal breakers are verbal abuse, physical abuse, and cheating. We can deal with everything else later.”
He simply nodded, looking dumbfounded.
“Do humans really have to state those as deal breakers? I mean that’s a given right?” Zev asked.
“Dating out there is reckless. I’m a bit safer as a guy. I think if I were a woman, I’d just embrace the single life. Dating isn’t worth getting killed,” Arlo explained.
“Killed? That happens?” Hunter asked, incredulously.
“Every minute, my large friend,” Arlo replied.
Caiden frowned. “You’re safer here.”
She couldn’t believe she was being held in the arms of a man she met that night, yet everything felt as if she had known him longer than Arlo. She couldn’t imagine a tomorrow without him.
Tomorrow?
“What’s for breakfast?” she asked.
Arlo laughed. “She’s feeling better.”
