Page 15 of The Reluctant Wolf and His Fated Mate
She pursed her lips. “They seemed much bigger than coyotes.” She shook her head. “Maybe I imagined that in my fear. I was so disoriented.”
“Understandable. That must have been terrifying.” He had to switch subjects and fast. “So, Sophie, what do you do when you’re not keeping ski patrol busy on a hunt to find you?” He flashed her a sly grin.
Her eyes flickered with a glint of confusion as she appeared to adjust to his sudden change of topic. “I’m a graphic designer for a real estate firm in Massachusetts. Mostly coastal properties on the North Shore.”
That was where he’d met her at the club Vamps. “Do you plan on coming back up here again?”
She grinned. “I doubt I’ll book anything until I’m sure I’m not bruised up or have broken bones.”
He exhaled. How could he find a way to see her again? “Maybe the next time I visit the area, we could meet up.” He’d only ever visited there that one time, so it wasn’t like he had any reason to return besides seeing her.
She took a final bite of her waffle and chewed while she eyed him. After she swallowed, she said, “Maybe.”
They didn’t say much else as they finished eating.
She put her fork down on her empty plate. “That was delicious.”
Feeding her pleased his need to care for her. He took her plate and put it on the side table. “Are you feeling good enough to stand?”
Sophie nodded with a sheepish grin. “I think so. And I really need a bathroom.”
“Okay. Let me help you up just to make sure you’re steady.” He stepped over to the side of the bed and moved the tray.
When she swung her feet over to the side, Damon took her arm and helped her stand. She paused for a few seconds and glanced ahead.
“I think I’m good. Not lightheaded this time. That breakfast must’ve helped.”
“Lean on me to make sure. I’ll help you over to the bathroom.”
“You arenotgoing in there with me though.” She peered at him with wide eyes.
“Understood.”
She held onto his arm for support and took a few steps. “I’m fine. Really. You don’t have to walk me over.” She released his arm.
He showed her where the bathroom was. After she came out, he packed her gear into his Jeep.
As he drove her down to the mountain, he said, “We should stop by First Aid in the lodge. Sebastian is working now, and he’ll take good care of you.”
“That’s a good idea.”
During the visit to the lodge, Sebastian asked her questions and checked for a concussion or other injuries.
“Rest up today and watch out for any signs of a concussion.” He handed her a sheet listing the symptoms. “Just call here if you have any concerns.”
“Will do,” she replied. “Thanks.”
Damon then drove her across the road to the brick condos in the village. “I’m working a shift on the mountain today, but call me if you need anything.” He gave her his number.
She didn’t give hers back. He didn’t blame her. She must have been confused and terrified after waking up at his place.
When they reached the brick condos where she was staying, his heart beat faster. His wolf urged not to let her go. Damon climbed out of the SUV with reluctance and helped her out, his feet heavy as he walked her to the door.
“Thanks again for everything, Damon. I don’t know what would’ve happened if you hadn’t found me.”
The Sacco wolf might have found her and then what? Would it have attacked her? Attempted to claim her? That made trespassing into their territory and fighting for her worth it.
Sophie turned to him and kissed him on the cheek. His cheek warmed with a pleasant tingle where her lips touched. When she walked to the front door, he put his hand on his face as if capturing that sensation on his skin.
