Page 51 of The Reluctant Wolf and His Fated Mate
“How so?” She stared at the dead wolf. “That might have been the stupidest thing I’ve ever done in my entire life.”
“And bravest. It worked. You distracted him enough that I was finally able to get a good grip on his throat.”
She’d actually helped in a fight between two wolves? More surprising developments barreled into her strange new life. “I’m just relieved you’re okay.”
Damon bowed his head. “I was wrong to keep things from you. I’m sorry.”
She closed her eyes for a moment as she rushed through all that had happened. “I kind of understand why now. Well, not entirely.” She shrugged and then dropped her hands to her sides. “Maybe you can explain things more?”
He nodded. “Of course. Whenever you’re ready.”
She sighed and glanced back across the mountain to where she’d left Damon’s cabin earlier that night, thinking it was for good. Now she wanted nothing more than to return there with him.
“Can we go back to your cabin and sit for a long time? Maybe we can warm up with some hot chocolate and I can start to process everything. And then, you can tell me—well, everything?”
His expression turned solemn. He placed his hand on his bare chest and leaned forward. “Everything.”
Chapter 17
Damon
Damon was certain that he’d lost Sophie forever, but here she was back in his cabin, the way it should be. She sat curled up on the sofa, legs curled up beneath her, and stared out at the mountain. Was she still in shock? She hadn’t said a word and barely moved. Every so often, she’d sip from the Bailey’s hot chocolate that he’d made her.
He didn’t dare interrupt her. Just having her there was enough to give him a sliver of hope that he hadn’t yet destroyed everything between them. His wolf remained aware, but content just having her back with them—at least for the moment.
After Damon cleaned his wounds, which were almost healed due to shifter magic, he put on a pair of shorts. He kept himself occupied to keep from pacing before her, desperate to know what was on her mind. He put dishes away and wiped down counters. He’d communicated to Rafe and Grayson what had happened, but said he couldn’t leave the cabin. His primary concern was taking care of Sophie, and she needed him right now.
Or, maybe it was more accurate that he needed her.
After several more minutes passed, Sophie put down the mug and turned to him. “Tell me about your family.”
He covered his heart as he walked into the living room. “You go right for the wound.” He gave her a weak smile.
She tilted her head. “What does that mean?”
“Because my parents are the reason why I swore I didn’t want a mate.”
Her lips parted. “What happened with them?”
He gazed out the picture window. “We all lived here in the region as part of the Franconia Pack, but didn’t move to the mountain until Rafe purchased the resort. When I was nine, my mother said she was leaving. I asked her to take me with her, but she said I was better off here with the pack. I didn’t understand why. I still don’t.” He choked on those words as a lump in his throat stole his voice. He sipped his hot chocolate.
“Are you all right, Damon?” Her voice was soft and concerned.
He took a deep inhale before facing her. “From now on, Sophie, no secrets. I’ll tell you everything. No matter how painful.”
“Your mother leaving you—that sounds incredibly painful.”
“It was. She left us.” His body trembled and his voice sounded strangled. “She left me. Her only child.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry.” Sophie covered her heart and then motioned to the space beside her. “Do you want to sit?”
There was nowhere he’d rather be than near her. He sat at her side and inhaled her fragrance. “Your scent. It calms me. That’s one of the signs that you’re my mate.”
Her lips parted. “One day I hope to understand that.”
He took her hand in his. “It means you’re the other half of my soul. The only one for me.”
She exhaled with a shaky breath. “That sounds so intense.”
