Page 50 of Curvy Alpha Bride
“Well, neither did I. I lived here for six months and had no problems. The others really thought the danger had passed.”
I look over at the dark windows, seeing the faint reflection of Ivan’s back against the glass. Not so long ago, seeing them out there scared the fuck out of me. Now I’m glad they’re protecting us.
“Xavier, we’re bound together now.”
“Yes.”
“That means you have to make the best possible decision for me, at all times.”
“Yes. And I will, I promise you.”
“That means you have to get me out of here.”
“What?”
“You know it’s true. I’m in all kinds of danger here. If we are truly mated for life, then I’m your priority. At the first opportunity, you have to get me out of danger. Out of this town.”
Xavier stares at me, his eyes full of turmoil. Eventually, he reaches for my hand and squeezes it firmly.
“You’re right. My mate is always my first consideration. I can’t do anything to help the people in this town unless I know you’re safe, back home in Cyan Lock.”
Hearing him say those words relaxes me completely. My muscles suddenly go loose, and tension eases out of my joints.
“You mean it?” I say. “You’ll get me out of here, no matter what?”
“I swear it,” Xavier states. “I’ll protect you and get you home.”
I reach out and hug him—could almost kiss him, but stop myself just in time.
I haven’t forgiven him, no way. And I’m not about to jump into his pants again. But if we have to be bound together, at least I know he’s finally on my side.
We get some pillows and blankets, setting up a bed in front of the fire. I don’t curl up next to Xavier, and I make sure there is plenty of space between us as we settle down to sleep.
But when he reaches for my hand, I don’t pull away. Instead, I let the warm touch of his skin comfort me, and it allows me a small glimmer of hope that we might have a future.
Chapter 18 - Xavier
“Xavier.”
I hear my name called so softly, it barely penetrates my dream. At first, I wonder if the creature is taunting me, but as I open my eyes, I realize someone is knocking on the door.
I get up quickly, trying not to wake Mabel. It’s amazing she was able to fall asleep at all after yesterday’s stress, and I want her to get as much rest as she can.
When I open the door, Serra’s hard, pale blue eyes greet me. We glare at each other, neither of us backing down, until I start to wonder if we will have to fight.
She was pretty serious yesterday, and I’m not about to forget the way she treated me and Mabel. I don’t care what she’s had to deal with—her behavior is unacceptable!
I step out onto the front porch, closing the door behind me as I turn to face my aunt again. Her eyes glitter with threat, and I feel adrenaline rush deep within me.
I’ll take all of you on if I have to!
“Xavier.”
Aunt Finnah pushes her sister out of the way and comes over to hug me. I melt into her embrace, feeling her love surround me and comfort me as it has my whole life.
“Mom,” I whisper, finally beginning to realize I’ll never be able to call her anything else.
“My son,” she murmurs, stroking the back of my head as I lay my head on her shoulder.
