Page 21 of Hers to Call
“I did, though. I approached a…a transitioning male, and I calmed him down. You’re welcome.” Her gaze raked his face with a scathing look before she walked away.
He stood stunned almost a full minute, her fire igniting his own. His bear growled in approval, before Simon rushed after her. She was standing next to her car door, her hands trembling as she grabbed her keys from her purse. He moved close until his body covered her back. Relief at feeling her curves against him made him shake.
“I’m sorry, you’re right, you handled it well.”
“Don’t talk to me like that. Ever, Simon. I won’t allow it.” Her voice was soft, but strong.
“I swear.” He also swore to himself he would get to the bottom of what made her so fearful and defensive. He kissed her neck. “Are you hurt at all?”
She nodded.
“Are you headed into work?”
She shook her head, but said nothing.
“Are you no longer speaking to me, darling?” He brushed a hand across her exposed shoulder.
She shuddered and he caught sight of her reflection in the glass. She was crying. He turned her around, and used his thumb to wipe her tears. “I’m sorry, my love.”
“It’s not you…I was scared shitless, it’s just left over adrenaline.” She sniffled, shaking her head.
He pulled her into his arms and held her tight as she let out a shuddering breath.
“I need to get back.” Her voice was muffled against his chest.
“Give me a few. Please, Calita.” His need to reassure himself that she was safe had him trembling. He marked her cheek with his scent, and inhaled at the crook of her neck, allowing the feel of her safe in his arms to soothe him and hopefully her. He sighed. “I’ll call you once I’m done dealing with this. Will you be okay driving home?”
She sighed and dabbed her eyes with the knuckles of her fingers. “It’s right up the road, I’m not a child.”
He pushed his nose into her neck. His bear rumbled out a purr using the vibrations to soothe their mate. Her arms finally wrapped around his waist and her body relaxed into his embrace.
“I’m not saying you are. You talked down a scared cub, and you’ve already admitted your adrenaline is high. You’re likely to crash soon. I just want to make sure you arrive safely.” He nipped her chin, before catching her gaze again. “Text me when you get home?”
She snorted and bumped her forehead against his shoulder.
“What?”
She looked up and kissed his cheek. “Nothing, you’re sweet. Protective. I’m realizing the difference.”
“From what?”
“Controlling,” she said and got in her car.
She was cranked up and pulling out before he realized the implications of what she said. He watched her drive off, hands on his hips, wondering at the woman who was his mate.
“Alpha.” Someone called his attention and he turned back to the scene.
Anika stood on the edge of the dissipating crowd. He inclined his head at his cousin before joining her.
“She’ll make a good alpha female.” Anika’s soft words brought no small amount of pride to him.
Calita had talked down a skittish bear, taking care of the teenager in the way only an alpha female could. He wondered if she was even aware of the instinct.
He smiled. “Now I only have to convince her to accept that. No biggie, right?”
Anika snorted out a laugh, her hands shaking as she pushed back her hair. He moved closer to his cousin, wrapping her in a hug. Her bear reached for his, seeking comfort from its alpha. He rubbed her back a moment, giving her the touch she needed to calm herself.
She sighed. “Good luck, cousin. You’ll need it. Calita is a little more independent than you’re used to.” She rubbed her cheek against his jaw and left him in the middle of the street.
