Page 28 of The Protector’s Heart

“I’ve learned about the differences between your pack and his. You’re nothing like him. I’m still scared a little, but I feel like I can trust you.”

He swallowed audibly. “Your trust is everything to me. I’d die before I hurt you.”

She leaned forward, reaching for him, and he closed the distance until their lips were nearly touching. Just a heartbeat passed with them frozen there, and then their lips met. A shiver raced down her spine, and she dropped the roses, wrapping her arms around his neck. His tongue swiped over her lips and she opened them, sighing as he swept his tongue into her mouth and the first, heady taste of him filled her. He tasted as wild and spicy as he smelled, and her stomach clenched as their tongues danced together. He groaned when she scraped her short nails over his neck, and the sound rumbled in his chest like a wolfy purr. He held her close, his touch firm but gentle, as if she were made of glass and he might break her if he held her too tightly.

The kiss deepened, and a moan caught in her throat as he kneaded her back through her coat. She suddenly wished they weren’t in an SUV with a console between them, in a restaurant parking lot.

The kiss gentled between them, and they parted, both breathing hard.

“We will.”

“Will what?” He blinked at her in confusion. She thought it was adorable.

“Move in with you.”

The confusion swept away quickly and he pressed his lips to hers once more. “I won’t ever let you down, Nila. You and Jack will be safe with me, and we’ll take our time getting to know each other until you’re ready to move forward.”

His concern for her feelings made her stomach flutter.

“You’re amazing.”

“I’m lucky to have you; I don’t want to screw it up.”

She didn’t want to screw it up either. As he kissed her once more and then turned off the engine, she was reminded of her current married status. There had to be a way to divorce Damien and keep him away from Jack, too. For now, she shoved the thoughts of Damien into the far corners of her mind and watched Malachi as he opened her door and helped her out. The scent of grilled meat filled the air, and her stomach growled.

“Hungry, sweetheart?” Malachi chuckled.

“Starving.”

* * *

By the time Saturday rolled around, Nila had moved in with Malachi and they were in the final stages of clearing out her home. He could have had every omega in the pack at her house, packing and cleaning, but he wanted to be part of the process as well. He asked Jeremiah and Adam to help with the heavy lifting, since they were both strong in their human forms. Although Jeremiah couldn’t shift, Adam could, but he was an omega because he’d been badly burned when he was young and it had damaged him enough to make his wolf form weak. Nila wanted to help out, but Kammie brought Diane over to visit so Mal left her at the house.

Mia had volunteered to help with the cleaning, so she and several omegas were currently in the bedroom, making sure it was spotless so Nila could get back her security deposit.

The house had come furnished, but Nila had bought a few small pieces of furniture which were currently in the truck, and Jack’s baby toys had filled up two large boxes.

Mia came out of the bedroom with a spray bottle of window cleaner and a roll of paper towels under her arms. “That’s the last window cleaned. I’m going to clean out the kitchen cabinets since they’re empty of dishes now.”

“Thanks, Mia.”

She smiled. “You’re welcome, Mal. I like her and Jack a lot, and I want them to be with you where it’s safe.”

He picked up a floor lamp and wrapped the cord around the base. “I suppose I owe you dinner for this?”

“You’d suppose right, although I am partial to pretty, sparkly jewelry.”

He shook his head at his sister with a smile and carried the lamp out to the truck. “This is the last of it,” he told Adam.

“Okay. I’ll follow you.”

Jeremiah stayed to oversee the clean up, and Malachi got into his SUV, which was full of Nila’s things, and drove home. He couldn’t help but smile as he drove. Nila was there with Jack, waiting for him. He’d never imagined that something as simple as going home would fill him with so much joy. His wolf was practically doing cartwheels in his head.

Since Jack’s crib had been destroyed, he had bought a replacement which was now in the bedroom down the hall from the master. She’d noticed the pale blue walls and the new navy carpeting when he’d given her an official tour of the home. The other bedroom was set up as an office for him. When he and Nila had kids of their own, he’d add on to the house to make sure they had plenty of room.

He stopped in front of his house and carried a large box of dishes up the front walk. He noticed that Kammie’s car was gone. Nila, with Jack on her hip, opened the door before he could shift the box to one arm and open it.

“Hey,” she said, smiling at him.

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