Page 53 of Her Bossy Wolf Protector

I can feel the heat rise in my cheeks as I avoid her gaze. The last thing I need is for Mariya to know just how much I fantasize about Jade, naked and in my bed. And all the bedroom antics we could get into. “That…among many other things,” I backtrack.

She has a knowing smile on her face as she leans into me. “I would wager that there is more going on. Are you thinking about Isabella?”

I start. Isabella was the furthest thing from my mind. “Actually, no. But now that you mention it, I know this is different. Deep in my bones, I know that Jade is my mate. Before, with Isabella, I had thought she was. I loved her, but she wasn’t fated to be mine. I understand the difference, now.” I breathe a sigh of relief, knowing it to be true.

“Actually, I’m worried that being different species might be difficult to navigate. She knows nothing about the world she was meant to grow up in. This could be a difficult path for the two of us.”

Mariya looks at me, contemplating, “Yes, but being fated means that you will work through it together. You share a bond that will carry you through any trials. And when it comes time to consider children, please remember that I am a witch…”

“Like I could ever forget?” I smirk at her.

“Good. I can prepare a potion to ensure there will be no difficulties. The only unknown will be the species of each child. Some will be wolven, and some will be fairies.”

My mind whirls with possibilities, imagining a life where we’re not just navigating our differences but bringing children into it. It’s a lot to take in, but it’s an exciting look into our future.

I’ll do anything to protect Jade and keep her with me. Which reminds me…

“I haven’t told her that she’s my fated mate. It’s a lot to take in. Yesterday, she didn’t know anything about the supernatural world, now her whole life has been turned upside down. I don’t want to scare her away. So, how do I protect her without telling her Imustprotect her? Ineedto protect her,” I ask.

Mariya looks at me intensely. “You'll figure it out. There will be creatures after her blood. You have to keep her safe.”

The reality of what that means settles over me. “You’re right.”

Mariya is calm as she says, “I think the first thing is to talk to her about all of this.”

I take a deep breath. This was not at all what I had on my mind, especially after all the revelations. And especially after last night.

I will need to find the right time to discuss this with her. She needs to understand just how serious all this is.

“I will talk to her.”

And that is when the door creaks open, and Jade walks in. “Talk to me right now.”

Damn it! I was so caught up that I completely missed hearing her outside the door, and judging by the look on her face, she heard a lot of it.

Mariya smiles, “I think I will give you two some space to talk.” Then she walks out, leaving Jade and me alone.

Jade’s uncertainty about her heritage comes up first. “Gabriel, I don’t understand how I could be a fairy when both my parents seemed completely human.”

I can see the confusion etched on her face. “I’ll help you figure it out, Jade. We’ll find the answers together. We are mates. We are in this together.”

“Mates? We haven’t known each other that long, Gabriel. Shouldn’t we date first?”

I explain fated mates to her and tell her that I know we are fated, even though we are different species.

“But is that supposed to happen? I’m not a werewolf. How can I be your mate? Are you saying I don’t have a choice in this?”

“Jade, it’s not like that. Choice doesn’t really enter into the conversation because there’s an undeniable bond when you are fated. We want… weneedto be together. Don’t you feel it?”

“Well, I must admit, I feel things with you that I’ve never felt before. I am drawn to you like no other.”

“That’s it! You feel it, too! Just wait until we complete the mating bond. We will be unstoppable. Nothing will come between us.”

“There’s a mating bond?”

I explain and we talk about what it means to activate the mating bond. Hoping for a positive response, I ask, “Are you considering it?”

Her reaction is tense, and she hesitates. “I need time to think about it,” she says uncertainly. “I need to make a decision that keeps me safe, Gabriel. What if us being together puts me in danger?”

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