Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 64392 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 322(@200wpm)___ 258(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64392 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 322(@200wpm)___ 258(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
He takes it from me and makes a call. “Bardo. I need a fresh supply of clothing to my location and transport for five.”
“We’re not going anywhere with you,” my aunt hisses. “Colton’s already run.”
“My pack will hunt him down.”
Next thing I know, an empty, faded floral dress is sitting on the kitchen floor, and my aunt is gone, fleeing just as she promised.
“Ruby? Beer!” My uncle’s voice comes from the nearby room. I don’t think he’s aware of what’s going on. He’s as caught in the middle of this as I am. I’ve never felt sorry for him before, but I think I might now. He’s been abandoned by his wife and son, and I know Cain is going to try to get answers, whatever they are, out of him.
“That’s my uncle,” I explain. “He’s sick. He won’t know anything. His brain doesn’t work so well anymore. He drank far too much for far too long.”
“Understood,” Cain says.
He’s very naked, and very, very handsome. Seeing him handle my familial tormentors is about the hottest thing I’ve ever witnessed. He’s protected me against the monsters who lurk in the very core of my psyche. He’s silenced the voice that tells me I’m worth nothing and will never amount to anything.
The sound of helicopter blades beats the air as Bardo comes in on the helicopter to bring Cain clothes and backup. I just know Cain has made a scene in St. Infernus that will be the source of gossip for years to come.
The pilot lands, and the guy who must be called Bardo comes out of the helicopter. He’s the most intimidating guy, next to Cain, that I’ve ever seen. He’s even taller than Cain, and he has the beard of a special forces soldier, not to mention the cool gaze of one. I saw him around at Denholm, but there he was just one of dozens of incredibly good looking, intimidatingly together people. Out here in St. Infernus, he’s an outlier.
He has clothes for Cain. A white shirt, dress pants, socks, and shoes. In a couple minutes, Cain looks every inch the billionaire he is once more.
“There are two wolves on the run, a mature female and a younger male. I want them both captured and brought back to Denholm. See what we can do for the old man in the next room.”
Bardo nods, taking orders without question. There’s something about his bearing, not to mention the confidence Cain seems to have giving the orders, that makes me think this is one of his most trusted pack members.
Cain nudges me, and I realize I’ve been staring.
“I need to have a shower,” I stammer. “And get changed.”
“There should be a change of clothes for you too,” Cain says. “Is there, Bardo?”
“Yes.”
Bardo barely speaks aside from when he absolutely has to. He’s kind of absolutely terrifying. I am glad to escape back to the grungy old bathroom and have a shower under lukewarm water, wash the filth of the previous days from my skin and hair while playing the image of Cain shifting and then un-shifting over and over in my head. I do not know what I did to deserve him. He is absolutely the most incredible man I have ever met.
He came for me.
I ran, and he came, even though he must have thought about not doing that. Or maybe he didn’t. Maybe he meant what he said when he told me that I am his mate and that I belong to him forever. Maybe he’s not escapable. That’s an exciting, frightening thought.
There’s a tap at the door.
“Come in?” I call out somewhat timorously.
“There’s some clothes for you here,” he says as he comes in.
He’s brought me a very comfortable pale beige jumpsuit and matching sneakers. It’s the sort of outfit that probably costs thousands even though it looks casual. He stands in the bathroom and watches me dry myself and put the clothes on. I don’t mind. His presence feels protective, though I know I don’t deserve it.
“Why did you come for me?” I mumble the question, deeply embarrassed, knowing I don’t deserve his attention.
“You’re my mate.”
It really is that simple for him.
“So that’s it. I’m your mate, and it doesn’t matter if I’m human trash?”
“Coming from humble beginnings does not make you trash, Kira.”
“I mean, it doesn’t matter what I do, I’m just your mate, and it’s that simple?”
“I don’t recommend you push the boundaries of that. You won’t like the results. But yes. It is that simple.”
I fall silent, feeling guilty for having asked. What a mess I’ve made for him. And it just keeps getting worse.
“Why do you want to find my aunt and cousin? What do you think will come of it?”
“I want to know your family. Where you come from. Your bloodlines. Who your father is. Who you are.”