“I won’t.” She meant it.
He bent slowly, and kissed the top of her head. The gesture was so sweet, so protective, it left her insides quaking. That was her cook, always looking out for her. What had she done to deserve his loyalty? She wanted to be worthy of him, but the truth was he was too good for her.
Eagan edged the door open. “Bethany,” he said.
Clara recognized the name. It was the woman from the spa.
“You alone?” Eagan asked.
“Yes. Can I come in?”
He hesitated, but finally flung the door wide for her to walk through.
“I came to check on your guest,” she informed as she made her way toward the couch which sat adjacent to the bed. A single half wall separated the living area and the bedroom. “Oh! Hi there.” She smiled brightly as she spotted Clara.
Clara attempted a smile, but it was early, and she hadn’t talked to anyone but Eagan in too many years. And the only other person she’d come in contact with wanted to “deal” with her and kill Eagan. So she wasn’t exactly ready to buddy up to any of them.
“I see you aren’t bound and gagged as Magic might have suggested.”
Clara frowned. None of that. Eagan had been a little saucy, but never cruel.
“Fucking kidding me,” Eagan muttered, running a hand through his hair. “I wouldn’t hurt my mate. I’m not a monster.”
Bethany looked at him. “I know. The others too. Nobody believes you’re going to mate her.”
Eagan stiffened.
“Unless… are you going to mate her?”
His eyes flashed to Clara and then to the ground.
“What are you doing here, Bethany?”
“Checking on your sweetheart. Like I said. Magic told me she was human, so I thought another human face might cheer her up.”
“You’re not a cat-woman?” Clara managed.
Bethany smiled so friendly, Clara relaxed a notch. “Nope. I’m as human as they come.” She stepped forward with her hand outstretched. “I’m mated to Renner. He’s the cat. Like Eagan. So, I kind of get what you’re going through right now.”
Slowly, Clara raised her own hand and gave the woman’s a single shake before dropping it.
“Did…” Should she ask? Was it too personal? “Did Renner get kicked out when he mated you?”
Bethany cocked her head to one side, considering the question. “No. But we kind of consider that a Christmas miracle.”
Clara moved to the side of the bed, tossing a glance at Eagan. He stood against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest staring at the floor. She looked at Bethany.
“I don’t want to get him in trouble,” she said quietly.
She knew he’d hear, but so what. It had been weighing on her conscience ever since he’d thrown her over his shoulder and marched her to his cabin. His kindness knew no bounds apparently. Or he felt some obligation to keep her out of trouble. Whatever the case, it wasn’t fair for him to lose his family over her.
Bethany’s lips curled into a sad smile. “Oh, you’re special,” she whispered. Not in a condescending way. But like she was truly surprised. She turned her attention toward Eagan. “I wonder if there’s such a thing as a Halloween miracle?” She raised one eyebrow at him.
“I hope so,” he muttered almost to himself, and kicked his foot up on the wall behind him. His stance was casual, but his expression was anything but.
Bethany stepped closer to him, and Clara had the urge to glue herself to his side.
“None of us think you’re a monster, Eagan. You just need to explain to them what’s happening. Especially Magic. He’s taking this hard.”
What was happening? Clara wanted to tell them to quit speaking in code and explain this to her.
Eagan nodded. “Yeah. Maybe you’re right.” His tone didn’t sound convinced.
“Bailey’s manning the kitchen. Renner and Owyn are talking Magic down. Layna is taking care of business. Everything is going to be fine. Just… tell him. Tell him what I see here. Make him understand.” She hesitated. “Like Renner did.”
Eagan gave her another non-committal nod.
Bethany shot Clara an encouraging smile and then strolled to the door. “Tell her too, Eagan. Nothing sucks worse than being a human in the dark.”
Clara agreed with that statement. Wholeheartedly.
***
Eagan held his mate’s hand as they took the path through the woods that would lead them back to the lodge. He was going to talk to Magic. All he could do was try. If the man refused to listen, then he would take Clara and go. They’d make their own way. Without a clan.
If she wanted him.
His stomach knotted at the thought that she might not want to share this life with him.