He chose to ignore that statement and instead reached down and smacked her on the ass. “Inside, babe.”
She glared at him for a moment and then turned and stomped her way through the double doors that led to the hospital and the mess he wanted to avoid.
Lucky for him, she had an incredible ass so watching her walk away was hardly a hardship. Now to get through the human authorities and the hospital red tape so he could get her out of here.
The vague info she mentioned about how hard the baby had been on her body already had him concerned. He wanted some answers on just how fragile his mate was. He could dial back his ardor for her if he had to, although it would be damned hard. Months of craving her had made everything so much more intense. He’d need to remember to go slow and easy. Mating season and the ability to bite and turn her was pretty far off.
However, he saw absolutely no reason he couldn’t worship her body one inch at a time right now. His mouth watered at the thought.
Oh yeah. He adjusted his pants. He could hardly wait.
6
Dani stepped into Creed’s home with him close at her heels. Her stomach roiled from the jangled nerves caused by the last several hours.
“Go ahead and take a seat, babe. I’m going to put your bags in the back bedroom and then I’ll see about making us something to eat.”
She pressed her hand to her belly. “I’m not sure I can eat right now.”
He stopped mid stride down a long hall and turned back to her. “Why not? Is something wrong?”
She waved him off. “I’m fine. Just a lot to take in.”
He said something she didn’t hear as he disappeared through a door. She glanced around the combination living room and kitchen area. It wasn’t especially large, but it wasn’t as tiny as it could have been. Definitely bigger than the apartment she reluctantly called home. The furniture in the living area was dark and worn, but instead of looking old it just looked comfy. She liked the look of his brown suede couch and went for that first. Dani removed her shoes and curled into the corner, tucking her feet under her bottom as she sank into the cushion.
The overwhelming stress of the explosion and almost kidnapping had taken their toll. She was exhausted. She closed her eyes and took a deep, calming breath determined to find a semblance of peace for thirty seconds.
“Would you like a blanket?” Creed had silently returned.
“No, thank you. I’m comfortable,” she answered.
“How do you feel about grilled cheese and tomato soup?” he asked. “Or I could make something more involved. I’m not the best cook on the island, but I can get by. I only suggested the other because it’s quick and easy and I learned it makes an excellent meal when you don’t feel so great.”
Dani opened her eyes and lifted her head. “You learned? First hand?”
He smiled at her with more than a touch of sadness in his eyes. Uh oh.
“My mother used to make it for me all the time when I was little.”
She sat a little straighter. This was the first time he’d ever spoken about his family. She wanted to know more, but was a little scared to go there.
She lowered her voice hoping the question didn’t go too far. “Where is your mother now?”
“She’s gone.” His tone turned flat. “We were in a head on collision when I was seven. Sawyer and I were in the backseat and my mom was driving us to soccer practice.”
Her stomach lurched. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to bring something like that up.”
He shrugged. “Bound to come up at some point. We’ll be living together from now on so it makes sense.”
Whoa. His assumptions coming out of left field were killing her. And after the obvious sensitive information about his mother she hated to get into this with him now...
But he gave her no choice.
“Yeah, about that. I’m still not sure this is a great idea.”
Creed sighed. “What would you prefer I do? Leave you at your apartment alone? Wait.” He held up his hand to emphasize his command. “Don’t answer that because you’re probably going to piss me off."
“Look, I’m really not trying to piss you off.” Although his words were beginning to seriously annoy her. “Ever since finding out about the shapeshifting thing I’ve been trying to deal with a lot. And it just keeps on piling up. I always thought having an exciting life would be right up my alley, but right now I’d just like some peace and quiet. Maybe a little boring mixed in too.”
Creed stalked toward her, a slight smirk on his face. “Don’t count on boring, baby. But if you give me the chance I can make you safe and you’ll get your quiet moments when you really need them.” He winked.