Once Mated Twice Shy(21)

“Mine.” He snarled. Jordan snarled back and launched himself at the man on the landing. A booted foot came down hard at Jordan’s snout but he ducked it. Jordan was a growling, snarling mass of teeth and fur when he sank his canines into the man’s thigh. Blood burst into his mouth filling it. Lettie screamed inside the apartment. Jordan could only hope there wasn’t another inside of the apartment with her. The man pounded on Jordan but Jordan would not let go of his thigh. As long as he had his teeth buried in the leg, the man couldn’t shift. Jordan tore at the meat of the thigh. It wasn’t a throat but it would bleed out just as fast. Jordan’s sharp teeth tore denim and flesh away from the bone of the man’s leg. The man collapsed and fell down the stairs. Jordan didn’t know if he was dead but he did know that he needed to get to Lettie. He raced back up the steps and shifted. He shouldered the door open. She was cowering under the bed shaking and terrified.

“It’s okay sweetheart. Come out. Are you okay?” Jordan helped her to her feet. Lettie jumped into his arms and wrapped herself tightly around him. “It’s okay, you’re okay.” Jordan sank down on the bed with her in his lap. She was shaking violently, her teeth were chattering and she was crying uncontrollably. He pushed the long straight light brown hair out of her face and kissed her forehead. “It’s okay.” He murmured against her temple. “I’ve got you.” Jordan sat that way for nearly an hour calming her. She eventually stopped shaking and crying.

“I thought you took care of them Jordan.” It was an accusation.

“I did. I told you the truth. The six that attacked you are dead. One maybe two of them today are dead. The third showed me his throat. He was only hungry and meant you no harm. The one outside of your door may heal but he’ll always limp if he doesn’t bleed out first.” Lettie nodded.

“Take me home Jordan. I don’t want to stay here anymore. It’s not safe.”

“Thank God you’ve come to your senses.” He chuckled. “Are your dishes packed?” She shook her head. “We’ll come back tomorrow for them then.” Jordan carried her down the steps into the grocery store. The man at the bottom was dead. No one could recover from that much blood loss. Jordan stepped over him and held her head tightly keeping her face buried in his neck. His mate did not need to see that. Jordan took long easy strides past the service deli where the red wolf was still eating. He glanced up as they passed but didn’t move. They all looked hungry. Perhaps he should have spoken to the first one. He grimaced. The one on the stairs deserved what he got, he’d threatened Jordan’s mate but the first was only eating. Jordan regretted what he’d done but it was too late to change things now. He picked his cell phone up from the seat once he buckled her into the passenger seat. He dialed Thompson and explained what happened. He also told him that Lettie would not be living there anymore. Thompson heartily agreed. He called his betas next to help with clean up.

Jordan drove to the alpha house and turned the motor off. “I’m glad that you decided to come home Lettie.” Jordan looked over at her. “I know that we can work things out.”

“I said that I wanted to go home, this isn’t my home. My home is down the street there.” She pointed.

“No.” His eyes flashed. “You will stay here. Whether it is in my bed or in a guest room, you will stay here. I’m tired Lettie. I don’t want to argue, I won’t argue. Get your ass in the house. That’s an order from your alpha.” A growl rumbled in his chest. Lettie hurried out of the truck and up the steps. She decided on a guest room. As far as she was concerned, she and Jordan were no more. Sure, he’d saved her but that was an alpha’s job, wasn’t it?” Jordan opened her bedroom door inside the house. “I see.” He took a deep breath. “If this is how you want it, then so be it. You are a guest here, as one I expect you to behave. You will do your share, you will keep your room clean, and you will help with chores. As the only guest in this house, you will have plenty to do.”

“My share?” Her brows rose. “What does that mean exactly?”

“You will tend to the book keeping, plus some cooking, cleaning and laundry.” She nodded. That was fair. She did it all when they lived together before. I expect you to be kind and generous, nothing more, and nothing less. I understand that you don’t want anything to do with me but I will keep you safe whether you like it or not.” She nodded and Jordan stepped out of the room closing the door quietly. He went to his room and she heard the lock snap. She scoffed. As if, he had to worry about her climbing into his bed at night no matter how sexy he was. She crossed her arms over her chest and sighed.