“I’m sorry,” she said.
“Good.” Daniel got to his feet and removed the silk tying her to the bed. He’d love to keep her bound, but it wasn’t what he had to do.
Once she was released and sitting up, he noticed she didn’t rub at her wrists or ankles like other women did. “Call your father.”
He pointed to the phone at the side of the bed.
“If I use that phone he’ll know where the call is coming from. I may as well tell him where I am.”
“It’s a personal and private line, Dawn. Untraceable. He can try to find you, but unless you give a location, he won’t.” He folded his arms over his chest and watched her type in her father’s number.
“Hey, Dad, it’s me, Dawn.”
“What’s the matter, honey? Do you need a ride or something?” her father asked. Daniel was able to listen to the conversation. Wolves had brilliant hearing.
“No, no. I just wanted to let you know I wouldn’t be back home for a couple of days. I’m going to stay with a couple of girlfriends and have some fun.” She looked up at him.
Daniel waited.
“Honey, are you sure you’re okay? You don’t sound fine.”
“I’m sure. I’m fine. Nothing is wrong with me. I’m calling so you don’t worry and send out a search party.” She forced a laugh. Daniel watched her knowing in his heart he needed to fix what had gone wrong during her transition.
“Okay, honey. I’ll see you when you get back. Keep in touch.”
“I will.”
They said their goodbyes, and she put the phone back in the cradle.
“Do you feel pain?” he asked. He didn’t know why, but his gut was telling him something wasn’t right. Every other sub would be wincing at the spanking he’d given her, yet Dawn didn’t respond or show any sign of being aware of it.
She looked up at him. “Yes, I feel pain. My dad doesn’t have a true mate of his own. He settled down for the strongest female in the pack. She’s my mother.”
“You’ve never mentioned your mother.”
“She’s not the kind of person I like to talk about.” She dropped her gaze again, and he sensed the hate inside her.
“Why?”
She blew out a breath before running her fingers through her hair. “I don’t know. I just don’t.”
“You don’t mention her, and you didn’t ask about her. Why?”
“My mom, she’s not the greatest example of a mother.”
Daniel waited for her to continue. “You’re not going to say anymore?” he asked when she showed no signs of saying anything more.
“No. My mom is not a topic we need to discuss.”
The fact she didn’t want to discuss her mother meant it was a more important topic to talk about. Daniel stayed silent, filing the information away ‘til later.
“Okay, right, grab your bag. We’re going to head to my place,” he said.
“Now?”
“Yes.” He took her hand in his, and he walked toward the bar. She didn’t fight him as he placed her on the stool. “Stay here. I’ll be back to collect you shortly.”
Leaving her alone, he went into the far security office where he found Jake staring at the screens.
“I need you to spread the word that until further notice my house is off limits to the pack. Tell them if they need me they’re to call me and I’ll deal with whatever problems they have.”
“Why can’t we come to the house?” Jake asked.
“I’m taking Dawn with me.”
“You’ve finally got her to admit you’re mates?”
Daniel shook his head. “Will you do this for me?”
“Consider it done. I’ll put the word out immediately.” Jake took out his cell phone and started to type. “Are you sure about this?”
He stopped to look at his friend. “She’s my other half, Jake. I’m sure, and I’m going to fix whatever has been broken inside her.” He looked at the security cameras. “Please keep this place in order.” He nodded at the men then left the room.
Walking back to the bar he watched Dawn sipping from a straw. She always ordered a soda, a clear cream soda. Her eyes were closed as she enjoyed the taste of her drink.
Running a hand down his face, he wondered if he was doing the right thing in taking her back home with him.
Ours.
Dawn was his mate, the other half of him, and he’d be damned if he let her get away. He touched her shoulder as he approached. She jerked at his touch yet didn’t pull away.
“Finish your drink and then we’re going.”
“Can I ask you a question?” Her brown eyes were wide as she stared at him.