To Save His Mate(36)
“That I’m a werewolf.”
And there was the elusive flaw to her perfect Prince Charming. He was a closet nut job!
“Sure you are, and I’m a fairy princess.” Rolling her eyes at their ridiculous conversation and wiggling out of bed, she put on her robe before asking, “Did you forget any important medication today?” Sitting back on the bed, she waited.
His answering sigh sounded almost resigned as he rose from the bed. Thinking he was getting ready to leave, Lacy reached out her hand, only to snatch it back when his form began to shimmer out of focus.
Scrubbing her eyes with her fists, Lacy opened them only to find the beige wolf—in real life—staring at her from where it lay on the floor. A quick glance around the room showed no sign of Ethan, yet the seemingly docile canine next to the bed continued to regard her with a look of longing.
Lacy, however, knew enough about wild animals to keep her guard up. She was well aware of how many animals turned on their owners, especially those who were never meant to be kept as pets, so she slowly pulled her gun from beneath her pillow.
Upon seeing her weapon, the wolf lowered its head to his massive paws and emitted a pitiful whine, even as Lacy felt a crushing wave of sorrow engulf her.
She hadn’t felt grief like that since the day she’d buried her parents. Now, thoroughly confused and on the brink of tears, she zeroed in on the clearly distraught creature. “Ethan?”
Silver eyes rolled up to stare back at her, and Lacy’s breath stalled.
It can’t be!
This couldn’t be happening! Werewolves weren’t real!
Head in one hand and her gun in the other, now at her side, Lacy tried to focus on her breathing, keeping her breaths slow and even, lest she pass out.
She was so lost in her jumbled thoughts that when the bed dipped next to her, she flailed, afraid the wolf had come too near. The warm arms that wrapped around her though were definitely human, and Lacy was in such a state, she didn’t know whether to push Ethan away or cling to him.
“I understand that this scares you. It scares me, too, but just hear me out.”
Not knowing what else to do, Lacy gave a nod of her head and waited to hear what he had to say.
Chapter Thirteen
Ethan was an emotional wreck. He’d been so unbelievably happy when he’d realized that Lacy was his mate, though he wasn’t sure how he hadn’t figured it out sooner. Now, he was nervous, since he was about to reveal just how close their lovemaking had bound them, and terrified that she’d reject him when all was said and done.
“Well, you didn’t shoot me, and I’m grateful for that,” he began, gently relieving her of her firearm and setting it in the drawer of her nightstand. “Lacy, do you believe in soul mates?”
“I don’t know what I believe in anymore.” Her voice was small, and she sounded so lost Ethan couldn’t help but give her another squeeze. He took the fact that she didn’t pull away as a positive sign.
“Let me explain. When one of my kind finds their destined mate, a soul-bond is formed once they make love. That’s what we experienced here tonight.” Ethan made sure to keep his voice low and soothing. He could feel her nervousness coming through their bond now, and there was some fear mixed in, as well. That’s what was killing him. “I’m now able to feel you through this connection, just like you can now feel me,” he explained. “That sensation of love you felt was from me.”
“You’re telling me that we know what the other is thinking?” Her puzzled violet eyes turned to his, and Ethan felt their impact like a vise around his heart. She wanted to understand yet was so hesitant to believe.
“No, sweetheart, I can’t read your mind. I can simply sense your emotions. Right now, I can feel your confusion, your nervousness, too, but it’s the fear that’s tearing me up.” Holding her close, Ethan tucked her head against his chest, stroking his hand over her silky hair. “Please don’t be afraid of me, Lacy. I couldn’t bear it.”
“This is too much,” she whispered, a fine tremor running through her small frame. “I don’t think I can—”
“Don’t. Please. Just take a day or so to think about it,” he urged, already feeling her slipping through his fingers but ready to do all in his power to keep her. “Talk to Stephanie or Sarah if you want. They’re married to my brothers, after all. Just please don’t quit on us. I just found you, Lacy. It would kill me to lose you.”
Now, if only she knew the truth in that statement.
Us.
Lacy had to admit, she’d longed for a serious relationship with Ethan, but this went right past serious and straight into The Twilight Zone.