Page 42 of Fallout
He snorts. “You’re likely right. I think your dad just needs time to get used to the idea of you having a soulmate.”
That sounds more like it.
Parker studies me carefully. “So, you’re not freaked out by the fact that I asked your dad’s permission to propose to you?”
I shake my head. “No. Why would I be?”
His grin grows wider. “I knew you wouldn’t be scared.”
“Seriously, Parker, why would I freak out?” I ask. “Like you said, we’re soulmates. It’s not like I’m going to change my mind in ten years. To be honest, I probably would’ve said yes, even without the bond. I’ve been in love with you pretty much since the first day when you brought me food.”
“I didn’t know what kind of supernatural you were.” His cheeks turn pink. “I didn’t want you to be hungry, especially if you were a shifter.”
“It was sweet.”
Parker slips his arm around me and I relax into his side, resting my head on his chest. He kisses the top of my head and I sigh, feeling completely content. But then something nags at my conscience.
I chew on my bottom lip, looking up at Parker. “Hey, I have something I should tell you.”
“What is it?”
“The day after the full moon, I went for a walk on my own. When I did, I ran into the supernatural that’s like me.”
Parker’s entire body stiffens. “Henley…”
“He wants to help me learn how to control my powers. I told him that he should talk to you, but he’s extremely skittish of wolf shifters. I think that he must’ve been hurt by shifters or something,” I admit.
“It doesn’t matter what kind of history he has with shifters. If he wants to talk to you, it will be with me around. I don’t want you talking to him without me, not until we know if he’s a danger or not.” Parker’s eyes flash gold with the threat.
“I know. I’m sorry.” I wish there was something I could do to convince the guy that Parker’s pack isn’t to be feared. “It’s frustrating that he won’t tell me what I am. He knows.”
“We don’t need him to tell you,” Parker says. “We’re going to figure it out without his help. And when we do, I will help you control your powers.”
I nod, letting him know I heard, but I’m not fully convinced. It’s been months and we’re no closer to figuring it out now than when I arrived in September.
I sigh, leaning back in my seat. “Are you mad at me for talking to him?”
He frowns but shakes his head. “Yes. No.” He sighs. “I understand that you’re curious about him, but I hope you understand how dangerous this guy is. Please stop talking to him—stop running off without a bodyguard. It’s my job to protect you and you’re making it difficult.”
I chew on my bottom lip and nod.
He’s right. I should stop running off on my own. The guy might be like me, but we don’t know anything about him. For all we know, he could be a deranged serial killer. If he refuses to speak to me with my mate present then I simply won’t talk to him. Parker is only doing this to look out for me.
“I promise I won’t do it anymore,” I say.
His entire body relaxes at my promise. I didn’t realize how much this was bothering him. It makes me realize that we’ve got to work on our communication. Just because we’re soulmates doesn’t mean that everything is going to be easy or perfect. We’ve still got to put in an effort to make our relationship work.
“Since you won’t tell me where we’re going, will you at least tell me what this trip is about?” I relax back into my seat.
The fact that my dad is allowing me to skip school and leave the country with Parker and his dad means this must be something important.
Parker hesitates, then sighs. “We’re going to talk to somebody who might know what you are.”
I perk up at that. “Really?”
He nods. “I know how much it bothers you that you don’t know. It doesn’t make any difference to me what you are, I will love you regardless. But if learning keeps you from talking to dangerous supernaturals, I’ll do it.”
“I do want to know,” I admit. “Maybe it could help me figure out why my parents left me. Maybe they didn’t want to do it—maybe they had to.”