Page 32 of Fractured Mates
“Places to enter that might be less guarded, hiding areas, where they might be holding the alpha if he’s not actually missing. Anything like that.”
My first thought is to refuse telling him anything of the sort. Pack loyalty runs deep through shifters. When I really consider my life, though, I have no pack. South Carolina isn’t my home, and whatever fleeting thought I had about coming back here, it isn’t going to be to stay.
East Texas is technically my home, but I’ve denied them in more ways than I can count. They should have ousted me the day I became an adult. The fact that they haven’t and even still had the forethought to send help my way… I know I’ve made a mistake.
Well, maybe not a mistake, but I have ignored the good things in my life for far too long and I’m done doing so.
I’ll find my family. Make sure they’re okay—again, that wolf shifter loyalty making things harder—then I’ll say my goodbyes. I need to sever ties once and for all so that I can return to Texas, watch Dawsyn become Alpha, and settle my ass down. I’m done running.
Even thinking those thoughts has my shoulders relaxing and my wolf humming in approval.
Contentment fills my body, making me feel lighter than I have since I was a young girl. I’m allowing myself this moment to accept what I’ve decided is foreign, but I know this is the right path for me.
Soul deep, there is a sense of peace that I’ve avoided for far too long. No more guilt. No more searching for distraction. No more pretending the past doesn’t exist or that it has to define who I am.
Just no more.
Before I know it, we’re back at the motel, but when Kyler stops the car, he doesn’t get out. Instead, he stares at me with concern filling his light-grey eyes. “I didn’t mean to pry about your old pack. If you don’t want to share what you know, you don’t have to. Not that you don’t already know that, just know I won’t bother you about it if?—”
I cut him off with a wave of my hand. I let my thoughts go rampant for a moment and completely forgot he’d even asked me about the pack weaknesses.
“No,” I say. “I’ll tell you what I remember. I just… I’m in a food coma. Too much chocolate.”
The lie falls easily from my lips, because there is no way in hell that I’m telling him about the revelations I’ve had tonight.
“Well, let’s get the car unloaded and to bed, then,” he says, opening his door and getting out.
I let out a sigh of relief that he doesn’t press me for more.
Getting out, I help grab bags, surprised to find bottles of water, med kits, snacks, clothes, and what appears to be useful hunting items like knives, dark clothes, and scent removal spray. Not that the latter would entirely work, but it might confuse a younger wolf for a hot second.
We get everything inside, and Kyler tosses me one of the bags he grabbed. “This has clothes for you.”
I don’t know how he knew my size and don’t ask. I don’t want to be rude when he’s actually been pretty fantastic this entire time, if I’m being honest. Well, aside from thinking that cabin was safe and throwing me out a window and…
Maybe I shouldn’t think too hard and just be grateful.
“Thanks,” I finally say before heading to the bathroom to change. I’ve been naked in front of him more than once, but the less I dislike him, the more I realize I should keep myself covered.
Why? my wolf asks. You’re having all these revelations. What about Kyler? Doesn’t he deserve one?
He might deserve it, but he’s not getting one, I say as I use the bathroom. I’ve made my choice. I want to go back to East Texas when this is all done. I want to find a home and the peace that comes with that. Kyler is a protector. He isn’t settled anywhere.
Maybe he wants the same things you do, she says. I briefly let myself wonder if that could be true, but I stop before I can get too far into that fantasy. He has a fated mate out there somewhere. I won’t risk having my heart broken for a second time.
Not even for someone who seems to understand my crass ways and doesn’t appear to be judging me for my actions.
I wash my hands and face, then get dressed. She says nothing else on the matter, because I’m right. Kyler isn’t just a hookup. He could be something more—I’m not too stubborn to deny that—and the risk is too great that he’ll stumble on his fated mate one day and forget all about us.
There is a large men’s shirt and loose sleep shorts, both black, in the bag that I assume are supposed to be pajamas. At least he didn’t get me something with flowers or hearts on them.
Lace would have been better, my wolf says, making me laugh as I change clothes.
Only in your dreams, Wolfy.
Shoving my dirty and ruined clothes into the garbage, I search the new bag for a toothbrush. Gods, he really is too good. Tucking the rest of the items into the corner of the bathroom to go through better tomorrow, I at least brush my teeth before heading to bed. It’s getting late, and it’s been a long fucking day. I’m ready for sleep, especially after all the sugar I’ve eaten.
Once finished at the sink, I open the door and step forward without really watching where I’m going, running right into Kyler. He’s standing there with his fist raised as if he were just about to knock on the door.