Page 36 of Shadow of Fury
“I know what you’re doing here.”
“Oh, smarter than you look aren’t you? I work here.”
He didn’t bite at the sarcastic remark, “I know the reason you work here. The real reason, Wren. You hate my father. Everyone hates my father. But despite everything that’s happened you still decided to work for him.”
“I already told you, I have bills to pay.”
“No, you have questions, and you think the answers are somewhere in this office.” His throat felt tight and he knew he was walking a fine line to the dreaded choking sensation that kept secrets he’d rather not keep at bay, but he pushed on anyway, “I can promise you, they’re not.”
She glared at him, “Because you know the answers but you won’t tell me.”
“I. Can’t.” he ground out.
“But you call me your mate.” she scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Mates don’t have secrets.”
“Don’t be naïve. Of course they do.”
He could see her jaw tense but she didn’t immediately come back with another barb so he pushed his advantage and moved closer to her. He was drawn to her like a magnet. Close wasn’t close enough. Even though he’d only come here to talk to her, he needed more and the voice in the back of his head taunted that he’d known exactly what he really wanted before he walked in here.
“Wren,” he spoke her name softly, pulling her attention back to him. “You can’t work here anymore.”
She bristled, “You can’t fire me. You’re not the Alpha.”
“Yet.” he reminded and she hissed.
“You don’t get to lie to me, keep secrets from me, and then tell me what to do.”
“I’m trying to keep you safe.”
“Safe?” She rolled her eyes. “From what? Papercuts?”
He stepped closer again, “From what my father will do if he figures out you’re sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong.”
“I hate to break it to you but he’s not exactly in fighting shape.”
“He doesn’t have to be. He’s the Alpha, Wren. He can do worse to you than give you a bruised face like whoever hit you.”
“I told you, I ran into a cabinet.”
“And I told you I don’t believe you.”
“I don’t care what you believe, and I don’t care what you say, I’m not giving up this job.”
“It’s not safe. Being here isn’t safe.”
“Why?” she raised her voice, “Tell me why, Logan!”
“I can’t.”
“Tell me.” She shoved him in the chest.
“Wren, I can’t.”
“Tell me why you need to keep me safe?”
“Because you’re my mate.”
“Then tell me the truth.” There was pleading mixed with her anger now and his heart ached with the words that were trapped inside of him.