Page 17 of The Night Burning
6
SHANE
I almost spentthe rest of the night with Raika at her house. I really wanted to, but I was worried about Minsi. What if she had a panic attack and I wasn’t there? I knew Rue could handle her, Raika had taught her how, but I didn’t like the idea of Minsi going through that while I was enjoying myself.
I probably should have been worried about Rue finding out about Raika and me, but I didn’t. One, because I thought Rue had already put two and two together. She had seen Raika and me around each other many times, more than most wolves, and she wasn’t stupid. I was out now doing what? Working? Maybe. Possibly. But she was wise. She knew I was with someone, and that someone could only be Raika.
Truth was, I wasn’t worried about anyone finding out about Raika and me. I was damn proud of being her mate; I wanted to shout it out for everyone to hear. But I agreed with Raika. Things were wobbly. We couldn’t add gasoline to the fire.
But every time I said good night to Raika, it hurt more and more. I was incredibly satisfied and happy we had made love—finally! I had been pining over her for so damn long. But I wanted more. I wanted to cook for her, to spy as she got dressed in the mornings, to brush my teeth while she took a shower, to hold her in my sleep.
By the moon, I couldn’t wait to have her under me again … above me too. A thrill ran through me thinking … she was mine, only mine. There were plenty of other positions and things for us to explore, and I couldn’t wait.
I adjusted the sudden bulk in my pants and shook my head as I got the mug from under the coffee pot. The sun wasn’t up yet. I had slept for a measly few hours, but I was in a good mood. I sounded like a freaking sap and I couldn’t say I hated it. But it was funny. Though I had been into Raika and dreamed about her for years, I hadn’t thought beyond just winning her over. I never thought I would feel this way about anyone, that I would want the whole nine yards. And I knew I only wanted it because it was with her.
I heard Tyren coming down the stairs and frowned. When he entered the kitchen from the mudroom, I asked, “What are you doing up so early?”
“Wolf ears.” He pointed to his right ear. “You might think you’re being careful with sounds, but you’re not.”
“Your sister didn’t wake up.”
“I went to sleep late and—”
“You were playing video games.”
“That’s not what we’re discussing here.”
So there was a discussion here. I leaned on the kitchen counter and stared at him. “What are we discussing?”
“I heard you coming in late last night. Where were you?”
“I’m twenty-two. The damn alpha of this pack. I don’t need to answer to you.”
Tyren’s face closed up. “You’re a parental figure for Minsi and me. You’re our only family. You can’t go around, searching for crystals or witches to—”
I crossed the kitchen and wrapped my arms around him. Tyren was almost as tall as I was, but a lot slimmer—with the right workout, he would get there. I thought it would feel odd to embrace him like this, but damn it, he was my little brother. He had been locked in a classroom with one meal per day for a year. He saw our parents killed; he thought I had left them,him, behind.
He was afraid it was going to happen again.
Tyren stiffened at first, but after three seconds, he patted my back hard.
“I’m not going anywhere. I promise, I’ll be careful. You and Minsi are the most important thing to me.” And Raika too. “I’ll do everything I can to keep you safe.”
Tyren pushed away from me, his nose wrinkled. “Never mind what I said. I see now you were out on a mission.”
“What do you mean?”
“I smell Raika all over you.”
I gaped at him. Shit, I hadn’t considered that. “I … Hm …”
“Save it. I know you like her, and she likes you too.” He opened the kitchen cabinet and picked up an empty mug. “So is this for fun, or what? Is she your mate?”
My jaw opened, closed. I shouldn’t lie to him. “She’s my mate.”
Nodding, Tyren turned the coffeemaker back on. “I approve.”
I scoffed. I didn’t need his approval. But it was good to hear. “Thanks.”