Chapter Six

 

Robin watched Colt carefully. His power rippled beneath her fingertips and she'd never felt so close to swooning before. The thought of it almost made her laugh but she didn't think either man would appreciate that.

So she stayed still in his arms, felt his heart tapping a steady beat against her fingertips and hers responding in kind. Was he right? Were they destined to be mates? That would go against everything she'd been taught to believe.

But that was the crux of the matter. She'd been taught what to believe. Almost thirty years old and she'd never been allowed to think for herself. Feel what was right and wrong. The Tallan was a strong guide and now her powers were beginning to fade and flicker.

She'd resigned herself to a quick death rather than fight. But being with Colt made her stronger, angrier, and determined. Somewhere along the way she'd lost that.

“Tell the men to stand guard. If he wants her, he'll have to try again.”

Something else passed between the two men, so quick she missed it. Matthias nodded and turned to leave.

“Thank you,” Colt called as the big man shut the door behind him.

“Hold that thought,” he murmured and kissed her forehead.

After locking the front door, he turned off the light in the kitchen corner and returned to her. Wave after wave of emotion assaulted her as she digested everything she'd just learned.

“You all right?” he asked, that deep voice rumbling through her.

She shook her head slightly. Someone in her Clan had been watching her, knew she was in her mating cycle? Did they sell the information? She tried to think of who would do such a thing. Who had something to gain?

Revulsion filled her as she thought of what Blackwood had planned. Her stomach turned and she fought to keep the pasta down.

“Have a seat,” Colt ordered softly, guiding her to her chair.

She didn't even know exactly what he had planned which was almost scarier. Reaching out she tried to sense if anyone was close but the power waned. More than anything, she hated feeling like her own mind was betraying her. It scared her to think things would only get worse.

She appreciated that Colt didn't pepper her with questions or platitudes. On the other hand, he probably had a lot on his mind. If he really believed they were mates—

“Stop that line of thought right there, gorgeous. Maybe I've had more time to come to the conclusion, but I know the truth when I smell it. You're my mate. And to top it off, I like you.”

“You know that after less than twenty four hours? What if I use the bathroom a hundred times a night or sing off key in the shower? What if I can't cook or I hate your friends?”

He took her hands in his and she soaked up his warmth. “You're friendly with Matthias and that's a good enough start for me. I can cook...I can heat things up,” he amended. “I can't sing and I'll be keeping your spot warm in bed no matter how many times you pee.”

That was all too easy.

“Ask me something else.”

“What do you like about me?”

“You're smart. I can see it in your eyes and hear it in your thoughts. You're not ridiculously chatty. You're down to earth and you know when to stand up for yourself. You're not a quitter. You're like me, a fighter.”

If only he knew. She almost laughed at the thought of herself as a fighter.

“So my power has nothing to do with it?”

“I like the fact that I can hear your voice in my head, but other than that, I could take it or leave it.”

Was he for real? Gorgeous men didn't fall over themselves for her. They didn't trip over their own two (er four?) feet to become her mate.

“Do you remember the day we met?” he asked.

“Of course.”

“I felt it then, how special you are. But I ran from it. I ran for ten years even though I knew the truth all along. I wanted you the entire time and I never met anyone who held a candle to you.”

He said he wasn't charming around anyone but her. Somehow she had a hard time believing that. If she had to wager a guess she'd say that he'd talked his way out of a fair share of arguments. Perhaps talked his way into women’s panties...

“I'm not blowing smoke up your skirt, Robin.”

Oh but if he would. She smiled at the thought.

“There.” He pointed his finger at her, excitement radiating through him. “That. Your smile. I've been a goner since the moment you smiled at me. It's like my whole world twists into focus and everything that was blurry becomes clear. You do that. Your presence makes me feel complete. It's the damnedest thing but I'm done denying it.”

Her smile grew because honestly, a confused werewolf was as adorable as all get out.

“How do you feel about me?” he asked, suddenly anxious.

“I might be warming up to you.”

His smile returned and she found that it had a similar effect on her. Her pulse rate sped up and the world melted away. His excitement became hers and she squeezed his hands.

“Anything in particular?”

“Your arms,” she blurted.

Then she blushed. He flexed and his biceps popped up like cantaloupes.

Laughing softly, she reached up for a squeeze.

“I like your hands. I like that you're confident and steady and protective. I like that you made sure I was safe for the ten years it took you to...figure out whatever you figured out.”

“That you're my mate,” he prompted, that devilish gleam in his eyes.

“I like that you're quick on your feet—”

“I’m quick on my feet so I can take my time later.” His brows wiggled suggestively and she felt a responding flutter behind her belly button. The man didn't lie.

“You're loyal. And you eventually come to your senses.”

He silenced any further discussion with a kiss.