Chapter 23
Croy
My wolf rumbled aggressively as we neared the airport and security let us through the gate. I hated this. I hated how many people there were and I hated how Maya had to see humanity like this. She was clearly so new to this world, something I found far more attractive than I would have expected.
Then again, I thought I’d nearly had a heart attack when she stepped down those stairs.
Have you ever had a moment where things seem to slow? Like truly nearly stop. In the over two centuries I’d been on this plane, I’d never in my life had a moment like that. When her soft voice had echoed through the space every part of me had collided towards her to the symphony of ‘mate.’ She was my mate. Mine.
Rationally, I knew she wasn’t only mine, but I wasn’t 100% positive that mattered right now. My hand closed over her thigh as we moved through the gates and a small pulsating moment of pride hit me because I could tell my touch affected her. Her breathing quickened and legs shifted, making me want to stop the car and pull her over the center console.
I couldn’t though.
I knew she wasn’t ready for that, no matter how badly I wanted to sink right into her.
It was odd seeing this group of men so damn possessive over someone. Not only that, but it was like she’d softened the entire space. Not to say they were cruel or mean before, but to people outside of their group? They weren’t exactly fantastic. I mean, Marco was well known enough the human crime syndicates stayed the fuck away from his territories.
I was distracted enough by my thoughts that when a figure darted out in front of my car, I threw on the breaks and Maya squeaked. My lips pressed together as the paparazzi snapped photos of the two of us, airport security moving their slow, lazy asses over to get him. Maya watched with confusion and interest before I tried to distract her.
“Sugar?” I asked quietly.
“Yes?” She turned toward me slightly as I drove closer to the plane. I hadn’t left LA in forever and leaving now seemed like no big deal because the much bigger deal was her.
“What’s your favorite color?” I asked curiously as I parked my car. Looking around, I saw we’d passed tighter security so I got out and rounded it, so she could answer me. I helped her out and she tossed me a smile, straightening her purse.
“Pink,” she chimed. “Oh, and glitter!”
Of course it was.I never thought someone so feminine would appeal to me considering my life-style but I had to admit, the shit just made me want to wrap her up forever. We walked up the plane steps right as the other SUV made it in and I followed her back to a cushioned seat. She yawned and stretched her body like a sated kitten.
“I’m glad you are coming with us,” she whispered.
I smiled as she tucked her head against my chest and fell asleep. I was glad that made her happy because I wasn’t sure I could leave at this point.
The one thing I was thankful for? Despite their frustration, they understood better than anyone to not try to stop mated situations. So here I was and no one was trying to stop this. I would lose my shit if they did and it helped that Maya said she wanted me here.
As everyone loaded onto the plane, I shared a look with Henry because, for the first time in nearly two centuries, I was feeling something so strong I could barely describe it.