Poppy needed it. She was desperate for it. She wanted to scream for her mom. To beg for help.
In the background, she heard the sound of the doorbell.
Arms surrounded her, and she waited as she was moved. Within seconds, the pain started to evaporate. Opening her eyes, her vision returned, and she was shocked to see Klaus standing right in front of her.
He held her face in his hands. “I’ve got you. I’ve got you.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I’m … I was … I … you’re welcome. I was being responsible here for you, and yeah, I was making sure that everything was working all right.”
She frowned. There was no reason for Klaus to be here.
He didn’t let go of her face, and she quickly became very aware their bodies were flush together.
“I’ve got you.”
“You shouldn’t be here.”
“Poppy, you can be pissed at me all you want to be, but we both know what would have happened if I hadn’t been here. You needed me. Stop being so freaking stubborn.”
“My mom?”
“She’ll be back soon, and I’ll leave out of the back, or wherever you need me to go. I will never hurt you.”
“You … she is asking about a mate. Do you know Lionel’s pack is supposed to be coming here?” she asked.
She watched as his jaw clenched.
“Yes, I’m aware of it.”
“Should I be worried?” she asked.
“Don’t allow any of the men to get too close.”
“Why not?”
“Damn it, Poppy. Why the fuck do you think?” he asked.
She glared at him.
“We haven’t told anyone that we’re mates. I … want you. There, I’ve said it. I fucking crave you, and there is this desperation I feel for you. Do you think I’m going to be able to have so much control if a dick comes sniffing around you? Hell no. I will cause problems. Trust me when I say we don’t want that to happen.”
“Fine.” She understood.
With her mother asking questions and another pack coming, she was screwed.
They both tensed up as they heard the bell above the door ring.
Klaus surprised her even more by kissing the top of her head, and then he snuck out of the back. Poppy rushed to lock the door behind him.
She returned to her mother, who was calling her name.
“Honey, why were you not in the shop?” Anna asked.
“I, er, I thought I heard something.”
“Poppy, how many times do I have to tell you not to do something like that?” Anna moved past her, going to the door, sliding the lock open, and checking out in the alleyway.