Their ordeal hadn’t left either of them any worse for wear. In fact, it seemed to have energized them, giving them renewed energy.
“Let’s get these fuckers,” Charmaine added, although it wasn’t obvious whether she thought we were literally driving around to get them right now — considering we had our own personal tank — or if we’d be getting them by sorting through the rest of the paperwork.
Either way, we were all still traveling together. The plans hadn’t changed at all, and there was something reassuring in that. Something a bit like the three musketeers, even.
Charmaine pulled herself up into the huge vehicle and her soft giggle floated out of the door — and that definitely wasn’t because of her excitement over paperwork. Probably one of the main reasons she was still happy to come back to Mom’s with me was to see that glass dildo Wes had barely shut up about.
Patrick turned toward the SUV, then turned again when he saw my face. Relief flashed across his features and he hurried toward me. “I thought you were getting ready to go.”
My heart leaped inside me. I’d hoped he’d worried about not getting to talk to me again. I still couldn’t squash the idea that I wanted to be important to him.
I twisted my fingers together. There were so many words in my head, and I hadn’t wanted to go without talking to him again. There were things I wanted to say, but really, I just wanted to be with him. I wanted to stand close enough that I could inhale his scent and be comforted.
And that was a scary thought.
I didn’t need anyone. Couldn’t need anyone in case they turned against me and rejected me again. Dad had taught me that we were just fine on our own, taking care of our own.
My wolf had been so much more present since Patrick appeared in my life, though, and it was like she had other ideas.
His gaze was soft as he looked at me, and my breath stilled in my chest. He mesmerized me, capturing my attention so completely that I forgot to do even the most automatic of things.
He lifted his hand, and I leaned closer. Just the slightest amount but it was an invitation. I wanted to feel his touch.
He granted my wish, his hand brushing the side of my face, right at the edge of my hairline before he crooked his finger under the chin, lifting it. I’d let my eyes close at his touch while I’d savored it, but now I opened them again.
He moved closer, his gaze focused on my lips, and I waited, adrenaline thrumming through me.
It was the longest wait ever.
But finally, his lips touched mine, and everything was immediately right with the world. It was a soft kiss, full of tenderness but the promise of more if I wanted it. I leaned into it, taking the strength he offered me, stealing the warmth I found there, perhaps imagining there was also love.
When he pulled away, my lips tingled and I rubbed the pads of my fingers over them like I could somehow seal in his touch.
Patrick soothed my wolf in a way that I didn’t understand. Since the accident, she’s been on high alert, prowling inside me, watching every sudden movement, and ready to react to the smallest of noises or sharp tones.
The restlessness kept me on edge, but Patrick resolved that. I stood on my tiptoes, chasing his kiss again, ready to ditch my friends, ready to follow Patrick wherever he wanted to go.
He would only have to crook his finger.
I wanted to go back to his place. It was big and spacious, but I felt safe there, like it cocooned me. Everywhere smelled of Patrick and it was like being wrapped in his arms.
But there was work to be done. The pile of paperwork and files at the house wouldn’t sort themselves. And Wes and Charmaine were still willing to help.
Now certainly wasn’t the time to imagine that the CEO of one of the most powerful companies in Carwyn City, and the leader of the most influential pack, might love me. Only…he obviously cared. He was providing protection for me, and he was going out of his way to do it.
He kept turning up, too. Whenever I needed him — even if I didn’tknowI needed him — he was there.
So maybe…maybe if now really wasn’t the time for love, perhaps there would still be time after I figured out what was happening at Gold Moon. If I stayed alive long enough to figure it out.
“Are you okay?” Patrick’s quiet voice drew me from my thoughts and sent a wave of longing through me.
I nodded my head, then shook it and finally shrugged. “I don’t know.”
“Anything I can help with?”
I laughed softly before meeting his gaze. “I don’t know. Probably not. Part of the problem is you. I don’t know what to do about you.”
“Me?” He chuckled but there was something uneasy in his gaze. “What about me?”