Page 16 of Shielded By My Mate

I swallow hard, praying that I can keep that promise.

6

Mira

I wake up in Ansel’s arms the next morning. I don’t remember him carrying me to bed or falling asleep, but I’m not surprised. I’ve been in and out of it with the pain medication. Luckily for me, today should be the first day that I don’t need to take it.

My wrists have been healing well, and my ankle doesn’t hurt either, probably because every time I reach for my crutches, Ansel lifts me into his arms instead. I haven’t had to put any weight on it since I sprained it, which I’m sure has helped it to heal faster.

I shift in bed and bite back a smile when I hear Ansel growl in his sleep behind me. His big arm tightens around my waist, pulling me close against him. Butterflies take flight in my stomach when the hard line of his cock presses against my butt, and I blush as my body heats.

How did my life get this crazy? I went from living in my parents’ house and always being alone to living with a growly bear shifter who says we’re soulmates and refuses to leave my side. I used to be totally self-sufficient. I had to be. But Ansel doesn’t let me lift a finger. He seems to love taking care of me. I see him smile every time he hands me a glass of water or makes me something to eat.

I know I should probably be making plans to leave, to find Ridley, but I hate the idea of leaving Ansel and never seeing him again.

Would he even let me leave?

I doubt it. He gets antsy when I go to the bathroom. If I tried to leave this town, or heck, even this house, I have a feeling he’d be right on my heels chasing after me.

It’s hard for me to wrap my head around all this. My heart and body seem to be on the same page. They both want Ansel and are in agreement that we’re meant to be, but my head is holding me back.

I’m attracted to him. I’m comfortable around him, and I trust him with my life. I never had much of a home life or family, but it feels like I could build both here.

Can I stay, though?

I suppose there’s nothing for me back home. I mean, I was ready to leave and travel halfway around the world, so staying here should be easy. It’s probably my best chance at finding Ridley.

It’s probably your best chance at getting a happily ever after too, my subconscious whispers.

Ansel shifts against my back, his arms tightening as he stretches. His nose nuzzles the shell of my ear, and I squirm at the ticklish sensation.

“Morning, Angel,” he murmurs.

I melt against his chest. “Morning.”

“How did you sleep?”

“Great,” I tell him honestly.

“Good. Any pain?”

“No, I think I’m all better. I can probably walk around on my own now,” I say as I roll over to face him.

He frowns, looking disappointed that he won’t be carrying me around. “Not yet,” he says. “We need to get the all-clear from Christian.”

“When do we see him again?”

“I’ll call him today and see if he has time.”

“Okay.”

Ansel brushes my hair back from my face. “What are you thinking about?”

“I was thinking that I didn’t know what to do,” I admit, giving him half the truth.

“What do you want to do?”

“I don’t know. I don’t know what I want, just what I don’t,” I grumble in frustration.