Page 22 of Shielded By My Mate

“Got it. I’ll be right back,” I tell him.

I take the stairs two at a time and dart into my bedroom. The bed still smells like Mira, and I inhale deeply, wondering if she’ll let me hold her again tonight.

I rush through a shower, tossing my ruined clothes in the trash and tugging on clean ones. I jog downstairs, beelining for the living room, only stopping when I have Mira in my sights again.

“We should get home, but call if you need anything, okay?” Ever asks Mira as she stands.

“Okay. Thanks. For everything.”

Mira smiles shyly at Russo and waves as they head out. My brother shoots me a worried look, but I ignore it and return my focus to Mira. I need her to meet my eyes. I need her to give me a sign that everything is okay.

Mira’s gaze stays on her feet.

“Are you all right?” I ask gently, taking a step toward her.

“Yeah, I—it was just a shock.”

I try to come up with something to say to get us back to a lighter, happier place.

“But I’m glad that they can’t hurt me or try to take me again. Thank you for saving me. Again.”

“Always, Mira. I’ll always keep you safe.” I clear my throat. “Have you eaten?”

“No, not yet.”

“I’ll make dinner.”

She follows me into the kitchen, which I take as a good sign. At least she’s not running away from me in fear.

I don’t smell any fear on her, my bear says.

I relax slightly as I cook in silence, stealing glances at Mira every few minutes. She sits at the table, staring out the window at the backyard. Is she replaying what happened in her head?

As we eat in silence, I can’t help but wonder if I’ve pushed her away. She should only ever have good things happen in her life. She shouldn’t ever be scared or frightened again.

But the one thought that keeps circling my head is:

Will she want to be mated to a killer, even if that person saved her life?

8

Mira

I’m all over the place the next day. When I wake up, I can feel the mating heat, just like Ansel said I would. My whole body is hot and buzzing with sensation. My body has an awareness I’ve never experienced before. The connection between Ansel and I is even stronger. Every time he moves, I’m aware of it. Every touch from him, every freaking look, stokes the fire burning inside me.

It’s only two p.m., and I’m not sure how I’m going to make it much longer without throwing myself at him.

Ansel seems to be giving me space. I know he’s worried about me after yesterday, and he’s letting me process everything. I want to tell him that I don’t need time, and I really don’t want space between us, but something is holding me back.

Part of me feels guilty for even thinking about being with Ansel while Ridley is still out there, probably terrified and in danger. Another part of me is worried that my emotions are just high today because of the full moon. That I’ll wake up tomorrow and realize I acted rashly and made the wrong decision again.

That’s crazy, I tell myself. Ansel is it for me. He would never do anything to harm me. I trust him, and he’s shown me who he is every moment since he rescued me. He took a freaking bullet for me.

“I’m going to head into town to handle some stuff. Ever was hoping to come over and hang out with you for a bit,” Ansel says, shifting on his feet by the front door.

“You’re leaving?” I ask in a panic.

“Just for a little while. I need to meet with the Alphas. I shouldn’t be long.”