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“Clay?” Her voice was barely a whisper across the distance to him, and though it held a hint of fear it was relatively steady.
How the hell does she know it’s me?The thought seared in his brain and before he could stop himself he reached for the mental link he had with his cousin.
If she’s your mate, it’s likely, a bond is already forming between the two of you. Sara had dreams about my wolf form.Jace’s voice came across clearly in his mind the physical distance made it faintly like an echo but Clay was grateful for the answer.
He still didn’t know what to do if he shifted he might scare her half to death, not to mention it was a hell of a way to confirm the existence of his species.
“Are you just going to stand there?”
Clay’s ears went back flattening against his head while his eyes narrowed. He couldn’t control the instincts of the wolf who was suspicious and fearful of exposing their secret even if she was their mate.
“I know it’s you.” Her words were a little louder. “I can see your boots by the rocks there.”
His head swung in the direction of his boots revealing without thinking that he could understand what she said, but still, he made no move to return to his human form.
“Fine,” she sighed as if disappointed in him. “I’ll go. Just don’t try to eat me the moment my back is turned.”
Clay watched her pivot so her back was to him. She didn’t look back trying to get a glimpse of him turning. Her head lowered to watch her feet on the path as she walked back the way she’d come.
He waited, his heart pounding so hard that a metallic taste flooded his mouth. The wolf recognized it as fear.What the hell do I do now?He reached again for Jace without conscious thought.
She’s your mate you’ll figure it out.
The vote of confidence was appreciated but not very helpful.
CHAPTER NINE
Jade was shaking with embarrassment when she got back to the house. She didn’t know what had possessed her to call him out like that but the fact that he’d remained hidden hurt in a way that she hadn’t expected.
It made her feel stupid. Of course, he hid his secret. He couldn’t go around revealing himself as a shifter, but the fact that he hid it from her made her insides ache.
She braced her hands on the counter letting her head drop between her shoulders as she waited for her kettle to boil.
She wanted him still, seeing him in his shifter form hadn’t changed how she felt. She’d known what he was the moment she saw him in the restaurant that first day. Seeing him in his shifter form made it real though. It wasn’t just an abstract idea.
She stiffened when the kitchen door clicked. She hadn’t locked it when she got home and she knew without looking that it was Clay.
That he would waltz into her home without an invite had her ire up.
“Come skulking in with your tail between your legs?” She couldn’t keep the hurt tone out of her voice and she knew he heard it.
“No tail at the moment sweetheart but I might make good on the threat of eating you. I just won’t do it while your back is turned.”
His words confirmed it had been him in the woods. Her head snapped up her eyes searching his face and then took in his disheveled appearance. It was obvious that he’d shifted and hurried to dress so he could catch up with her.
“Shouldn’t you knock?” She looked pointedly at the door which he still held open, though he hadn’t crossed the threshold. “Why are you here? You didn’t have much to say a few minutes ago.”
He stepped in and finally closed the door. He ducked his head looking sheepish. “Cut me some slack? It isn’t every day someone catches me in wolf form and announces they know my biggest secret. A secret, I might add I’ve been taught to guard my entire life.”
Jade turned her focus back to making her tea. “Did you want one?” she asked as she unplugged the kettle. “There is juice or soda in the fridge if you prefer something cold.” Her hands shook as she filled the mug making hot water splash over the rim and burn the back of her hand, reminding her of the day she’d met him. She winced.
“You need to be more careful sweetheart.” Clay had moved from the door and was inspecting the injury before she knew what happened.
He turned the tap on cold and pulled her hand beneath the stream soothing the small burn. She expected that he’d release her once he shut off the water but instead he patted her hand dry before inspecting the area again.
Her breath caught as he brought the injury to his lips placing a gentle kiss over the skin that was still light pink. It was such a simple gesture, but one that had lust quickly flooding her system.
“I can smell your need. It’s been tempting me since the day we met in that diner.” Jade stood still as he raised his hand and trailed his fingers down the side of her neck, pausing at her pulse.
