For a moment I lay still, just reveling in the feel of my mate in my arms. She didn't make a move to break away.
"Kyle," she murmured, and it made my heart sing. "Crys."
There had been so many times I never thought I would have this—my mate in my arms, safe from the outside world.
Then the reality began to prick at me, reminding me that even though for the moment she was with me and there was no immediate danger, the enemy was around and we needed to get back to the compound.
I hugged her once more before I eased my grip and stood up, helping her up.
"Are you okay?" I asked while I scanned for any obvious marks but there were none.
"I'm fine," she told me. The sound of her voice calmed me inside. She dusted some leaves from her clothes.
"We need to get back," I told her, taking her hand in mine possessively.
But she hesitated, pulling her hand free.
"I can't," she whispered, and I frowned.
"I won't accept that," I told her with a steeliness backed by my stubborn streak. I refused to allow her to get away again.
Before she had touched me, it would have been easier for her to leave; now it would be so much more difficult.
"We don't have time to discuss this," I told her, trying another route to talk her into coming back with me. "There are Keepers around and we don't want to run into one of them."
She hesitated for a moment before she relented. I saw her backpack and picked it up for her. She couldn't shift so I stayed in my human form, leading the way back to the compound. I led her back while my hand held tightly onto hers, refusing to let go - even just for a moment.
It took us longer to get back to the compound but the sight of the familiar building and surrounding wall made me feel safe.
James stood waiting for us.
"Where's Dean?" I asked, looking around.
"Curtis is busy checking him over." I nodded.
"Is he okay?" Crystal asked, and James nodded. "He is, because of you."
Now that we were both safe and inside the compound, the gates closed and I turned to face her.
"We need to talk," I told her. She looked worried.
It was the first time I let go of her hand. My adrenaline and warm feelings began to wear thin when I remembered everything she had put me through. Anger began to filter through and by the time we got into the house my blood was boiling.
She followed behind me quietly. She could probably sense my growing rage.
I walked into the study and held the door open for her. When she walked in, I closed the door behind her and put her backpack down.
Standing in front of me with her hands clasped together, I allowed my eyes to drift over her, taking in every one of her beautiful features. She was truly breathtaking, and for a moment I allowed my possessiveness free rein.
Stepping forward, I reached out and touched her hand, needing to assure myself that this wasn't a dream and she was in fact standing here in front of me.
"I'm sorry," she whispered, and I saw the glistening in her eyes.
"I need answers." I pulled away from her. Her touch still tingled on my skin, distracting me slightly.
She looked so fragile with her large green eyes, but I remembered the feeling of rejection and fear that I had lived with since she had left and it helped me harden my heart.
"You owe me an explanation," I told her, pinning her with a determined look.
