I turn my gaze to the darkened woods beyond, my thoughts racing.“Find Vex.Have him talk to her.She’s not to be harmed.Got it?”
“Of course,” Scout responds, his tone firm but his body stiff with the responsibility I’ve just placed on him.
I glance back at him, my frustration mounting.“Who’s watching her?”
“Kyler,” Scout replies.
I let out an irritated sigh.“Oh, for fuck’s sake.Kyler?”I snap, not exactly thrilled with the idea of him handling the situation.
“Yeah,” Scout confirms, not offering any further explanation.
“Get back to the clubhouse,” I growl, my voice dropping into a deeper, more menacing tone.“And you better pray she’s all right when you get there.”
Turning, I make my way back into the house, my footsteps heavy on the floorboards.I catch sight of Hannah in the doorway, her hair mussed, a sheet draped loosely around her body.
“Hey, you,” she whispers softly, her voice thick with sleep.
My heart clenches at the sight of her, and I walk over, wrapping my arms around her, pulling her close.The sweet, familiar scent of her fills my lungs, grounding me for a moment.“I have to go out,” I murmur, my tone apologetic but firm.
She leans back in my arms, eyes still half-closed as if she’s not fully awake.“Now?”she asks, confusion lacing her words.
“Yeah,” I confirm, my fingers gently tracing the bite mark on her shoulder, the connection between us as solid as the earth beneath our feet.“But I want you to stay here.”
She shifts, a faint frown on her face.“What time is it?”
“Nearly three,” I answer, glancing toward the clock on the wall.
Her eyes narrow in thought.“Can you drop me home?”
I shake my head, my hand reaching up to cup her face before I kiss her lips gently, unwilling to leave without feeling the warmth of her skin on mine.“No.I want you here when I get back.”
“Blade,” she says, her voice a teasing mix of concern and amusement.“I have responsibilities.”A mischievous grin parts her lips, the playful side of her coming out.
I laugh softly.“Your cat does not count.”
Hannah pouts, giving me a mock huffy look.“Grace does to me.”
Laughing.I pick her up effortlessly and carry her back to the bedroom.“I promise I’ll be one or two hours, tops.Sleep, eat, go through my things, or do whatever it is women do when they’ve found a mate.”
Her brows shoot up.“Mate?You mean boyfriend, yes?”She grins, clearly amused.“And I would never snoop.”
Gently, I lay her down on the bed, brushing a strand of hair from her face.“Please, stay for me.”
She rolls her eyes at me, an exaggerated sigh escaping her lips.“So needy.”
Leaning down, I press a soft kiss to the side of her face, then nuzzle my nose against her cheek before planting a kiss on her temple.“You have no idea,” I murmur, my voice low with affection and a hint of something deeper.
“Okay,” she agrees, her voice still soft but firm.“But if you aren’t home by five, I’m walking.”
I give her a serious look, my tone low but full of warning.“There are dangerous things in the woods.I wouldn’t recommend it.”
Hannah lifts her hand, her fingers threading through my hair with a soft tug.“Okay,” she whispers, her gaze softening as she pulls me closer.
I let out a quiet breath of relief, kissing the tip of her nose gently.“Thank you.”Rising to my feet, I step back.“IfI’m not back, I’ll send someone to take you home.”
“I could take your truck and drive myself home?”
Shaking my head, I open my closet, and pull on a black T-shirt and then put my boots on.Hannah watches with her head propped up on one arm.The sheet has fallen, exposing one of her perfect breasts, and I’m tempted to stay.Shrugging on my cut, I move back to the bed and kiss Hannah until she moans.Moving down her body, I suck on her nipple as she clutches me to her.