Chapter 45: Doesn’t sound so bad
Chapter 45
Lenora
"I don’t know what you mean," he says, trying to deflect, gaze flicking toward the window like he’s searching for an escape route.
"Cameron." My voice is firmer this time, and I don’t let the moment pass. I close the first aid box and set it aside, then shift onto the bed beside him.
The sheets are still rumpled from our earlier sparring, from the very thorough beating I gave him. There’s the scent of sweat on his skin, earthy and real. The bruises are already fading thanks to his healing, but I can see the tension still etched across his shoulders. He exhales, long and slow, and finally meets my gaze.
"I’m afraid," he says.
I don’t interrupt. I let him speak.
"At first I was afraid of accidentally hurting you... but looking at my current state, no way that’s happening." He gives a small, self-deprecating smile, then winces slightly as he shifts his ribs.
I take his hand in mine and trace a slow circle across the back of his palm. "You’re as strong as your mate. That’s how the bond works. Some wolves are stronger than others, yes—but think about the disasters that would happen if someone could just accidentally injure the person they were bonded to. It would defeat the whole purpose of having a mate."
His fingers twitch in mine.
"Having a mate isn’t just about being married, or the great sex," I continue, voice low.
"It’s the companionship. The certainty. That even if it rains, even if everything else goes to hell... you have a home. You are home."