He shrugged one shoulder. “If we only have a week to explore this connection between us, we might as well enjoy ourselves. I want to make your time here pleasurable, so let me spoil you a little.”
A strange thrill trickled through her. Nobody had ever treated her this way. “It’s strange to have you act nice to me after everything.”
His mouth tightened into a grim line. “I’m sure your pack has led you to think the worst of our pack. Maybe you should decide for yourself.” He swallowed and stared into her eyes. “Especially when it comes to me.”
Mila averted his penetrating gaze and swallowed. How close he was to the truth. Everything she had known about them had been influenced by her pack, especially her father and Lars who badmouthed the Franconia shifters whenever they could. She pulled her hair to one side and twisted it until it would no longer turn in her hand. Was there a chance that they could be wrong?
No, it was simply Rafe trying to influence her. She exhaled with a low whoosh and released her hair. It tumbled over her shoulders.
A lightness spread inside her chest. The idea of him encouraging her to make up her mind herself wasn’t something anyone had suggested to her before—and it had a tremendous appeal.
Rafe
Mila appeared so pretty tonight in a soft sweater. Her hair was brushed smooth, not tousled like when he’d met her, yet he had to admit, he liked that wild look on her as well.
While they spent time together, Rafe rebuked himself. What a fool he was. How else could he explain how he was courting his enemy with a fine hotel room, dining out with her, and then taking her shopping? What he’d told her was true—he did want to spoil her. He also wanted them to enjoy their limited time together. Yet, it didn’t mean he wasn’t conflicted considering who she was and what she’d done. His chest tightened as he battled his torment. Was there a way to find balance to calm a yearning that could lead to his destruction?
That question would have to wait until he was alone because while he was near her, he had to concentrate on her pull on him. He struggled to ignore the irresistible urge to suggest they go somewhere alone to explore how compatible they were in the bedroom. Even his wolf understood that they had to woo their mate before seducing her, despite the undeniable urges to rush headlong into bed.
He brought her to Kelly’s Pub, where they slid into a booth away at the back. He didn’t want to be near the center at the bar where he might run into packmates who would gawk in question at his partner. He’d explain his unconventional arrangement for the week with Mila at some other time—if ever.
Mila opened the menu and gaped. “So many choices.”
“I don’t think you’ll go wrong with any of them. I think I’ve tried everything since this is where I usually meet up with packmates and eat at the end of the day.”
“How do you usually spend your days?”
“I work in the office, and I ski most days. Early morning is the best time, especially after fresh snow fall. Typically, after work, I end up here. And then at night, I usually let my wolf run free. He likes to hunt on the mountain.”
She murmured a sound of acknowledgment. “My wolf often runs at night as well.”
He rubbed the side of his neck. “Maybe we should run together while you’re here.”
She perused him with a thoughtful expression. “Maybe.”
“It’s been a long time since I’ve eaten out,” she replied. “Since my father refuses to support any establishments in your village, we’ve only ever gone to restaurants far from here.”
“Your father’s hate for us is unfounded.” Rafe raised his chin and his jaw clenched. “We’ve never done anything to him or your pack.”
She bit her lip before replying. “It’s a difference in mindset.” She shook her head. “You won’t change his mind, and he won’t change yours.”
“And yet the two of us agreed to have a meal together.” He raised an arm, palm up. “We can discuss our differences civilly and come to an agreement to live together.”
She exhaled. “That’s because of hormones or fate or whatever the hell this is between us.” She gestured with a circular motion between them. “Besides, even if you and I did come to some sort of agreement, I doubt I would be able to convince my father to change his opinion of you.”
Rafe leaned back in his chair. “Why did you agree to come here for the week then, Mila?”
Their gazed locked, and he glimpsed a flash of vulnerability in her eyes.
When the server, Anna, arrived to take their order, Mila broke the gaze and returned her focus to the menu. “I’ll have a Malibu Sunset. It looks good.”
“It’s delicious,” Anna replied.
Rafe ordered a winter lager. Once Anna walked away, he pinned Mila with a questioning stare once more. “Well?”
“Good question,” she replied. “I’m guessing I’m just as confused about this entire thing as you are.”
Over Reuben sandwiches,Rafe avoided questioning her about their pack’s differences or trying to convince Mila that he wasn’t a monster. Instead, he asked her questions, trying to discover more about her.
