“Are you okay?” Ruger asked when they entered the cabin.
“Yes.” No. He didn’t know.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“There is nothing to say.”
Pausing just beyond the door, Ruger turned and took his hands, clutching them tightly and brushing kisses over his fingers. “You know you don’t have to face this alone, right?”
But he did. “This is my burden to bear.”
“Then let me bear it with you.”
Luka shook his head. “I cannot ask that.”
“You’re my mate,” Ruger insisted. “You don’t have to ask. Just tell me what you need.”
He needed Ruger to be safe. He needed him to be happy. Beyond that, he had no right to request anything from him. Not when he had brought nothing but turmoil to the shifter’s life.
“That’s not true.” There was a hard edge to Ruger’s voice now, and his eyes flashed with irritation. “None of this is your fault, and I’m perfectly capable of making my own decisions. If you don’t want my help, fine, but don’t pretend to know what’s best for me.”
“You must admit, your life was easier before you met me.”
“Easier? Maybe.” Ruger shrugged, a halted, jerky movement. “Better, though? Not even close.”
“Why are you so angry?” He didn’t think he had said anything offensive or untrue.
“Because I love you, and you keep pushing me away.”
“I do not—” The words died on his tongue, and a knot formed in his throat as the words registered. His heart crashed against his ribs, fast and painful, and a tremor rippled through him as the weight of the confession settled over him.
“You love me?”
“Is that so hard to believe?”
Honestly, a little. For so long, he had believed himself incapable of being loved. Yet, with Ruger, so many things felt possible now.
“I love you, too,taavi. More than anything. Which is why I need you to be safe.”
“I can be safe and still help you.” He shuffled closer, molding himself against Luka’s chest. “This is where I belong. Don’t push me away.”
He should. If he had any wits about him, he would. But he couldn’t do it. He needed his mate too much.
“The gods forgive me.”
Lowering his head, he brought their lips together, slow and tender, pouring every ounce of love and need into the kiss that he couldn’t put into words. Their tongues met and twined, sliding together in a familiar rhythm that both soothed and ignited.
Desire burned through his veins, searing him from the inside out, but he kept his touch gentle, reverent.
When the kiss found its natural conclusion, they didn’t pull apart. Instead, they held to each other, to the moment, and to the possibilities of what came next.
“Does this mean you’ll let me help you?” Ruger asked.
Luka swallowed thickly and nodded. He just prayed that he didn’t end up regretting it.
Chapter eight
“Thisisaterribleidea.”
