Callon studied him a moment longer before releasing his hold. Lola sighed in relief as the tension slowly eased from the charged room. Wrapping a protective arm around her, Callon guided them back outside to rejoin their group.
“Well, that was fruitful,” Lola offered.
Nico winced at their stern looks. “Perhaps not my most well-thought-out idea.” Before Callon could lay into him, the shaman quickly added, “But it did prove one thing—our drunk friend in there is made of tough stuff. He didn’t pee on himself whenCallon picked him up as if he were as light as a feather. Reckon he’s our best bet to handle whatever the bayou throws our way.”
Lola exchanged a surprised look with Callon. As unorthodox as his methods were, Nico had a point. The unflappable man had potential. But winning him over would require a delicate touch after that disastrous first impression.
As the others tossed around ideas, Lola reached a decision. “I’ll try talking to him alone. Without distractions.” She shot Nico a quelling glare. “Just two people having a conversation.”
“No.” Callon’s immediate protest wasn’t a surprise to her, and she was prepared for it.
“Callon.” Lola started to lay her hand on his arm, but he pulled back before she could touch him.
“I said no.”
He looked her dead in the eyes, his golden orbs filled with emotions that Lola didn’t fully understand. How could she? It’s not like they’d been a couple for longer than a week. She was still learning to process her own emotions toward Callon. How could she possibly filter through his?
“I heard what you said.” Lola attempted to maintain a calm manner, not wanting to provoke the beast inside him. Though not because she feared him. Lola knew with every fiber of her being that he would never hurt her. But she couldn’t say the same for the rest of the world. She attempted to lay her hand on his arm again, and again, he stepped out of her reach. She narrowed her eyes at him. “Why do you keep backing away from me?” Lola wasn’t about to admit that it hurt her feelings that he was avoiding her touch.
The look in his eyes suddenly softened. He’d obviously picked up on her emotions. Callon’s demeanor changed completely. In two strides, he had his arms around her and his mouth right next to her ear.
“I’m not rejecting you.” He growled, his voice dangerously low. Lola could feel the underlying anger in his words, even though they were spoken softly enough for only her to hear.
“Then why?” she demanded. Lola knew he could see the hurt and confusion in her eyes.
“Your touch affects my beast in ways I can’t control,” he spat out, his grip on her tightening like a vice. “It made me feel like you’re trying to manipulate us.”
She struggled against his hold, wanting to break free from his accusations. “How could you even think that? I would never?—”
“I know,” he interrupted, his voice now filled with remorse. “Forgive me for doubting you.”
Lola was angry with him. How dare he question her intentions? How dare he assume she would manipulate him for some unknown gain? But she couldn’t stay mad at him for long, not when she saw the pain etched on his face.
“I can feel the anger radiating off of you,” Callon murmured, his eyes pleading for her to open up to him. “Talk to me. How can I make this right?”
“You aren’t my parent, Callon. You can’t just tell me ‘no’ and expect me to obey.”
He pulled back his hands quickly, moving to cup her face before she could step away. Callon pressed his forehead to hers and took several deep breaths. “You’re right. I’m not your parent,” he said finally. “But I am your mate, and my opinion should carry some weight with you.”
“Of course it does,” she practically growled. “Just asmyopinion should with you. I realize I haven’t been part of your world for very long, but I’m used to dealing with all types of people. I’m a New Yorker, for goodness’ sake. The likes of that man”—she pointed back to the tavern—“are what I dealt with on an hourly basis at NNP.”
“Fair enough,” Callon conceded. “But what are you going to tell him? You can’t go with the complete truth because he’d think you’re crazy.”
“I matedyou,” Lola muttered. “I’m beginning to think that solidified my ‘crazy’ status.”
“Lola not going,” a small but angry voice said.
Lola rolled her eyes. Seriously? She was already dealing with one overprotective male. She didn’t need a second.
“Otto, go back to sleep,” she told him. Her face was still in Callon’s hands, so she was unable to look around him at the little lizard.
“Lola,” Lyra spoke up. “Otto and Callon are right. You’re not going to go speak with that man.”
“I’m not?” Her voice sounded small even to herself. She managed to dislodge Callon’s hold, only because he let her, and stepped around him so she could see the rest of their group.
“I am the Prima of the Pride, and you are mated to my son. That puts you under the sovereignty of myself and Taras. This is all new to you, and while I don’t doubt your courage, you are but a babe in our world.”
“Otto tries to tell that, but listen? Nope.” He was half hanging out of Lyra’s bag, looking ridiculous with his face resting in his hands.
