My nostrils flare, and I take a deep breath.
“You ready?” I ask her. I’m more than ready to get her away from this place.
Gabrielle looks at me, her face suddenly seeming older than I’ve ever seen it as she sighs.
“I’m ready.”
ChapterThirty
Gabrielle
My head reels as I slide back into the car, this time with the rest of my stuff.
I can’t believe I’m leaving here.
What the hell was I thinking, bringing them here?
I didn’t expect Seek to even be there. I was planning to drop off the food and leave. No questions asked.
But she dropped me in it instead.
“Why’d you tell them?” I ask her softly.
Seek’s face looks hollow, the lines on her forehead more prominent this close up.
“This world… it’ll chew you up and spit you out, girlie. Ain’t no help for most of us. Those alphas… they’re good people. Let ‘em help you. Gawd knows most of us would bite off their hands for an opportunity like this one. Don’t throw away a chance in life just because it doesn’t fit your margins.”
My hand rubs nervously over my trousers, over and over again. A large hand settles over mine, flattening my fingers.
Cade stares down at me, his blue eyes darker than I’ve ever seen them.
“I’m glad you came,” he admits, surprising me. I was readying myself for anotherme Tarzan, you Jane, get on my shoulder, wenchdiscussion.
“Did I have a choice?”
His lip twitches. “It probably doesn’t seem like it, but yes.”
I raise a sardonic eyebrow at him, and he twitches. “Maybe. Half a choice.”
My snort of laughter slips out, and Cade looks down at our hands. The warmth from his palm soaks into my cool skin, and I keep it where it is.
“My pack likes you,” he says. His eyes remain on our hands.
My mouth dries up. I’m trying not to think about the fact that on the same day I had my first sexual experience with an alpha, I’m moving into his apartment.
Honey, I’m home.
“But,” Cade continues. “I’m not going to let them steamroll you into anything. I just wanted to be clear. Nobody expects a single thing from you, Gabrielle.”
His voice is low and firm, ringing with absolute sincerity.
I should feel reassured. I do. But the smallest, tiniest part of me feels a little… sad.
“You don’t want me?” The words slip out, followed by mortification.
Cade stiffens as heat rushes to my cheeks. I can’t believe I just said that.
“I mean,” I stutter. “I didn’t mean…”
