A growl escaped me.
That was the wolf claiming his territory. He wouldn’t handle the second rejection as well as I would.
“She almost died during her first shift,” I said. There was a lump in my throat with the words. I was sure it meant nothing.
Ethan’s eyes went wide. “How close was it?”
“You’re so fucking drunk.”
He leaned closer. “How close?”
I let out a harsh breath. “Close.”
“Fuck.” Ethan shoved a hand through his hair. “It’s a good thing you were there.”
“You would’ve lost your fucking mind.”
“She would’ve died. I would’ve lost my mate.”
“She’s mine for a reason.”
At least for the time being.
Ethan nodded.
His eyes focused a little, and his expression grew steely. “I’m going to get her to meet me.”
Terrible decision. Truly.
“I believe you,” I said.
Ethan nodded, as if to himself.
“Quit drinking,” I added.
He nodded again. “She wouldn’t like it.”
“You really need to tone it down, man.”
Ethan was already striding away. There was a stagger in his step that may have been pride, or may have been the alcohol. I wouldn’t bet in either direction.
“Don’t get rejected again,” he yelled as he left.
That was unlikely.
I stared down at the small, gray wolf in my arms.
She was beautiful.
Too bad she was never going to actually be mine.
The wolf whined in her sleep, and I rubbed her ears until she was snoring again.
She’d need the rest.
Carrying her inside the house, I set her down on my couch and took a few steps back.
What the fuck was I supposed to do now?
