Despite his mate’s assurance, inside him, a restless energy stirred.
Shift,his mountain lion growled, impatient.Show her our strength. Prove her confidence is not misplaced.
Carter chuckled softly.That’s not the sort of strength she’s talking about.
Emily looked puzzled. “What’s so funny?”
Carter grinned. “Just having a little chat with my inner animal. He thinks I should show you our animal form.”
She smiled, her gaze softening. “I’d like to see that.”
Now!his cat ordered.She wants to see our strength!
Carter chuckled again.
“Not now,” he murmured out loud. “Tomorrow.” He turned to Emily. Is that good for you?”
She nodded. “I have the day off so it’s perfect.”
Perfect. Yes, it truly was.
Chapter Eight
Emily
The early morning light streamed in through the gaps in the drapes, casting a gentle glow on Carter’s tense figure. Emily stirred, her eyes focusing on him as he stood by the window, lost in thought. The world outside was calm, but the man before her was a storm of emotions.
“Carter?” Her voice was soft, filled with concern.
He turned to face her, a forced smile on his face. “Morning, Em.”
She pushed herself up, sitting against the headboard. “You didn’t sleep?”
He shrugged. “Not much. Just got a lot on my mind. Today’s the day. The guys will be here later.”
“You’re sure?”
He nodded. “Yeah, Max and the others won’t let me down.”
She swung her legs over the edge of the bed, the cool floor a stark contrast to the warmth of the sheets. Approaching him, she took in the set of his jaw, and the tightness around his eyes.
“Talk to me,” she murmured.
He sighed, running a hand through his tousled hair. “It’s just the weight of everything. My sister and whatever is happening to her in that God awful place, and introducing you to a part of me you haven’t seen yet. After everything you’ve seen at the facility…” He shook his head. “I’m just worried that you won’t look at me the same way.”
“I don’t understand what you mean.”
“I don’t want you to just see me as an animal.”
Emily gasped. “Carter, I don’t think of them that way and I wouldneverthink of you that way either. You’re human beings who have a few extra abilities. That’s the only way I see them,andyou.”
Carter hung his head. “I’m sorry. I should have had more faith in you. I guess I’m just feeling vulnerable. I’ve never shown this part of myself to anyone but another shifter. I was just worried that you wouldn’t accept me.”
Emily’s heart ached at his vulnerability. She reached out, placing a comforting hand on his arm. “If anything, it will just make me love you more.”
Carter pulled her to him, kissing her softly on the lips. She went to him willingly, melting into his embrace.
“Thank you,” he said against her lips. He looked down at her, his eyes softened. “So, you’re ready to meet the other me?”
