We drink our tea in silence, and it must have more of an effect on her than me, because I can see her head starting to droop. Before she drops the cup, I lift it gently from her hands, setting it on the bedside table.
“Sleep soundly, mate.”
She smiles up at me. “You, too.”
I kiss her knuckles, glancing up at her warm brown eyes, then kiss her neck where that bastard left red marks all around. I never thought I’d have a mate.
And I sure as hell never imagined I’d get one like this.
She sleeps so soundly, so full of trust, even though we just met. Even though she went through so much.
It’s strangely peaceful in my little cabin—ourlittle cabin, watching her sleep, and I let my chin drift down into my hand as I sip another cup of tea and the soft sound of snow rushes against the windows.
“Goodnight, Savannah. Mymate.”
***
Sometime in the middle of the night, she stirs, rolling over to look at me. At first she blinks like she’s confused, thenrealization seems to dawn as she reaches up and touches the bite on her neck. A slow smile spreads across her face until it lights her eyes.
Her gaze settles on me where I sit beside the fire, watching the low flames. “Come to bed, Gunnar. You don’t have to stay up all night.”
“I vowed to protect you.”
“You can’t protect anyone if you don’t take care of yourself, too. You need sleep.”
She’s right. My eyes grow heavy every muscle in my body aching. I really need to lie down.
“I don’t know…” Even as I protest, I’m already standing. Already crossing the room. Already pulling back the covers and climbing in beside her. “I’ve never shared a bed with anyone else.”
“There’s a first time for everything.”
I laugh, kissing her neck, sucking the claim bite mark at the base of her collar. “I suppose I can just protect you from right here.”
If anyone tries to break in, I’ll wake in an instant.
Until then, she’s right.
I should get some sleep.
Chapter eleven
Meet the Pack
The next day, I take her down to town with me, bracing for the teasing I’m about to endure.
It’s Ryder working the general store today, and he makes no effort to hide his surprise when he sees us walk in. It probably doesn’t help that she’s very obviously wearing a pair of my borrowed pants.
“What’s this?” he asks, raising his eyebrows at us. “Don’t tell me you finally got a girlfriend—wait.” He scents the air, a grin stretching across his face. “A mate.”
“Oh hey pot, it’s kettle,” comes a voice from behind him, and there’s Ben, laughing as he restocks something. “Not like you’ve got a girlfriend yourself, Ry.”
Of all the people to run into, these two aren’t bad.
They might tease me, but they don’t mean anything bad by it.
“Hey Ryder, Ben, meet Savannah.”
“Hi.” She waves a little shyly, edging behind me as if she didn’t just meet me yesterday.
