Without taking her eyes off of Ruby, Enola stepped away from her aunt. She truly didn’t understand why Ruby had all of a sudden started taking jabs at her.
“Nola, baby, you gotta excuse your Aunt Ruby’s delivery, but she’s actually right. Gideonisan animal, and theydomark their territory, hence the bite. And they tend to have a bit of a…jealous streak. Your aunt is not tryin’ to hurt you. She’s channeling your man.”
Enola turned to Marie, who seemed to be struggling to suppress laughter.
“Channeling Gideon?”
Marie nodded. Enola turned to Gideon, who was still standing with his arms crossed. Not bothering to ask him what the hell was wrong with him, she turned to Ruby and asked, “Who is he so mad at?”
“You,” Ruby said in a tone that was less hostile.
Enola walked over to Gideon and looked up at him. “Why is he mad at me, Ruby?” Enola asked, still staring up at Gideon.
“For not accepting him for who and what he is.”
In Ruby’s tone, there was a hint of sympathy. Gideon heard it too, and Enola could tell that he wasn’t happy.
“I don’t need you to speak for me, woman,” he hissed at Ruby.
Gideon grabbed Enola by the arm and pulled her out of the room. He led her through the house, and out the back door. He hustled her several feet across the lawn without saying a word. Once they reached the fishing creek, Gideon stopped suddenly and turned Enola to face him. She searched for the anger in his eyes, but she didn’t see any. Stress, frustration, and even a hint of sadness, she saw.
“Nola, I didn’t bring you out here to give you no ultimatums. Ultimatums imply a choice. I don’t have a choice. Not being with you, my mate, not only hurts the man, but it makes me a lesser wolf. I know that’s not your problem, but missing you is torturous. You don’t get it, and I don’t expect you to, but we have a bond that can only be broken by death.”
“Gideon—”
“Wait, Nola. Please, let me finish. I know that I should’ve explained the mating bond a lot better, but I swear I wasn’t trying to trick you. That being said, I know that you are the only option for me. But you are not a wolf, and I won’t try to take away your right to choose.”
Gideon ran his finger softly down Enola’s cheek and lifted her chin. He leaned, just enough to reach her lips. Enola closed her eyes and inhaled a shaky breath as she cherished his scent and touch. After a sweet and tender kiss, he whispered, “I’ll wait forever.”
When Gideon stepped out of her reach and turned to walk away, Enola was certain that a little bit of her soul died with each step. She hadn’t even known him that long, but watching him walk away felt like a dagger piercing through her heart. He was right, she didn’t understand the mating thing, but she was willing to try.
“Gideon, wait!”
Before she knew it, Enola was sprinting across the plush lawn. Gideon turned around, looking genuinely surprised. He had to have been even more surprised when she tripped on the bottom of her sundress and face planted in moist grass.
“Oh, shit!” Gideon cursed as he rushed over to help. He dropped to his knees and pulled Enola’s face out of the grass. “Are you all right?”
Gideon wiped dirt and wet grass from her face and examined her to make sure she wasn’t injured. His concern was visibly obvious, but once he determined that Enola was okay, the corners of his lips began to curl involuntarily. Enola narrowed her eyes in warning, but apparently, he was no longer able to maintain his seriousness. Gideon fought the impulse, but he lost, so he allowed his laughter to break through. As he held her close, Enola could feel the rumble in his chest as he laughed at her.
Enola pushed his shoulder, but he didn’t budge. “Get off me!” she squealed.
Enola tried to wiggle out of his hold, but Gideon simply refused to let go. She was able to raise her head enough to see the laughter in his sparkling eyes.
“Gideoooon!Splat!” he mocked through roaring laughter.
Before Enola could stop herself, the giggle that escaped her pursed lips turned into a fit of laughter. Gideon fell back in the grass, pulling Enola with him. For a few stress-free minutes, they were lying on their backs, and laughing towards the stars at Enola’s clumsiness.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Gideon stood, lifted Enola over his shoulder, and headed back to the house.
“I’m just gonna carry you, darlin’. It’s just safer that way,” he chuckled.
Enola pushed her hair out of her face and slapped him on the back. Gideon entered the patio doors and slid her down his brawny torso. He graced her with a precious kiss before grabbing her hand and leading her back to the parlor. When they entered, all conversation ceased. Everyone in the room seemed to have been waiting to find out if Enola and Gideon had worked out their differences. It was Ruby that first noticed their joined hands.
“Oh, thank God,” Ruby breathed. She walked over and stood in front of them. Ruby smiled, but her eyes were sad. “I’m really glad that y’all made up. Since your relationship is so new, your feelings are all over the place. It’s really hard for me to block your emotions. I’m really sorry.”
“I’m sorry too,” Enola said sincerely.
