“She’s got round the clock protection.”
“Reid?” I ask.
“Him as well as others.”
“Does he watch over her house every single night?” I ask.
“When he’s in town,” Slater answers.
“How does nobody know?”
He shrugs. “He’s careful about it, but I would bet that Alpha knows. He would have to know.”
“You think so?”
“Oh yeah. He would smell him around his house every single morning when he goes out.”
I take that in. “Then why doesn’t Riley?”
“She’s just not paying attention. She’ll see it when she’s ready.”
I’m quiet as we drive. “I know I’m still learning about all this, but thank you, Slater.”
“For what?”
“For protecting me, for protecting your pack mates, for being you. You’re going to make a great enforcer one day.” He parks not far from my door and walks around to open my door for me. “I had a great time tonight; thanks.”
“Me too, Shorty.”
I shake my head but can’t stop my smile. When we walk inside, the dormitory is teaming with life. There are people everywhere, and it takes work to get through the crowded hallway to get to my room. I stop at my door. “Will you get some sleep tonight?” I ask.
“I’ll rest in my other form,” he says quietly.
“Slater,” I try.
“I’ll be fine.” He steps as close as he can without touching me. “Sleep well, Shorty. Dream of me.” And then he turns and strides down the hallway. I lose track of how many girls watch him go. But he doesn’t give any of them the time of day. Only when he’s out of sight do I head into my room.
“How’s Slater?” Stephanie asks as soon as I step inside. I shake my head, and she just laughs. “I’m sorry; you always have this sort of dreamy look on your face after you’ve been with him.”
“In my defense, have you seen the guy?”
She nods. “Yep. Dream away.”
I laugh again and start getting ready for bed. I spend about two hours studying before I can’t stay awake anymore. I send Slater a text.
Me-I'm going to sleep now. Hope you can get some rest too.
He texts me back right away.
Slater-sleep well. I’ll be watching to make sure you’re safe.
As much as I hate that he’s not sleeping, it does provide such a measure of comfort to know he’s keeping an eye out. With the thought of him close by, I fall asleep almost instantly.
The urge to run, to keep moving hits me hard. It’s so cold. I shiver and try to find Slater’s shirt, but I can’t seem to find it. “Keep going,” that voice urges; and I make myself move faster. There’s danger all around me. I look behind me and see a dark, horrifying creature racing after me. I scream and run faster, but my legs won’t move like I need them to. They feel too heavy. I fall and watch in horror as that creature jumps towards me, mouth outstretched.
Water hits my face, and I gasp in shock. My eyes shoot open. I scream in surprise, but Slater doesn’t move. “Easy. It’s just me.” I stare up at him and try to calm my racing heart and catch my breath. I reach up and use my sleeve to wipe off the water dripping from my face.
“I’m sorry. I couldn't get you to wake up, and I couldn’t touch you. Water was all I could use.”
