Page 71 of The Enforcers: NOAH

“So, now you know I’m a reasonable woof,” he said. “Sometimes. When someone threatens you or Brock, though, I don’t feel very reasonable.”

She reached up and ran her fingers lightly down his shoulder, tracing the muscles in his arm.

“No one’s ever done that for me before,” she said softly.

“What? Protected you?”

She gave a small nod. “Yeah. Robbie took care of me, but it wasn’t the same. I never felt like he’d stand between me and the world. Although, I guess he did when Beckenham wanted to kill me.”

She shook her head. “I don’t know if I should be grateful, or pissed as hell. He did save me, but the rest of our relationship was a lie. He was keeping tabs on me, on Brock, not really taking care of us.”

Noah’s eyes darkened, and he traced his fingers over her heart, then kissed her there.

“I won’t pretend I don’t hate Robbie,” he said. “but I know it’s hard for you, finding out all this about him.” He stroked her skin. “Maybe he did care for you, too, though. Sometimes things can be complicated.”

She gave him a rueful smile. “Like they are with us?”

He shook his head. “To me, things aren’t complicated with us.”

He leaned down and kissed her, right at the place where her claiming mark would go. “I swear to you,” he said, “when you become my mate, I will love you with everything that’s in me, and protect you with every skill I possess, man and wolf. With my life, if necessary.”

She shook her head. “I don’t want you to give your life for me,” she said. “I’ve already watched someone I cared about die. It wrecked me. I can’t do it again.”

He trailed three soft kisses up her neck. Then he smoothed his thumb over her cheek, wiping away the tears she hadn’t realized were falling.

“Then I’ll have to make sure no one dies,” he said. “Because the only tears I ever want to see you cry are tears of happiness.”

She curved her arms around his neck and held on tight, holding him to her. “Like I said,” she whispered in his ear. “You’re a good woof. I’m not sure I’m good enough for you.”

“You’re all I want,” he murmured, before claiming her mouth with his.