Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Barrett

Iwake to the scent of coffee and bacon, and something in me rumbles in approval. I sit up and stretch. There's an indentation in the covers beside me where she'd slept last night. We rested side by side. There'd never been a question of it. No need to discuss sleeping arrangements or feel awkward about any of it. I'd returned, settled down, and she'd curled up against me. All so easy and natural. As if it was meant to be.

It is meant to be.

I rise from the bed. She's humming from the kitchen to the accompaniment of the splatter of fat. As melodies go, it's unconventional, but I'll take it. I leave the bedroom, stopping off in the bathroom to wash up before heading through to find her. I'm leaning against the doorframe when she turns to face me. Her eyes flit down to my bare chest, then back up to my face. Something flickers in her expression.

"Good morning," she says, almost shyly.

"You're up early." It feels like we only fell asleep a few hours ago. Then again, time has raced by these past few days.

"Not that early. And I figured I owed you breakfast. I wanted to surprise you." Her dimples pop when she smiles.

"You don't owe me anything." I peel away from the door and cross the kitchen floor, stopping behind her. She's turned back to the cooker, pushing rashers around in a skillet. "Smells good." My breath moves the little tendrils of hair on her neck. I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure she shivers.

"Can't go wrong with bacon." She keeps her attention on the bubbling fat.

"For sure." I back off as she turns with the hot skillet in hand, heading to a counter where plates are set out. "There's coffee if you want it." She nods toward a pot nearby.

I pour myself a mug of the rich, dark brew and take a sip, letting the warmth spread through me. Cedara's eyes follow me as I move back to the counter and lean against it. There's a softness in her gaze that makes my chest tighten.

"This is nice," I say, gesturing to the plates laden with bacon, eggs, and toast. "You didn't have to go to all this trouble."

She shakes her head, those golden curls swaying. "It's no trouble. I wanted to."

I take another sip of coffee, watching her over the rim of the mug. She's fussing with the cutlery, lining up the knives and forks just so. Her movements are delicate, precise. Again, I'm taken by how small and fragile she seems. Then she pauses, chewing on her lower lip. When she looks up at me, her eyes are wide and questioning.

"Everything okay?" I ask gently.

She opens her mouth, closes it again. Then a slight nod. "Yes. It's just…" A faint blush colors her cheeks. "I'm glad you're here."

The tightness in my chest expands, a growing warmth. I set down my coffee and close the distance between us in two strides. Cupping her face in my hands, I tilt it up toward me. Her eyes search mine, trusting and vulnerable.

"Me too, beautiful," I murmur. "Me too."

A sharp rap at the door breaks the spell. I tense immediately, instincts shifting into high gear as I turn toward the sound. Cedara's palm finds the small of my back as if silently looking for reassurance. I lift a hand, urging her to stay behind me, then move to the door. I crack it open a few inches to reveal Sybil standing outside.

"Good morning," she greets us cheerily. "I was hoping I could steal Cedara away for a bit of girl time?"

Cedara's fingers curl into the fabric of my shirt. "Barrett should stay," she says firmly.

Sybil's eyes shift to me. "If that's what you want, baby." She steps further into the house. "Did you sleep well? How are you feeling today?"

"Much better. Thank you." Cedara clasps her hands in front of her. "I…um, I just made breakfast. Would you like to join us?"

"Sounds great," Sybil says brightly. If she's aware of the tension, she gives no sign of it as she heads toward the small dining alcove near the kitchen.

"I'll get everything out," I say, hoping to give them a moment alone together.

I busy myself in the kitchen, giving them some privacy while staying within earshot. Cedara's voice drifts out, hesitant and subdued.

"I'm sorry about last night, Mom. I didn't mean to scare you."

"Oh, sweetheart." Sybil's tone is soothing, full of warmth. "You have nothing to apologize for. We all understand this is…difficult."

There's a pause, a weighted silence that stretches out. I can picture Cedara worrying her lower lip between her teeth the way she does when she's anxious.

"I felt so out of control," she admits in a small voice. "Like I was a monster."

There's that word again. I don't like it. Not one bit.

"You're not a monster, baby." The words are fierce, full of conviction. "You're my beautiful, brave girl. We're going to figure this out together, okay?"

I let out a slow breath; hearing the anguish in Cedara's voice tears me up inside. The clink of dishes breaks the heavy quiet as I portion out the food. I carry the loaded plates into the dining area, offering Sybil a small smile as I set them down.

"Everything looks delicious," she says warmly. "Thank you, Barrett."

Cedara doesn't meet my gaze, but her shoulders lose some of their rigid tension as I move close. We settle around the table, the only sounds the scrape of utensils against ceramic as we eat. An awkward silence hangs over us.

Sybil clears her throat eventually. "Well, this was lovely, but I should get going. Cedara, will I see you later?"

Cedara nods, finally lifting her eyes to her mother's face. "Of course."

Sybil rises and leans down to press a kiss to the top of her daughter's head. "I love you, baby."

"Love you too, Mom."

With a last look between Cedara and me, Sybil slips out, leaving us alone with the remnants of our awkward breakfast.

Cedara exhales a deep breath as if she's been holding it for too long. "I… I think I'm glad she's gone. God, does that make me awful?" Her voice is choked.

I set my fork down and reach across the table to take her hand in. Her fingers are cold, trembling slightly in my grasp.

"Hey." I wait until her eyes meet mine before continuing. "You're not awful, Cedara. Don't ever think that."

She opens her mouth, but I squeeze her hand gently to silence her.

"I mean it. What happened last night…that's not you. Not the real you." I lift her hand and press my lips to her knuckles. "You're kind and brave and strong. So damn strong."

A faint blush warms her cheeks, but the worry line remains etched between her brows. "I was so scared, Barrett. What if I'd hurt someone?"

"But you didn't." I keep my voice soft but firm. "And you're not going to."

She lets out a shaky breath. "You don't know that."

"Yes, I do." I rise from my chair and tug her up into my arms, holding her close. She buries her face against my chest, her shoulders shaking. I tighten my embrace, rubbing circles across her back. "I know you, Cedara. Maybe not for long, but my gut tells me that I know the important stuff. And I know you're not going to let this beat you."

She pulls back far enough to look up at me, her eyes glistening. "How can you be so sure?"

"Because you're not alone in this." I brush a curl away from her damp cheek. "I'm right here with you. And you know what? I think it's time we got out of this apartment for a while."

Her eyes widen with a flash of panic. "Out there? With people? Barrett, I can't—"

"Yes, you can." I frame her face in my hands. "You need to see that you're in control here. That wolf isn't who you are. She's just a part of you…a good part. Don't let this situation convince you of anything else."

She swallows hard but gives a tiny nod.

"That's my girl. Now go get ready. I'm taking you down to the market for some new clothes."

Cedara hesitates, worrying at her lower lip. But after a moment, she slips out of my arms and heads for the bedroom. I let out a slow breath once she's gone. I have to stay strong for her, have to convince her that she's got this under control. The truth is, the thought of her losing control again terrifies me, too. But I know she needs to face this head-on before she'll ever believe in herself again.

By the time she emerges, I'm waiting by the door, keys in hand.

"You ready?" I ask.

Her face is pale but set in determination. "Ready."

I loop an arm around her shoulders and pull her close against my side. She melts into me with a tremulous sigh.

"It's going to be okay," I murmur against her hair. "I've got you, beautiful. Always."

By the time we reach the small cluster of stores that serve as Steel Lakes' shopping district, Cedara has relaxed against me. She's looking around in awe, taking in the sights of the small, tidy town. Pride surges in me. It's not a bustling metropolis and certainly no Fifth Avenue, but we've done well for ourselves here.

I push open the door to one of the small boutiques that line Steel Lakes' main street, the little bell above jingling cheerily. Cedara hesitates for a beat before I give her a reassuring smile and guide her inside with a hand at the small of her back.

"Barrett! Good to see you." A tall, willowy woman emerges from the back room, her warm chestnut eyes crinkling at the corners as she grins at me. "Who's your friend?" She sweeps a wave of strawberry blond hair over her shoulder, eyeing Cedara curiously.

"Raura, this is Cedara. She just joined us here in Steel Lakes." I turn to Cedara, whose gaze is fixed uncertainly on the other woman. "Cedara, this is Raura Pierce. She runs this little shop…along with the market we have here at the weekends."

"It's so nice to meet you!" Raura closes the distance between them in two long strides and envelops Cedara in an enthusiastic hug.

Cedara freezes for a moment, her eyes going wide, but then something in her seems to melt. She returns the embrace, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

"You too," she murmurs as they part. "I love your shop."

"Well, thank you!" Raura beams at her. "Please, make yourself at home. Let me know if you need anything. Or better yet, let me help you pick something out. I can pretend to be your personal shopper." She gives Cedara an exaggerated wink.

As the two women fall into easy conversation, I step back and simply watch them, unable to smother a grin of my own. Cedara is already so much more at ease than when we first arrived, her shoulders losing their rigid line as she laughs at something Raura says. This is more like it – this is the woman I've only glimpsed fleeting traces of until now.

"You're going to need some things," I interject once they've established a rapport. "Clothes, essentials. Whatever you need, Raura can help you out."

Cedara's eyes find mine, a silent question in them. I give her a small smile of reassurance.

"Don't worry about a thing. Raura will put it all on my account."

"Oh, I couldn't possibly—"

"Please." I take a step closer and drop my voice. "Let me do this for you. You deserve it."

She searches my face for a long moment before giving the tiniest of nods. Spinning back to Raura, her shoulders are set in determination.

"Well then, I suppose I'll need your advice on what to get."

"You've come to the right place!" Raura loops her arm through Cedara's and leads her toward a nearby rack of clothing. "Now, what's your favorite color?"

The two of them are quickly embroiled in dissecting fabric swatches and blouse styles, laughing and chattering like old friends. I lean back against the wall and simply take it all in, content to bask in Cedara's obvious delight.

The bell above the door jingles again, and I glance over to see who's entered. My satisfied smile slips as Casey stalks through the doorway, Tarkin Redburn close on her heels. Cedara doesn't seem to notice them, too absorbed in whatever Raura is showing her, but Casey's gaze immediately finds me. Her eyes narrow.

"I can't fucking believe it," she hisses. "When the report came up to me, I was pretty sure it was bullshit. But here you are. Are you really this fucking stupid?"

"What are you talking about, Stone?" I keep my tone neutral.

"You brought her here? Of all places? She's supposed to be locked up, dammit!"

"Who's supposed to be locked up?" Raura has emerged from the racks, Cedara behind her. Her features are clouded.

"She is!" Casey says sharply, jerking her head at Cedara. "Until we know she's not going to go feral on us."

"Feral? What are you talking about?" Raura looks over at Cedara, who lowers her eyes.

"Maybe Barrett should be telling you about it. He's the one Jagger ordered to watch over her, after all." Casey's remorseless.

Chocolate eyes fly wide as Cedara jolts her head up to stare at me.

Shit.

"Ordered?" she whispers.

"Of course. Why else would he be traipsing after you, playing nursemaid?"

Cedara is still staring at me. "You said…" She stops, and then suddenly, she's spinning on her heel. I watch in dismay as she bolts from the shop.

"Goddammit, Stone! You're a real asshole, you know that?" I shoot a sharp glare at the woman before taking off after Cedara. She's moving fast, pushing past shoppers on the narrow sidewalk.

"Cedara!" I know it's pointless to call after her. She's running on emotion. I can feel it streaming from her as she moves nimbly and at speed. I know I could probably catch her if I ran faster, but that feels too much like hunting her down. She doesn't need to feel that right now.

Besides, I know where she's going.

I slow to a steady jog, keeping her in sight up ahead of me. When I reach her, she's resting her forehead against the blue panels of the front door to the apartment.

"You have the keys," she mutters, out of breath, not looking at me. I reach past her to unlock it, then wait as she shoves the door open and storms in. When she spins to face me, wild-eyed, I remain silent.

"Nursemaid?" she barks. "You were ordered to watch over me?" She sets her hands on her hips, her cheeks flushed with anger. As small as she is, she's intimidating when she's furious. "What happened to all that ‘mate' bullshit, huh?"

"I meant that, Cedara."

"Right. Sure. Whatever!" She's still glaring daggers at me, but when she dashes a tear away with the back of her hand, I reach out to her. She knocks my hand away from her. "I don't know what the hell you're playing at, Barrett, but I want you to stop it."

"I'm not playing at anything." I take a step forward. Her eyes narrow, so I stop. "I meant what I said. You're my mate.

"I'm not anything of yours!" she snaps. "Nothing! Do you understand me? I want you to leave." She points at the door.

"I can't do that."

"Why? Because your Alpha ordered you to keep an eye on me?"

"He did," I admit. "But that's not why I'm here."

"Yeah. You're here because I'm your mate," she sneers. "God, I'm so fucking stupid!"

"You're not stupid. You're vulnerable…"

"And why the fuck would you care? Is this some kind of sick game to you? Find the freak and bring her home so you can toy with her?"

"Dammit, you're not a freak, Cedara! And I would never toy with you. I care about you."

"How could you care about me? You don't even know me. You'd never even met me a week ago." Her eyes are wild, her hair a golden cloud around her face, and even in the storm of her fury, she's the most beautiful damn thing I've ever laid eyes on.

"A week was all I needed." I set my jaw. "Hell, an hour would have been enough."

"Enough for what?"

"Enough to know this…" I close the distance between us, grip her wrist, and pull her against me. Her eyes fly wide a moment before my lips fasten over hers.

I crush my mouth against Cedara's, unable to hold back any longer, kissing her with an urgency that borders on desperation. My hands slide into her silken hair, cradling the back of her head as I angle her face for deeper access.

Her answering whimper vibrates against my lips. Instead of pulling away, she presses herself flush against me. Heat lances through me at the feel of her curves molding to the hard lines of my body. I'm rock hard in an instant, and I groan into her mouth, the sound low and guttural.

Cedara's hands fist in the fabric of my shirt, clinging to me as our kisses grow more frenzied, more needy. I grind shamelessly against her, seeking friction, craving the delicious heat building between us.

Her nails score my chest through the thin cotton as she arches into me with a desperate little mewl. The sound spurs me, and I want her…no, I need her.

I tear my mouth from hers with a ragged gasp, trailing scorching kisses along the column of her throat. She throws her head back on a broken cry, exposing the creamy line of her neck.

"Barrett," she pants, the syllables of my name fractured with want. "Oh, God…" I trail biting kisses up the slope of her shoulder, groaning against her fevered skin. I want to devour her, to lose myself in her softness and heat until there's no separating where I end and she begins.

When I raise my head, I'm gasping for air. So is she, her eyes dark and dazed.

"Tell me you don't feel that." My chest is heaving. "Tell me you don't feel the bond between us."

"I…I…" she chokes out. "Barrett, I…"

"You're mine," I stop her from talking herself out of what this is. "Mine, Cedara. Say it."