My Surprise Mate

Chapter 11

We walked the rest of the way to the house in silence.

Dane’s arm wrapped protectively around me, only confusing me more as to what was going on.

He still wasn’t talking to me—still had the same damn expression on his face—but here he was looking after me.

Then it hit me...he feels sorry for me, or he feels obligated.

I don’t want anyone’s pity and I hate the thought that I somehow made him feel responsible for me.

I could feel my heart clench.

Dane opened the front door for me, “I have some things I need to take care of, but it shouldn’t take me long.” My heart clenched.

“Will you be coming back over here tonight?” I didn’t want to sound desperate or needy, but I wanted to know.

I really wanted him here with me.

“I'll come to check on you when I get done.” He walked away, leaving me alone.

I shut and locked the front door and made my way to the bathroom.

After letting the bathtub fill with steaming hot water and bubbles, I slowly slid in and then I let the tears fall.

I wasn’t sure why I was crying.

Well, I did know because I wasn’t sure what had happened to cause Dane to act the way he is.

What I shouldn’t care.

I didn’t know him that well anyway.

Thankfully, there was no growling during my downtime tonight.

After sitting in the water until it turned cold, I finally climbed out and just threw on a clean t-shirt and some panties.

I really doubt that he’ll be coming back tonight, so I didn’t bother with pants.

I was more comfortable this way.

I lay there trying to think of what I should do.

I can stay here, where I’m not sure I’m even wanted, or I can leave, find a different town to hide in.

Either way, I needed to decide fast.

Time was running out.

My eyes shot open asI felt a blanket being pulled over me.

“I didn’t mean to wake you up,” Dane whispered.

I didn’t say anything, just lay staring at him.

I wasn’t sure what to say without sounding pathetic.

“I'll be on the couch if you need me,” I grabbed his hand before he could walk away, “Can you stay in here with me?” The need to be close to him was overpowering everything else.

He nodded as he walked to the other side of the bed and climbed under the blankets with me.

Even though I knew he was there, in bed with me, he kept his distance.

My heart cracked.

I can’t do this anymore, “If I need to leave, just tell me.

I understand, no hard feelings.” I did the best I could to carried through the room.

I felt the bed shake as he sat upin bed, “Is this because of Nyla? I promise you won’t have any more problems with her if it is.” My eyes stayed trained on the ceiling as silent tears fell down my face.

“No, it’s nothing to do with her.

You’ve been acting weird since I saw the doctor.

I know it’s a lot, a baby, trust me, I get it —and the fact that you aren’t the biological father, I’m sure, makes it more difficult.” I wanted him to know I understood, and I don’t blame him.

His heart was in the right place.

He flipped the bedside lamp on, filling the room witha soft glow.

I attempted to roll over on my side to hide my tears before he saw them.

“Are you crying?” What am I supposed to tell him? The truth, I guess, even if it does make me sound crazy.

I took a deep breath, “I don’t know what’s wrong with me, okay.

I’m sure it’s the hormones, but that doesn’t explain anything else I’ve been feeling.” I sat up and faced him, he looked confused at my words but didn’t say anything, just waited for me to explain myself.

“I have never let anyone close to me.

Well, Kain, but he didn’t even have this effect on me.

I just feel this need to be around you, like something pulling me to you.

When you were fighting that guy outside, I couldn’t fight the urge to help you and protect you.

Every body, but in a good way.

And when I’m close to you, it’s like your smell engulfs me and calms me.

Soothes me somehow. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Ever since we left the clinic you’ve been acting weird and, for some reason, it broke my heart.

When you took me home and then left me here alone, I wasn’t sure if you would come back or not, or even what I had done wrong, I felt like my heart was shattering into a thousand pieces.” I just let it all out.

Dane pulled me to him, kissing the top of my head as he rubbed my back, “I’m sorry.

I didn’t realize you were feeling the bond so strongly.

Most of the time, humans don’t feel all of that like we do.

I don’t want you to leave and trust me, I understand how you feel.” He pulled me so I was looking at him, “As far as I’m concerned, that baby is mine.

I was mad when we left the clinic.

I didn’t approve of the way Dr.

Winters was behaving.

Then we got to the packhouse, and I went to talk to my dad about some things.

When I came down to eat, you said you weren't feeling good and left.

Then that bullshit happened with Nyla, and I left to go take care of that.

I swear I didn’t mean to make you feel unwanted.” He was being sincere.

I could see it in his eyes and by his tone.

I misunderstood the whole thing.

I let my emotions get in the way and convinced myself he didn’t want me when in closed my eyes as I shook my head, “Jeez what’s wrong with me.” Dane laughed, “Nothing.

But what I can’t figure out is why you are feeling the mate bond as strongly as I am.

Do you know anything about your birth parents at all? You can’t bea werewolf, you would have shifted at 16 years old, 17 years old at the latest.” “No, I know nothing about them.” I had always wondered about them and why they didn’t want me.

I asked everyone I could about it, but my file was thin.

They didn’t ask questions.

A woman had given birth in the local hospital and immediately told the doctors she didn’t want me.

That’s it.

No name for the woman and father is unknown.

Supposedly she was alone when she had me.

Feeling bold, I maneuvered so I was straddling Dane.

His eyes widened in surprise, “Holly please, I’m already having a hard time resisting you as it is.” His voice was pleading but his eyes were full of lust.

“So don’t resist then,” I whispered before kissing him.