"Who are you?" I came awake with a jerk, disoriented and aching all over. 
A heavy male body lay beside me---we were both naked except for the sheet covering our bodies. 

I searched my memories of the night before, trying to figure out how I had gotten here while attempting to wrap the sheet around my body. I stopped when I realized I'd leave my bed partner totally nude.

I remembered myself saying over and over, "I'm your mate!"

I eased myself off the bed to look for clothes. I tried to be as quiet as I could so I didn't wake up the stranger. 

His scent was all over me, all over everything really. Rich and masculine, every time I breathed I felt as if I was being surrounded by the forest with hints of wood and a warm spice I couldn't name. I wanted to crawl back into bed beside him and never leave.

My wolf, Rayne, grumbled in my head, "We shouldn't leave! He is our mate!"

Rejected My Alpha Mate

The hard rap of knuckles against the front door dragged my attention from the notebook I was trying to compose in. Caution came to me strangely as I looked out the window to see who the guest might be before moving to open the door. I didn't want to be surprised again the way I had been by Art earlier.


I sighed in relief when I realized it was only Nathan.


Unlocking the door, I quickly opened it and waved him in with a smile of gratitude as I saw he'd wheeled a suitcase along with him.


Trust Nathan to be wonderful enough to come packed to leave within hours of being asked to go with me on a fool's errand.


We weren't going into friendly territory either, yet here he was! Ready to go!


Chapter 68