Page 21 of Rehabilitated

They came after my mate.

And I’ll burn their entire world to the ground before I let them take her from me.

6

Ever

I don’t want to leave.

The thought loops through my mind as silence settles between Russo and me.

I love it here. I love waking up beside him. I love eating breakfast together. I love practicing shifting in the backyard and hearing him tell me I’m doing a good job.

I love him.

The realization startles me.

We’ve only known each other for a few days, but somehow it feels like I’ve known him forever. I don’t want to lose this, but I can’t let those people find me. I can’t let them hurt Russo because of me.

That only leaves one option. I need to leave before they get here.

Something brushes against me, and I freeze.

Did that come from… inside me?

The sensation comes again. Soft. Warm. Like thick fur gliding against my skin.

We can fight back.

My breath catches.

The voice isn’t Russo’s. It’s inside my head.

Tears spring to my eyes.

“My bear?” I whisper.

I’m here.

A sob catches in my throat.

Where have you been?

Waiting.

Waiting?

You couldn’t hear me before. You can now.

I close my eyes, trying to make sense of everything. Why now?

Because we’re safe. We’re finally safe.

The words wrap around my heart. Safe. I’ve never felt safe before. Not until Russo.

We can protect ourselves now, my bear continues. And if we need help… our mate will protect us.

“Ever?” Russo’s voice cuts through my thoughts. His hands settle gently on my shoulders. “Baby?”