Chapter 40 Tanner
TANNER
This isn’t working. She doesn’t seem as pissed at us as she was, but she still clearly prefers that fucking bodyguard of hers. I mean, I get the appeal. The man is hot as fuck. But we’ll never be able to win her over before we all go home if she keeps this up.
We need to spend time with her, get to know her. There’s so much to learn and work out. Where does she even live now? How is this going to work? Does she even want to try?
But it’s hard to ask those questions when she keeps hiding behind Foster, and I don’t want to overwhelm her by throwing all of it at her at once.
But my brain keeps running through logistics and possible plans, and I can’t seem to turn it off.
Even though we spent the whole afternoon doing what most people would call relaxing, I’m wound as tight as a metal spring.
I could really use some more coffee. Or a good fuck.
As we’re leaving the spa, I grab Raven’s hand and slow down so we fall just a few steps behind. Foster gives me a narrow-eyed glare and stays at Raven’s side. Fine.
“Go out with us,” I blurt, ignoring Foster and focusing entirely on Raven. “One date with each of us. I know we did this all backwards, but we want to make up for it. We want to get to know you and show you that this can work.”
Foster makes a grumbling noise, but doesn’t intervene.
Raven squints up at me. “I’m not sure if I can. Harriett’s got everything planned out.”
“Tell her no.”
“I can’t just—”
“She works for you, Raven. Not the other way around.”
“I’ve been trying to tell her that,” Foster says, surprising me with his agreement.
“Look, you’ll get sick if you’re not with us at least some of the day.
” I try to keep my tone light and casual, though my feelings are anything but.
“Since our schedule is more flexible, we can do the best we can to join your outings like we did today, but we need more than that. You’ve got to eat sometime.
So, have dinner with us. There’s only a few days left of the Olympics, so give us each a day.
That’s all I ask. One date for each of us, and if you still hate us by the end, we’ll leave you alone. ”
I’m not sure I’ll be able to stick to that promise, especially with how eager my packmates are, but I don’t want her to feel trapped.
Raven bites her lip, drawing my gaze to the mouth I want to taste so desperately again. It’s been far too long. I want to tug that lip from her teeth, soothe the hurt with my tongue. I’d do it right this time.
“Okay,” she finally whispers, shocking me. “But Foster comes too.”
I bristle, then remind myself that he’s there to keep her safe, and the Olympic committee mandated it. But if she only has eyes for him during our dates, it defeats the purpose.
“He can come, but only as a bodyguard. Not as this.” I wave a hand at their touching arms. “He gives us space, and you give us a chance.”
Foster straightens, muscles tense as he looks at Raven. Her agreement is hesitant, but she gives it. Which is all I need. One chance.
“Orion’ll be first,” I say.
A little ripple of relief comes through the bond from her. I figured that would be the case. Despite him royally messing up with the bonding, she seems most comfortable with him. I don’t blame her.
“Hurry up,” Ana yells from about half a block ahead of us.
She’s standing in front of a cab with the door open as Harriett climbs inside.
The rest of my pack is hanging off to the side, waiting to hear what Raven said to our proposal.
I smile reassuringly at them before taking Raven’s phone, putting in my number, and calling myself so I have hers.
“He’ll pick you up in an hour.” I give her back her phone, then brush a quick kiss across her forehead.
“That won’t work.” Raven glances at Foster.
“I’m taking her to the doctor,” the bodyguard says in answer to my silent question.
I’m glad she’s gonna get checked out, but I hate the idea that he’ll be the one holding her hand through it. “We can all go.”
“No.” The word comes out fast, and my head snaps to Raven. She tucks her hair behind her ear and looks at her feet. “I need a break.”
“From us?” My heart drops, a weight settling in my stomach. How is this going to work if she already wants to get away from us? If she’d rather face bonding sickness than spend the day with us?
“I don’t want Coach to get suspicious, and I just need to think, Tanner. Please.”
Her expression is wary, like she isn’t sure I’ll give her this.
I can see her walls building again, and I know I need to take a step back.
I may be pack lead, but I’m not in charge of her.
If she needs this, then we need to give it to her.
That’s our job as good mates, and I so desperately want to be a good partner to her.
“Okay. But we’ll see you later?” I acquiesce.
“We should be back at the hotel by six,” Foster says.
“Ana planned dinner with a few of the other skaters,” Raven adds, “but I’ll fake a headache. We’ll make this work.”
I nod once, feeling like it’s already falling apart. I’m nearly certain she’s not agreeing to go on these dates because she wants to, but because she needs to spend time with us to satisfy the bond. She’s only going to end up resenting them, resenting us.
Before I can spiral more, Raven places her hand on my arm. Shit, she must have felt my despair through our connection. I’m usually pretty good at locking down my feelings, but lately everything I feel seems amplified.
“It’s gonna work out,” Raven says. “I hope,” she adds in a nearly silent whisper.
As she walks away, I put a lock on my more terrifying thoughts that she might be wrong, and focus instead on the fact that she said yes to this date idea. It’s a start, a chance.