Chapter Seven #3
"She remained distant to any man who showed her interest. A human decided he wanted her even though she politely turned him down. I lost it. My fierce Mom was hit because she said no. I didn’t kill him, but I made him feel the pain he forced on her.
He was human. She could have fought back instead of running away, but she didn’t want to reveal what she was, and knew he would say something if she used her strength.
No one is allowed to hurt her. Since that day, she has remained alone, finding solace with her children, and friends. ”
He tucks my hair behind my ear. “We are all worthy of love. I swore if I found the real thing, I would strive to be like her. She could have given up at any time. Perhaps it was too hard to raise two children without the man who made her world revolve, yet she didn’t.
She had a goal, determination, and a fierce spirit.
” He moves closer, widening his legs and cupping my knee.
“I am patient. Focused. Fearless to a point, some have thought I have a death wish. I love life. I eat the pancakes because why the fuck not. I am determined like my mom, and she will love you the minute I tell her you are mine.”
He cups my cheek with his other hand. “Nothing you say or do will scare me. I am in this. You are my mate, and I’m determined to make you feel safe enough to fall for me and want to spend all your moments with me.”
My lips part, and he looks at them. He waits.
I lean forward slightly, and he takes the sign I give him.
This kiss isn’t soft or gentle. I fall against him, and he lifts me onto his lap.
Wrapping my hands around his neck, I indulge myself and let him take what he wants.
His hands roam across my back, and I want his touch on my bare skin.
I thread my fingers through his hair, and he groans.
The sound of it makes my stomach flip. The heat of the bond increases, and I can’t help it as I roll my hips.
His scent grows stronger, and I know I could get used to smelling it for the rest of my life.
The more I get to know him, the more I want to know.
He doesn’t hide anything, including his desire for me.
I’ve become adept at hiding everything I feel, but he makes me want to show him all of it.
I gasp as he pulls away. We stare at each other, and I’m unable to hide my emotions. A phone rings, and we remain locked together. The next time I fight, I’m going to have a difficult time concentrating on anything but Ezra holding me in the ring.
“Are you going to answer that?” I ask as his phone rings again.
“I’m trying to ignore it,” he says softly.
“What if it’s your mom?”
He sighs, and I slide to the mat.
“This better be important,” he grumbles as he answers, and I smile.
“I have the information you wanted.” I can hear everything, and Ezra must not care as he doesn’t ask me to dim my hearing.
“Send it to me.”
“Is the lovely Rylee with you?” the man asks, and I lift my brows.
“Yes.”
“Does she know what you do?”
“Again, yes.”
“I have a favor to ask.”
I close the lids on the food containers.
“What?”
“I’ve been tracking a man. He’s been a pain in my ass, and doesn’t stay in one place. I caught him. He’s wandered your way.”
“Give me details.” I put the garbage in the sack.
“Very bad guy. He’s good at hiding and avoiding the police.
No one asked me to get him. He caught my attention.
The model citizen, good job, and neighbors who love him.
They didn’t notice anything odd about him, yet children disappeared.
He usually took them at random, and they couldn’t be traced back to him.
The last one can, and the cops did their best to pin it on him. ”
“He slipped away,” Ezra mumbles, and my stomach rolls for a completely different reason.
“Unfortunately.” The clank of a keyboard comes through clearly. “I did some digging and followed the case and the man. I lost him for a few days.”
“I know you have other men.”
“I want it done quick and quiet. You’re the best.”
“How many children?”
“Why?”
“I’m wondering how painful I can make it,” Ezra growls, and I swallow hard.
“I won’t tell you. He’s had media attention. If you know, you’ll prolong the torture, and you don’t have the time. I can cover the cameras around the area.”
“Send me everything on my other phone.”
“Payment?”
“I’ll do it for free.”
“Sending now.”
“Proof?”
“Yeah. I want to give the families closure.”
“I’ll make sure.” He hangs up the phone.
“I want to go with you,” I say firmly. He stares at me, and I know he doesn’t want to put me in danger.
I could stay safely in my home and wait for him.
His job doesn’t scare me, but a man who hurts children does.
I’m not helpless, and with Ezra on the hunt, I couldn’t be safer.
“I’ll listen to your commands. I won’t get in the way, but I want to see him pay. ” He glances at my hair.
“Do you have a wig?” He tilts his head, and I nod. “How about a mask?”