Chapter Ten
Ezra
Ithrow my phone on the dashboard and drop my head to the steering wheel.
Torture. The best kind of torture. I’m thankful for my enhanced hearing.
I could hear everything as if I were in the room with her.
I was hard when she answered the phone, and I could tell she had been doing something she didn’t want to admit.
I love that she was thinking of me while touching herself.
Whatever she has been through has made her cautious, and I don’t want to think about what that means.
I know she has been abused. The extent of that abuse is going to kill me to hear, but I will.
I’ll listen and try not to lose my control.
I roll my head and stare at her apartment building.
I could have joined her when I arrived. She probably would have let me inside.
My instincts were telling me to call and not pressure her.
I didn’t expect to guide her through pleasuring herself, yet I’m fucking thrilled she wanted me to.
I refused to touch myself in the parking lot of a building.
I’m semi-stalking her, and I didn’t want to cross that line.
I couldn’t be here last night. After today, I needed to make sure she was safe and not having regrets.
Seeing her participate made me fall for her even more.
With a mask on her face and fake blonde hair, she looked like an avenging angel to me.
She didn’t hesitate and followed my orders perfectly.
I was surprised, yet pleased, that she could see through my shield.
If a shifter is strong enough, it’s possible for them to be immune, but I haven’t met anyone who could.
I don’t want her to see anyone but me. Even though the job of the day was difficult to think about, it brought us closer.
A shifter wouldn’t be surprised by that statement.
Humans would run away. The world is better without Richard in it.
Bash wasn’t thrilled to be pulled away from his mate again to unlock the building.
After I told him the circumstances, he forgave me and helped me with the body.
He gave me his number so if the need arose again, I could call.
Our solid friendship was confirmed, and when I pointed that out, he smiled slightly.
He may look fierce, but he has a gooey center.
I did not tell him that.
The work isn’t over for the night. The cabin needs to be cleaned out.
“Call Shade,” I say without moving.
“Done?” he answers.
“Mostly. Do you have someone you can trust here? The cabin needs to be wiped clean.”
“Why?”
“He had a room set up,” I grumble.
“Shit.”
“I don’t know how long he rented it for, but it will cause questions if someone sees it. He added a lock to the door…” I grit my teeth. “From the outside.”
“Fuck, alright. I’ll send someone.”
“I would do it as soon as possible. Did you get the photo?”
“I did. I will send it to the ones who need it.”
“Good.”
“How did Rylee do?”
“Perfect. She’s fucking perfect.”
“I had no doubt.”
“How? You seem to know her when she doesn’t know you,” I growl.
“As I said, I know things, much like the rabbit. I watch over them.”
“Shit,” I sigh. “Fine, don’t explain.”
“Where are you?” he asks.
“Where do you think?”
“Sitting outside her apartment.”
“If you know, why do you ask?”
“For my entertainment.”
“Asshole,” I rumble.
“I’m happy for you. It’s a rare thing to have someone who can accept every part of you. Rylee will work well with you.”
“You knew I was going to ask her.” He still amazes me, even after all the years we’ve known each other.
“I know—”
“Things. Yes, you’ve said it numerous times.”
“Are you going to the hotel?”
“At some point. I need some sleep. I shielded my face. My anger is simmering inside. I wish I could do it all again. He made me sick.” I won’t forget what I saw in that room, but I will never tell anyone what it was. My mate didn’t need that visual.
“Yet, you hid all that anger from Rylee. Someday, you're going to snap. Stop pushing it down.”
“I didn’t hide all of it,” I mutter. “You wanted it quick, but I took some time. I wanted him to feel pain.”
“I don’t judge you for it. I’m glad you made it hurt,” he hisses.
“Rylee assisted in the end.”
“Sounds right. You’re proud of her.”
“Fuck, yeah.”
“Go to bed. She’s safe. The job is done. You need to heal.”
“Soon, I will.”
“Did you read the information I sent?”
“Not yet.”
“Do it, and get back to me.”
“Sure.”
“If you see Sally, tell her hello from me.”
He hangs up, and I chuckle. I can’t wait until Shade is forced into the world when he meets the mate meant for him.
As much as he interferes in the lives of others, I think his world will be rocked when he falls in love.
I want that for him. He needs someone who will love all the parts of his character.
I’ve never seen him in a relationship. I wonder how it will happen when he barely leaves his house.
My phone rings, and I lift my head. My fingers are stiff as I pry them from the wheel and pick it up. I’m not surprised by the caller.
“Mom,” I answer.
“Son,” she says, lowering her voice. “I messaged you today.”
“I know. I was busy.” I glance out the window. “I planned to call.”
“Did you have another job?”
“I did. It wasn’t expected.”
“Another bad man,” she says softly.
“The worst,” I say.
“Oh, no.”
“Yeah.” She doesn’t want the details, but we use the same words for the different abusers. “I have news.”
“Good?”
“Very.” I exhale. “I found my mate.” Silence. “Mom?”
“You…what?”
“I went out with Allie, and she walked into the room. Momma, I’ve never seen someone so beautiful.
Her name is Rylee. She’s a fox shifter. There was no denying we are mates.
” I rub my chest. “I feel her inside me already. She makes me…” I drop my arm, propping it on the window frame. “Feel everything.”
“Rylee,” she says softly. “Are you with her?”
“No. Mom, she’s been hesitant. I don’t know the reasons yet, but I can guess. You know what I do. She alluded to needing someone like me when she was young.”
“Oh, no,” she whispers.
“She came with me today. She knew what I had done beforehand and asked if she could come. It wasn’t a shock, and she helped. You know what that means to me,” I say.
“I do. Is she open to the bond?”
“Yes, she needs time, though.”
“And you will give it to her. My thoughtful boy.”
“She needs it, but I think today was a good step towards it. I met most of her family. There are more shifters here who have formed a family, vampires too. It’s odd, yet they protect each other.” I drop my head to the seat. “I protected them from pain.”
“Shit. Are you recovered?”
“I slept most of the night after instead of sitting outside her home,” I drawl.
“That’s what you're doing now.”
“You know me.”
“I do. So, I know you will do everything to make her comfortable. You will tear yourself apart, denying your needs to gain her trust. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing. I’m proud of how you're handling yourself.”
“But?” I grin.
“Don’t forget to express what you need. Holding back your emotions will damage the relationship. Make sure she knows how much you want her.”
“Yes, Mom.”
“Ezra, you deserve this. I know you are going to be a wonderful mate. Thoughtful and kind. I’m afraid your calm nature is going to be tested.”
“I’m getting that sense,” I mumble.
“You remember Dennis,” she whispers.
“I don’t want to remember him,” I grit out.
“I know, but if Rylee has been through worse than she was…”
“I’ll hold it together.”
“No, you won’t. It means you care about her.”
“I can’t lose it. I won’t,” I insist.
“We’ll see,” she hums.
“Mom,” I sigh.
“If her abuser is alive, take it out on him.”
“Of course I will.” Dennis will never touch anything again.
“Did you meet her parents?”
“No. None of the shifters are biologically related. She hasn’t spoken of them, and I don’t think they are in her life. I’ve yet to learn why.”
“Damn, poor girl.”
“She’s loved, though. There is a snake shifter who has taken her as a sister. He’s protected her.” I’m trying not to be jealous of the relationship. I’m grateful, but the possessive part of me doesn’t want her relying on anyone but me."
“Be thankful, not grumpy, about it,” she orders.
“Grumpy?” I laugh.
“Remember, I raised you. I’m familiar with your moods and emotions.”
“Right,” I murmur. “I need to ask you a favor.”
“Anything.”
“Do not get on a plane tomorrow,” I command.
“What? Me?” she gasps.
“I hear the keyboard. Stop looking at tickets,” I say dryly.
“I wasn’t doing that,” she denies.
“Remember, I lived with you. I know a few things about you too.”
“Little shit,” she grumbles.
“Mom, I would love for you to meet her, but I don’t want to overwhelm her.”
“Fine. I get it.”
“I promise, when she’s ready, you’ll be the first call.”
“I’m thrilled for you. Have you called Issy?”
“No. I suppose I should.” It will be difficult to stop her from coming.
“Explain the situation. She won’t do anything to hurt Rylee.”
“I know. I’ll talk to her.”
“Good. I’ll let you get back to stalking,” she snorts.
“Promoting stalking, Mother? Shouldn’t you be lecturing me?”
“Please,” she says, laughing. “I couldn’t stop you if I tried. I want a daughter-in-law. Do what you have to do.”
“Night, Momma.”
“Goodnight, sweet boy.”
I recline the seat and get comfortable. My mom would do anything for me, but I don’t know how long she can stay in her beachside house when she knows Rylee is in my world.
I know she wants my happiness, and if she thought she could help, she would be here tomorrow.
Her understanding of abuse and what I do should hold her back.
Instead of calling Issy, I navigate to the information Shade sent me on Charlie.
The day didn’t have time in it to look at what he found.
I was hoping there was proof of something death-worthy.
Instead, there is nothing concrete. He likes to date.
Many don’t make it to the third date. They instinctively know he isn’t a good man.
There is nothing that ties him to any crime.
The place he works has protected him from any allegations.
The women have never claimed he has gone past a few touches without permission.
I’m glad he didn’t go further, but I wanted something I could kill him over.
Maybe the women were too scared to come forward.
Shade will keep digging for more, but I can’t act without more information.
I want to concentrate on my mate and not an asshole man.
He won’t get anywhere near Rylee again.
“Hey, Foxy.” I lean against the doorframe, holding food containers, and checking out my gorgeous mate. She is wearing faded jeans and a white, long-sleeved shirt. Her hair is in a bun, strands hanging down, and it’s sexy as fuck. “Hungry?”
She smiles and motions me inside.
“Yes,” she laughs. I move toward her, kiss her briefly, and walk to the table. “Did you get more pancakes?” She locks the door and follows me.
“Of course.” I grin and empty the bags. “I was feeling biscuits and gravy.” I open the lids. “I decided to go with the theme and got sausage links. Hash browns go with everything, so I got two portions.” I set out water and coffee for both of us.
“You put a lot of thought into breakfast.”
“Just wait until supper.” I hold out her chair and wait until she is seated. “I’ll get silverware. Cutting the biscuits with plastic is annoying.”
“I can get it.” She starts to stand, and I cup her shoulder.
“Sit. I got it.” She sinks onto the seat. “How did you sleep?” I walk into the kitchen, and guess where I’ll find utensils.
“Soundly,” she says, and I find it on the second try. “How long did you stay in the parking lot?”
I lift my head and meet her eyes.
“A couple of hours,” I smirk and grab what I need. “How did you know?”
“I didn’t. I’ve been around newly mated shifters here.” She lifts a shoulder, and her shirt slides to the top of her arm. “It sounded like something they would do.”
I shake my head and go to the table.
“I needed to be close to you,” I say softly, and sit at the head of the table.
“Do you like your hotel room?” she asks, and I hand her a fork.
“It’s alright.” I place a napkin beside her.
“It’s a waste,” she says, and I look at her. “If you're going to sleep in front of the building, you're wasting money on a room. You should stay here tonight.”
“Just tonight?” I would move in immediately if she let me.
“No. We don’t have to talk about the details yet.” She bites her lip. “I want you here.”
“Then I am,” I reply, and she nods and stabs a sausage. “Should I expect Heath to be here tonight after he finds out?”
“You never know when the family will show up,” she snorts and takes a bite. “He messaged today. I assured him that I was fine. He wants to see for himself later today.”
“I get it.” I cut a piece of pancake. “I spoke to my mom last night. She is thrilled to welcome you into the family.” I savor the sweet cake.
“Without knowing anything about me?” She takes a drink.
“She doesn’t need to,” I say, licking the whipped cream off my fork. “She wants me to be happy, and that you are the one who will make me that way.”
Her forehead scrunches. “You have confidence in me,” she mutters.
“I have confidence in us,” I say firmly.
She eats another sausage, and I give her time.
I can see her thoughts are spinning. Most people don’t know how to take my bluntness.
It contradicts my friendly nature. Rylee hides, and I want her to choose to open up to me.
Our lives are going to be lived together, and we need to know all the dirty parts.
“I haven’t called my sister yet, which I will catch hell about.
Mom can’t keep secrets from her, so I’m expecting her to reach out soon. ”
“I’m glad you had that,” she whispers.
“What?” I tilt my head.
“Family. They love you.”
“I love them.” I sip my coffee and watch her twirl her fork in the gravy. “They will love you, and Mom will treat you as if you came from her. Issy will be your sister and tell you stories about me. Don’t believe all of them. She lies,” I tease.
“I always wished to be loved,” she says softly.
“What happened to your family?” I ask, and she lifts her head.
“They didn’t want me.” She drops her fork. “I wasn’t worth finding when they lost me.”
What the fuck?
I’m going to kill them.