Chapter 3
THREE
Knox
I can feel Daisy’s eyes on me as I look over her car. I’m barely concentrating with my bear going crazy inside me and my heart racing out of control. I feel like I’m about to get the one thing I want most in this world.
I hated hearing about what that asshole did to her. I know I need to fix this for her. She can’t be a fugitive forever, and I can’t allow anyone to take her away from me. If she got locked up, I’d lose my mind.
“Looks like it’s out of coolant. I’m not sure about the engine. Can’t see much out here in the dark and without tools.”
Daisy nods, biting her full bottom lip as she glances down the road like she expects someone to come chasing after her at any minute. Is that a real possibility, or is she just nervous? Still, better to be safe than sorry.
“I’m going to push the car off the road. We can hide it in the bushes for today, and I’ll call a tow truck in the morning to get it and check it out.”
“Will they report it?” Daisy asks nervously.
I shake my head. “No, the mechanic is a friend. He’ll be discreet.”
She relaxes, and her golden eyes brighten.
Fuck, I’m addicted to her already. She’s in my blood, my bones, my fucking soul.
I get to work on the car, making sure it’s covered by the trees and bushes, so it’s not visible before I return to where Daisy is nervously waiting. I take her hand, smiling down at her as I lead her to the trail toward town.
I’ll take her home and get her settled, then I can make some calls.
My bear is content now we’ve found our mate, but he’s also anxious about someone trying to take her from us.
It’ll be okay. We’ll handle the charges and that asshole. She’ll be safe with us.
I take a deep breath as we head left down the path toward my cabin. Her hand feels so right in mine, and I smile at how perfect she is. She seems more relaxed around me now. That has to be a good sign, right?
I have no idea if humans can feel the mating bond. I need to explain a few things to her before I ask her. She’s had enough excitement for tonight, though, so it’ll have to wait for another day.
But I can’t keep the fact that I’m a shifter from her for long. The full moon is coming up, and I’m not sure I’ll be able to hold myself or my bear back. We’ve wanted our mate for so long, and now she’s finally here, I’m finding it difficult to take it slow and give her time to adjust.
My cabin comes into view.
I glance down at Daisy as she looks around. “This is our place.”
She pauses when I say our but doesn’t comment.
Another good sign? I wonder as we climb the front porch steps.
I smile. “I’ll give you the grand tour. This is the living room.”
Her lips curve slightly. “Nice.”
“And down here is a bathroom and the kitchen.” I lead her over to the kitchen counter, releasing her hand so she can look around.
Her eyes light up. “I love it,” she whispers.
I grin. “Good. I’m a terrible cook, but I can try to make something if you’re hungry?”
“I’m okay. I stopped before my car died.”
Her fingers run over the countertops, and I can tell that the kitchen is her happy place.
“You like to cook.”
She nods. “Yeah, it’s probably because I couldn’t do it growing up. We went from foster home to foster home, then to a group home. Everything was rationed. No seconds, no luxuries.”
The desire to make up for all she didn’t have overwhelms me.
Daisy studies the appliances, then turns to me. “Are you going to turn me in?” she blurts out. “I mean, is this some elaborate scheme to get me back here so you can call the cops or something?”
“Fuck, no. I’d never turn you in. I believe you.”
She sighs. “You’re harboring a fugitive.”
“I know you’re innocent. You’re mine. You belong here.”
My bear roars in agreement inside me. I know Daisy wants to ask about what I said, but now isn’t the time.
“Tomorrow, we’ll go over the charges and what specific evidence they have. We can find a lawyer if we need to. We’ll get it sorted.”
Daisy nods. She looks so tired and scared. I hate it.
“Come on. I’ll show you the bedrooms. You can have your pick.” I take her hand, leading her to the stairs and up to the second floor.
“You live here alone?” she asks.
“Yeah. My parents left it to me when they passed.”
“Oh, Knox, I’m so sorry.”
“Thanks.” I squeeze her hand.
We reach the first bedroom, which is mine. I pray she picks it as I push the door open.
“Here’s option one.”
She steps inside. “This is perfect.”
My bear and I relax.
“Through there is a bathroom, and you can borrow any clothes you like. Help yourself to whatever you need,” I say as I follow her inside.
She turns to look at me. “Is this your room?”
“Yeah.”
“Knox! I’m not taking your room from you. I can stay somewhere else.” She walks toward the door.
“I want you here. I want this to be your room too.”
“I—”
“I’ll sleep in the next room. I need to make some calls anyway, so I’ll be up for a while. Make yourself at home.”
I bend, kissing her forehead, then head out of the room. Every step away from her feels like torture, but I know she’s been through a lot. She needs to decompress and wrap her head around everything.
Downstairs, I make myself a pot of coffee, then research everything I can on Joe, the police, and the charges against my mate.
It’s going to be a long night, but I can’t stop smiling as I work. How could I be upset when my mate is safe and sound in my bed upstairs?