Chapter 4
Ever
When I wake up the next morning, it takes me a minute to remember where I am.
I look at the chair in the corner of the room, expecting to see Russo, but it’s empty.
I frown, forcing down the anxiety and disappointment as I roll over in bed…
and come face to face with Russo. He’s fast asleep beside me.
I smile with relief as I take in his sleeping form.
He’s so handsome. His full lips, strong jaw, the little bump in his nose that makes me think it might have been broken once or twice.
His words from yesterday float through my mind.
He said that we’re soulmates. Fated mates.
Part of me thinks he’s crazy, but a bigger part of me believes him.
I mean, that would explain why I’ve been so relaxed around him, why I trust him after a lifetime of never being able to trust anyone.
It also explains why I’m attracted to him when I swore off men or relationships years ago.
Things are changing now. I feel like I’m changing. I’m finally free. I can choose where to go, where to live, what to do. I have my life back. It feels strange after being locked away for so long.
What do I want to do first?
My bladder answers me.
I slip out of bed quietly, trying not to disturb Russo as I tiptoe into the bathroom and close the door behind me. I take care of business and wash my hands. When I look at my reflection in the mirror, I wince at the purple and yellow bruises marring my arms and cheek.
No more, I tell myself as I splash some cool water on my face. No one will ever hit me again.
I smile as I make that vow, but it’s wiped off a second later when I hear movement in the bedroom.
“Ever!” Russo shouts.
I turn, darting out of the bathroom in a panic.
“I’m here!” I skid to a stop in front of him, and he sags with relief. “I was just in the bathroom.”
“You should be resting,” he says gently, scooping me into his arms and carrying me back to bed.
“I’m feeling better. I can stand. I can walk.”
He shakes his head. “Rest.”
My stomach rumbles, and I chuckle when I see the indecision on Russo’s face.
“I’ll only follow you downstairs,” I warn.
He sighs in resignation. “Fine. I’ll carry you down.”
I bite back a grin as he lifts me into his arms again, cradling me to his chest. Downstairs, he sets me down on a kitchen chair, making sure I’m settled before he opens the refrigerator.
“What are you hungry for?”
I stand to join him. “Um, how about—”
“Nope, you sit,” he orders.
“I can help! I’m fine. Really,” I promise. “Plus, it’s weird being taken care of. I do all the cooking and cleaning for my family.”
Russo tenses at my words. He does that every time I mention my family or past. I know he hates hearing about my mistreatment. I’d hate knowing that Russo was in pain or being hurt too. It’s strange but nice to have someone on my side for once.
“Well, you need to get used to it,” Russo says. “I want to pamper and spoil you. I want to take care of you. Plus, you’re free now. You can do whatever you want.”
“I’m not sure what I want,” I admit.
“We’ll figure it out together. You have time.”
I reach past him. “How about eggs and toast?”
“Is that enough for you?”
“Yeah. Do you need more food?”
“No, it’s fine.”
He grabs a yogurt and closes the fridge. I watch as he makes us breakfast. It’s a bit uncomfortable at first. I keep expecting someone to yell at me to get off my ass, and I force myself to relax and let him handle it.
Russo slides a plate in front of me, piled high with scrambled eggs and toast. “Dig in.”
He sits with his own plate, and we’re silent for a while as we eat.
“We should head into town after this and grab you some things. Clothes and toiletries,” he says around a mouthful of food.
I shrug. “I don’t need much. I can just wash what I’m wearing.”
He pins me with a hard look. “Pampered, baby. Let me take care of you. You need clothes and shampoo.”
“Okay,” I concede. “Thank you.”
Russo tells me about growing up in the Night Grove Falls pack. I smile at his stories about his friends and the other pack members, though I don’t think I’m ready to meet them yet.
“You can use my clothes if you want,” Russo offers as we clean up our dishes.
“Thanks.”
“Help yourself to whatever. I need to make a call before we drive into town.”
“Okay, I’ll leave you to it.”
I go upstairs before Russo can offer to carry me.
After a quick shower, I pad into his closet, grabbing a black T-shirt and sweatpants.
The shirt looks like a dress on me, hanging almost to my knees.
The sweatpants don’t help the look. They bunch around my ankles, so I have to roll the waistband up a few times to make them fit.
By the time I go back downstairs, Russo is waiting for me by the front door. He smiles when he sees me.
My cheeks heat. “They don’t quite fit.”
“Not even a little, but don’t worry, we’ll fix that.”
He opens the front door, and anxiety slams into me. I freeze. I can’t make myself move. Cold floods my body. I take a shaky breath as tears fill my eyes.
Russo is instantly at my side. “Whoa! Ever, what’s wrong?”
“I can’t—I don’t think I can go outside. I’m so sorry.”
He kicks the door shut, smoothing his hands up and down my arms. “It’s okay.”
“What if they find me?” I wheeze. “They’ll make me go back. They’ll make sure I never get out this time. I’ll be trapped. Again.”
“Easy, Ever. It’s okay. They’re not here. There’s been no sign of them in town. You’re safe.” Russo tugs me against his chest. “I’ve got you.”
I’m hyperventilating, trying to inhale a deep breath. I inhale Russo’s pine scent, closing my eyes as he wraps his body around mine like a shield.
“I promise, Ever, that won’t happen. I won’t let them take you.”
“They could—”
“If by some miracle they do get you,” he cuts me off, “I’ll come for you. I’ll always come for you. I’ll get you out of there.”
I know he’s telling the truth. I can hear it in his voice. Feel it in my bones. He’s like one of the warriors in my books. My savior. My protector.
My forever.
It’s crazy, but I know it with a certainty I’ve never felt before, even though I’ve only known him for a short time.
Russo pulls back to look at me. “Ever—”
Before I can overthink it, I rise onto my tiptoes and press my lips against his. The kiss is soft, hesitant. I’ve never kissed anyone before, never thought I would.
My fingers curl into the front of his shirt as I linger for one perfect second, soaking in the warmth of his lips and the surprised sound that rumbles deep in his chest.
I pull back quickly, thinking I did something wrong. “Oh! I’m sorry. I don’t know why I—”
A deep growl vibrates through the room. Before I can apologize again, Russo’s hands are on my waist. With one smooth movement, he backs me against the front door.
The wood presses against my back as he cages me in with his large body, one hand braced beside my head while the other cups my cheek.
His eyes glow brighter than I’ve ever seen them. I shiver as his thumb brushes tenderly over my cheek, making my heart ache.
Then he leans down. His lips brush mine once, almost asking permission. When I lean into him, his restraint snaps. A satisfied groan rolls through him as he kisses me fully.
His hand slides into my hair while the other squeezes my waist, holding me close without trapping me. The kiss is warm and unhurried. He kisses me like I’m precious. Like I’m worth protecting.
I melt against him with a tiny sigh, my hands flattening against his chest. My heart pounds so hard that I’m sure he can feel it.
When we finally pull apart, we’re both breathing a little harder.
Russo rests his forehead against mine. “I’ve dreamed about kissing my mate for years,” he murmurs. “Reality’s even better.”
I laugh softly, still a little dazed. “I’ve never kissed anyone before.”
His expression softens even more. “I’m honored I was your first.” He trails a finger down my flushed cheek. “We don’t have to go to town today. Or ever. You can wear my clothes. We can order stuff online.”
“No. I don’t want to be scared forever. You’ll be with me. I’ll be safe.”
“Damn straight.”
I smile. “Let’s go shopping then.”
Russo nods, taking my hand in his. He lets me move toward the door first and tucks me close as we step outside.
“I won’t leave your side,” he promises.
I’m safe with him. I know that for sure. Who would dare to upset this giant?
I’m still anxious as we step off the porch, but Russo makes me feel brave. I think I could face anything as long as Russo was with me.
I smile at the thought and try to focus on the present instead of the dark thoughts from my past as we make our way into town.