Chapter 4
FOUR
Taylor
Holy crap.
That’s all I can think as I stare at the wolf. I’m not sure how to react to any of this. I mean, Reyes just became a wolf right in front of my eyes!
I thought he was crazy when he started talking about shifters and soulmates, but now I’ve seen it with my own eyes, I have to believe him. He’s telling the truth about being a wolf shifter. Could he also be telling the truth about us being soulmates? How does he know?
I let out a shaky exhale as Reyes shifts back to his human form. We’re silent as he dresses and returns to sit beside me. He seems nervous, studying my face for my reaction. The truth is, I have no idea what to think.
“There’s more,” Reyes says.
I bite my lip and wait.
“Shifters don’t date. We don’t need to. Every shifter has one person, their fated mate. Their soulmate.”
I nod for him to go on.
“Shifters only love their fated mates. They won’t ever love anyone but their mate.” He takes a deep breath. “And you’re my fated mate, Taylor. I knew it as soon as I scented you last night.”
Scented me? I lift a lock of my hair, wondering how bad I smell.
Reyes laughs. “No, you smell good. It’s your whole scent. My wolf and I knew you were ours as soon as we smelled you. Not your shampoo or body wash, but all of you. I’ll only ever love or want you, Taylor. Even if you reject me, even if you leave, there will never be another woman. Only you.”
I grab my phone and twist it between my fingers as I think about what to say.
“It’s also not quite like dating. I mean, the feelings aren’t—” He pauses. “Have you ever been in love?”
I unlock my phone and type no.
“Good,” he mumbles.
I raise an eyebrow at him.
He ducks his head, looking guilty. “I mean, I’m glad that I could be your first. Shifters don’t just fall in love.
It’s almost an obsession. Ever since I found you, all I can do is think about you.
I need to know that you’re safe, healthy, and happy.
I want to cook for you, feed you, shower you with love and affection. It’s a need for me.”
My heart beats harder as I think about what it would be like to be loved the way he’s describing.
My life until this moment hasn’t been easy.
I’ve worked to help pay rent and support Landry and me since I was twelve.
Babysitting, pool cleaning, yard work, and when I was old enough, I also got a part-time job.
My mom was never reliable, never really cared about Landry or me. I had to step up, be there for my sister. Make sure she ate and did her homework. I was there when she was sick or scared. I don’t regret any of it, but I had to grow up much faster than everyone else my age.
What would my life have been like if I’d found Reyes sooner?
“So… yeah,” he says, breaking the silence.
Yep, I type.
“I…” He stops, huffing out a half-laugh. “I know this is a lot to take in. I just wanted you to believe me.”
I do now.
“Right, and can you, uh, can you feel a connection between us? I’m not sure what it’s like for humans.”
I chew on my bottom lip. My fingers hover over my phone screen as I debate what to write. Reyes has been so open and honest with me. I think it’s time that I do the same.
How do I feel about this man? I mean, I’ve just met him, but I’m attracted to him. Who wouldn’t be? The dude is hot as hell. He’s also kind, generous, and sweet. He’s my dream man.
Maybe he is right about us being soulmates.
What would Landry tell me to do if she were here right now? She’d probably tell me to go for it. She’s always been the more romantic of the two of us.
Reyes tenses as I type, waiting for my response.
Yeah, I can feel it. I feel safe with you. That’s rare for me. I’m usually guarded. I’ve never dated either. Never wanted to. Not with any of the boys at school or at work. But I think I’d like to date you.
Reyes reads it. For a moment, he looks feral, as if he wants to grab me and pin me beneath him on the kitchen floor.
My body heats. God, I want that. Want him to ease this ache deep in my core.
His expression changes in the blink of an eye, returning to his usual calm and gentle persona. My body itches for another glimpse of the beast I saw in his eyes.
Get it together, Taylor.
An alarm goes off on his phone, and he silences it. “Time for more medicine.”
I want to argue, but my throat is on fire. He passes me the pills and a glass of water.
I grab my phone and type a message before I take the medicine.
I’ve never been with anyone before. Never been kissed. I just thought you should know that I’m not experienced.
I blush as he reads it, unable to look at him.
Reyes lifts my chin with his finger. “I haven’t either. Shifters don’t date or sleep around. You’ll be my first and only.”
I exhale a relieved breath. It’s crazy that a guy who looks like him is still a virgin. I guess I still have a lot to learn about shifters.
Popping the pills onto my tongue, I quickly swallow them with the water. Then I type one last message before the medicine takes effect.
I’m worried.
“About what?” Reyes asks, instantly alert and ready to take on all of my troubles.
About us. This all seems too good to be true, and when something feels like that, it usually is.
I’m not sure if it’s not having to say the words out loud or the pain meds making me so brave. I’d usually never admit how I was feeling. Or maybe it’s Reyes. I wasn’t lying when I said I felt comfortable with him. But is it a mistake to trust him? I hope not.
Reyes lifts me into his arms when he sees my eyes grow heavy and carries me upstairs to his bed. He tucks me in and kisses my forehead as my eyes droop shut.
“This is real, I promise . I’ll always take care of you. Always give you what you need. I’m going to find your sister, Taylor. I’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy, to make you mine.”
I try to open my eyes, to grab my phone so I can reply, but sleep claims me.
As I drift off to sleep, I wonder if I’ve really met my soulmate.