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“Thank you,” he said.

“I’ll call later tomorrow morning to check in on you,” Faith said to Carter. “Make sure you have your phone nearby or I’ll come over to check on you.”

“I can remain awake and move during the day,” Gio said. “I’ll be able to answer your call.”

“That works,” she said. “Now I have children waiting for me. Good night.” She gave them a last smile and left, answering her ringing phone as she went.

The moment they heard her close the front door, Carter tried to get up.

“What do you think you're doing?” Gio asked, putting a hand on his shoulder to keep him on his back.

Carter didn’t push past Gio’s touch. “I really want to get clean. I’m sure I can handle a shower.”

Gio frowned. “You’re going to do everything Faith told you to do. I’ll get you clean, but you have to stay here.”

“I want a shower,” Carter grumbled.

“And I’d rather not had to call a knitter to healamore miofrom a stab wound,” Gio retorted. “Neither of us is getting what he wants tonight.”

That pulled a chuckle out of Carter. “Fine, I’ll take a bed bath. Can I have steak for dinner?”

Gio pulled out his phone and opened a food delivery app to order from Carter’s favorite restaurant. “I’ll order you ten and all your favorite sides.”

“My mouth is watering already,” Carter moaned, making Gio smile as he put his phone away.

“Let me see about getting you clean and comfortable,” he said. He leaned over Carter and put his lips next to the shifter’s ear. “Be a good wolf and maybe I’ll give you a blow job for dessert.”

Carter sucked in a breath. “I’ll be so good!”

Chapter 3

Gio

After running the water until it was the perfect temperature, Gio soaked several washcloths and carried them out to Carter. He paused next to the bed to take in his exhausted mate.

Carter had a typical alpha wolf body—tall, muscled, and powerful. His aura was bright with alpha magic. When they touched, he could sometimes feel Carter’s desperate need to protect and nurture. It was his alpha wolf instincts. Their soul link made it impossible for Carter to hide his compulsion.

Unfortunately, he was mated to a vampire that didn’t need much protection. A hundred years ago, Gio would’ve needed Carter to guard him during the day, when he was vulnerable to the sun. Concrete construction, dual pane, sun resistant glass, and a specially made safe room in the basement meant Gio was basically impervious to an attack, even during daylight hours.

All of Carter’s instincts had nowhere to go, which was why he’d behaved so obnoxiously at McConnell’s home earlier. Gio had deliberately not told Carter where he was going in an attempt to avoid this issue. The last time he’d taken Carter with him toa vampire-vampire negotiation, the wolf had gotten into a fight with a gargoyle.

Even though he’d tried to leave Carter at home, it hadn’t worked. The wolf followed him and still found a reason to end up in a battle.

“I can feel you staring at me,” Carter said without opening his eyes. “Your disappointment smells like rotten fruit.”

Some shifters had the ability to smell emotions. Carter’s ability made it hard to mask his emotions.

“I’m not disappointed exactly," Gio said, stepping closer and putting a knee on the bed. Starting at Carter’s shoulders, he used the wet washcloth to wipe away the old sweat and grime from the shifter’s skin.

“Then what am I smelling?” Carter asked, keeping his eyes closed.

“A combination of frustration and fear,” Gio said. “Our soul link isn’t very strong when we’re not in physical contact. I didn’t know you were hurt until I saw you in the basement. You could’ve been dying, and I wouldn't have known until your soul was about to leave your body. I’m failing you.”

Carter tried to sit up but winced and remained flat. “How can you say that?”

“Easily,” Gio said with a weary sigh. “It’s my job to keep my flock safe. I haven’t been keeping you safe.”

Guilt was clear on Carter’s face. “But it’s an alpha’s job to care for the pack. I need to be with you to protect you.”