Page 107 of A Broody Mate for the Human

I make sure to use this moment to blow my nose into Raffy’s shirt.

“You know what,” the beta chimes in. “Forget it! You can pass.”

Raffy and I watch the three bulky guys leave in panic. Raffy still has his arms wrapped around me. Before I can pull myself free and return to our car, he grabs me by my arm and pulls me back, smashing his lips against mine. “This was hot!” he mutters against my lips.

I feel the butterflies in my stomach again. Reaching out my hand, I touch his cheek. “Sorry I slapped you.”

He smirks. “You wanted to do that, didn’t you?”

Ever since he pulled away from our kiss at the fair. I stretch my wrist, groaning slightly. “Ouch,” I mutter, shaking my right hand.

Raffy inspects it closely. “Did you sprain it when you hit me?”

“It’s your fault for having such a thick skull,” I breathe out, embarrassed.

“Alright, let’s get out of here, and then we can find a place to stay the night.” Raffy reaches out his hand towards me.

“What do you need?” I blink.

“The keys. You can’t drive with just one hand!” I look at him skeptically, making Raffy laugh. “I promise I will try to drive faster than the first time. Also, your friend provided me with all the fake documents I need, so I have a license now.”

“Just for today,” I tell him, begrudgingly handing him the keys. “Tomorrow I’ll be driving again.”

Raffy sneaks an arm around my waist, pulling me close again. He rests his forehead against mine. “Thank you,” he whispers.

I’m not exactly sure what he is thanking me for, but nevertheless, my heart skips a beat.

Chapter thirty-five

Aunt Caydence

*RAFFY*

Thenexttownwepass by is a tiny one, unfortunately, with a bunch of very wealthy-looking mansions and houses. Goddess, where are we? It looks like a suburb where only the rich live. Dave has turned completely silent while we drive through the town. “Is something wrong?” I ask in worry.

“My great-aunt lives here,” he says quietly.

I’m not sure what to make out of that. “Is that good or bad?” I ask carefully.

He shrugs. “I don’t have much contact with my family,” he admits.

I nod tentatively, wondering if I should ask further. I want Dave to know he can talk to me about his problems, but that he doesn’t need to feel forced to tell me something he isn’t comfortable with. I want him to feel safe around me… Fuck, why is this so freaking difficult?

… dunce…Nero mutters.

Again, he made his presence known.Nero,I call out to him.Are you here?

We… protect… love…A pause.…mate.

I almost slam the brakes as he mutters the last word, my heart picking up its pace. It’s… without a wolf spirit being present, it’s so hard to tell. It’s almost like I am human, just with enhanced strength and senses, but I lack the strength I had when Nero was still fully there, and I lack his senses. I steal a glance at Dave, and deep in my heart, I know it. I always knew. The slight tingles are there. An invisible bond pulls me towards him. From the first moment I laid eyes on him, I knew he was important to me.

I swallow nervously. I don’t need my wolf to whisper it in my ear to know it. I’ve felt it, yet wanted to wait for Nero to confirm my thoughts. Now I realize how stupid that was. Nero became more responsive ever since we met Dave. I don’t need him to verify something I already know.

“We should visit her,” Dave sighs. “We have nowhere else to go now, and I don’t want to sleep in the car.”

“If that’s what you want.” I nod.

Dave stays silent, which is very unusual, and I’m not quite sure what to make out of his quietness. He leads me to his aunt’s house before we exit the car.