Page 23 of A Love Bite (Werewolf Motorcycle Club #1)

23

J ake

I can’t help but feel a mixture of excitement and nerves. The recent events and the information she’s uncovering about the escalating crime in the southside have me on edge. My biggest concern is her getting too close to the rival werewolf gang and the danger that entails, but I can’t let her know that—not yet.

When I arrive at her place to pick her up, she greets me with a warm smile that immediately puts me at ease. She looks stunning, and for a moment, I forget all about the tension and danger lurking in the background.

“Hey, Jake,” she says, stepping out and closing the door behind her. “You ready?”

“Absolutely,” I reply, smiling back. “You look amazing, Alex.”

She blushes slightly. “Thanks. You look pretty great yourself.”

As we walk to La Bella Vita, I do my best to keep the conversation light and engaging, but my mind keeps drifting back to the dangers she could be facing. We arrive at the Italian restaurant, and the warm, inviting atmosphere helps ease my tension a bit.

We’re seated at a cozy table near the window, and as we look over the menu, I can’t help but steal glances at her, feeling grateful for this moment of normalcy amid the chaos.

“So,” she says, breaking the silence as we decide on our orders, “how was the rest of your day?”

“It was good,” I reply, forcing a smile. “Just the usual. Did you find out anything new?”

She nods, her eyes bright with curiosity and determination. “Yeah, it’s definitely a tense situation down there. Lots of people are scared, and the crime seems to be getting worse. It’s like a power struggle, but no one’s sure who’s behind it.”

I nod, trying to keep my worry in check. “Sounds dangerous. You’ll be careful, right?”

She reaches across the table and takes my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I will. I promise, but I have to find out what’s going on. People are counting on me.”

“I know,” I say, squeezing her hand back. “Just remember, you don’t have to do it alone. If you need anything, I’m here for you.”

“Thank you, Jake,” she says softly. “That means a lot.”

Our food arrives, and we spend the next hour talking and laughing, the tension easing as we enjoy each other’s company. It feels good to focus on something positive and connect with Alex on a deeper level.

But as the evening progresses, I can’t shake the feeling of dread. I need to protect her, to keep her safe from the dangers she doesn’t even know exist. The rival werewolf gang is a real threat, and I can’t let her get caught in the crossfire.

After dinner, we decide to take a walk. The night is cool and clear, and the streets are quieter now. As we stroll through the city, our conversation turns more serious.

“Jake,” Alex says, looking up at me, “there’s something about you. I feel like there’s so much more to you than you let on. I just want you to know that you can trust me. Whatever it is, you can tell me.”

Her words hit me hard, and I take a deep breath, trying to find the right response. “Alex, there are things about me that are… complicated. Things I want to tell you, but I need to make sure it’s the right time.”

She nods, her eyes filled with understanding. “I get it. Just know that I’m here for you, too. Whenever you’re ready.”

“Thank you,” I say, feeling a rush of gratitude. “That means a lot to me.”

We walk in silence for a while, the connection between us growing stronger with each step. I know I can’t keep my secret forever, but tonight isn’t the night to reveal it. For now, I’ll focus on keeping her safe and enjoying the time we have together.

As we reach her apartment, I walk her to the door, feeling a mix of happiness and apprehension. “I had a great time tonight, Alex.”

“Me too,” she says, smiling up at me. “Thank you for everything, Jake.”

I lean in and kiss her gently, savoring the moment. “Goodnight, Alex. I’ll see you soon.”

“Goodnight, Jake,” she replies, her eyes shining with warmth.

Will she invite me in?

She doesn’t.

But I don’t feel alarmed or worried. We went a little far that first night, but I don’t regret it, and I don’t think she does either. If she wants to pump the brakes sexually, that’s fine.

After all, my wolf wouldn’t shut up this entire evening. He wants me to claim her already, and I don’t know if I could kiss her neck again without my fangs descending, and I doubt I’ll have the strength to refrain from taking her as my mate.

I cannot—will not—do that without consent.

But I don’t know if she will consent to that, and if she were to reject me…

As I walk away, my heart is full, but my mind is racing. On one hand, tonight was perfect. Spending time with Alex and feeling our connection deepen was everything I hoped for. On the other hand, the dangers lurking in the southside and the escalating tension with the rival werewolf gang are serious threats, and I can’t let Alex get too close to them.

I need to figure out how to protect Alex from the dangers she’s unknowingly facing. And I need to prepare for the day when I can finally tell her the truth about who—and what—I really am.

I need to find a way to protect her without revealing too much or pushing her away.

A major part of my turmoil stems from the knowledge that the love bite to claim her as my mate will also turn her into a werewolf. It’s a permanent change, and I can’t impose that on her without her understanding and consent, but the instinct to protect her, to ensure she’s safe and by my side, is almost overwhelming.