Page 171 of Bred

An angry growl left my mouth and a slow-spreading smile consumed his face. He squeezed my throat and pulled me to him. My hips dug into the countertop, and I jerked. I scratched at his arms, trying to pull myself free, but he didn't budge.

"I will not let you destroy my life. You almost cost me everything once, and I was sent away for three fucking years because of you. If anything happens and I don't get this position, I will come for you. Do you fucking understand me?"

He squeezed tighter, making my eyes bulge and tongue push forward. I couldn't breathe. He was going to kill me.

Where was Rowan?

The bell over the door chimed, and Luca released me, sending me crashing onto the floor. I choked on my breath, trying to suck in as much air as I could. Soft hands rubbed my back, and Summer's soft citrus scent filled my lungs.

Luca's footsteps faded and the bell chimed again.

"What the hell was that about?" Summer snarled at the door. She looked over my neck before glancing around the shop. "Where are your parents? We need to get a guard."

"No!" I grabbed her arm, forcing her to stay with me. "I'm fine. Please don't."

"What the hell, Lily?" She wiped the tears off my cheeks. Her blue eyes were wide with anger and concern. "You're not fine, and Luca was…." She leaned in, her eyes glassy. "He looked like he was going to kill you."

I shook my head, then immediately regretted it. My head spun and pounded at the same time. "Just please let it go. I can't—"

The bell over the door chimed again. The usually cheerful sound made the hairs along the back of my neck stand on end. Every muscle in my body tensed as I looked up at the edge of the counter, waiting to see who it was. Rowan's face came into view, and a gust of relief whooshed out of me.

Rowan took one look at me and hopped the counter. "Lily," his tone was urgent but soft, "what happened?"

"I'm sorry," I whispered, reaching for him. "I got myself all worked up over nothing. I didn't mean to scare you."

Summer narrowed her eyes at me, then stood, letting Rowan hold me. I was thankful when she didn't say anything.

My mate scooped me up and placed me on the counter. He looked over my face and down my chest and legs. Not sure if my throat was red or not, I leaned forward and pressed my forehead to his chest. My hair fell forward like a curtain, hiding my neck.

Concentrating hard, I did everything I could to block Rowan out of my mind, to shut down our bond so he couldn't feel my lie. I had no idea if it was working. Big hands trailed over my back, rubbing at my shoulders.

"Summer?" Rowan said. "What happened?"

I turned my head slightly, glancing at my friend through my hair. Rowan wasn't using his alpha voice, so she could lie if she wanted. But if he forced her….

"I don't know," she pressed her lips together, and I dropped my gaze to the floor, ashamed and relieved at the same time.

"Where is your escort?" Rowan asked her. "Are you here alone?"

"I came to the market with my sister and her mate. They're in the shop next door."

I could feel Summer's eyes on me, but I couldn't bring myself to look at her. I was scared she'd demand to know why I wasn't telling Rowan what happened or why we couldn't get the guard involved. But Summer didn't know Luca or his father like I did. It didn't matter what Luca did. He was untouchable. And he'd find a way to hurt Rowan too.

I needed to keep quiet, and it would eventually go away.

If we all just stayed quiet, it would be okay.

I sat on the kitchen counter, watching my mate flit about, making us dinner. Rowan placed two perfectly cooked steaks on one plate, then started cutting them up. He pierced a piece with a fork, then held it up to me. I smiled, opening my mouth and letting him feed me.

All the tension from this morning was gone. After my mom returned from her delivery, he took me home. I was grateful when he didn't tell her how I had panicked. Thankfully, he seemed to believe my stupid story about getting spooked from being alone.

Once we arrived home, Rowan stripped me naked, then bathed me, caressing every inch of my body. Afterward, he placed me in my nest and sunk into my body, loving me slow and soft, then hard and passionate. His knot still pulsed inside me as he moved us onto our sides, holding me tight against his chest. He purred, pulling me into a deep sleep.

Since waking about an hour ago, all I could think about was how lucky I was. My fierce, protective mate, intent on making me happy.

I admired Rowan's powerful body while he cooked. His muscles flexed as he moved, his abs tight and tempting.

"Does it taste okay?" Rowan asked.