Page 38 of The Alpha's Seer

I shake my head and let out a quivering breath, trying to return to reality. “I was being chased.”

Calix tenses his jaw but lets me continue.

“I had wolves chasing me, lots of them,” I explain, closing my eyes. “And you saved me.”

Calix grins, but it's faint. “At least I'm a hero in your dreams.”

I say nothing. I can't tell him he died—it was just a dream—a nightmare. I stare down at my hands and see they're trembling. I've had nightmares since the accident, but never like this. Maybe the incident at the library triggered them.

Calix sighs and scrubs his face, sitting back on his heels. He dominates the bed, even though I know it's big enough for four people. Four humans, anyway. He's shirtless, and I can't help but stare at him as he speaks.

“I'm sorry for dragging you here.”

I wasn’t expecting that. I pause, watching as he grimaces. His hair falls in his eyes, and he shoves it away impatiently. He looks exhausted, and part of me wants to tell him to sleep.

Do werewolves sleep?

They must do if they can look exhausted, right? He's human too; surely he needs sleep.

“I just wanted you safe, and this is the only place I know you will be.” Calix locks eyes with me, and heat spins through my core, making me squirm. “And I'm sorry for... earlier.”

My cheeks flame at the memory of how he used me, but he's not so easily forgiven.

“Why? Didn't you enjoy it?” I remark cattily, enjoying how a smirk plays on his lips.

God, he's beautiful.

“Of course I fucking did.” Calix rolls his eyes, and I flush further. “But you’re my mate, whether you like it or not. Just don't say you're not my mate again.Please.” His voice takes on a pleading tone, one I've not heard him use before.

Does he not understand how difficult this is for me? I've been attacked, and then Calix—a man I've never met in my life—has not left my side once; then I was taken away from my family, told werewolves exist, and watched a wolf shift into a human. Then Calix lost his temper and face-fucked me—not that I’m complaining.

So yeah, I'm feeling a little bruised from it all. I drag my legs under me and sigh, still exhausted despite the massive amount of sleep I've had. I’d wanted to leave so badly, but now? I wasn’t so sure, especially with how calm Calix seems. He’s easier to be around when he’s like this.

“It's not that I'm disputing being your mate,” I tell Calix, eyeing him warily. “I barely understand all of that.”

It's true—I don't. I’d said that in anger. If he says I'm his mate, then that's his belief. It doesn't mean it’s mine.

Calix watches me as I clear my throat, picking at the fabric of my onesie. Anything, so I don't have to look at him.

“It's just... a lot to take in.”

“I know.”

“My brother will be going crazy,” I comment, worrying at my lip. “Even though I left him a note, he worries. Especially after the attack.”

Calix stares at me. “Your brother is a drunk. He doesn't know how to protect you.”

My nostrils flare. “You don't know what he's been through.”

Calix leans closer, and I instinctively press myself further against the headboard. “I do. You lost your parents in an animal attack when you were young. You lived with your Aunt Ray until you were old enough to take over the house.”

So, he does know.

“We lost our parents,” I hiss. “You don't know how that feels. It destroyed us.”

Calix bunches the sheets into his fists and growls, his eyes darkening. “It isyouthat knows nothing, Blair. But you need to start learning, so let's start with this, shall we?”

The bed rumbles beneath his voice, and I swallow thickly. I have to remember he's an animal, and I don't know what he's capable of. All I know is that he's bigger than any man I'veever met, and he has a temper. One I never want to be on the receiving end of.