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CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Alice shifted nervously in her seat. She tried to keep herself from fidgeting in the black dress she wore. It had been the only thing she’d found in her closet that wasn’t jeans and hoodies and nice enough to go out to one of the most expensive restaurants in the cities. The soft warm glow of the lights created an intimate ambience. The tables were placed so each diner had a sense of privacy, while the rich purple velvet chairs, a staple of the restaurant, combined perfectly with the rest of the high-end décor.

She took a sip of the wine they’d ordered, relishing the taste. She recalled the last hour of her life with a smile. As soon as they had stepped out of her workplace, Axel had crushed her in his arms and kissed her until she couldn’t breathe. Then, he’d taken her hand and led her to his car. She’d tried to say something, to explain, but he’d told her to save it for later.

“I get extremely hungry after a fight, Baby Girl. We’re going to your place to get you something nice to wear, as well as some essentials for the weekend, and then we’re going out to dinner to The Velvet Parlor.”

“But Axel.”

“No, buts, Baby Girl. I need to eat so I can think and properly woo you.”

“Axel, you don’t need to woo me.”

“Silence, or I’ll spank your ass raw.”

Too shocked to say much else, she’d kept quiet while he made some work calls. Back at her place, he’d helped her pack some things and waited while she showered and changed. Then they’d taken the car back here, and now he’d gone to the bathroom and left her alone with her thoughts.

The truth was, she was all over the place. On the one hand, the fight and the fear of losing him had made her see she couldn’t live without him. She loved him, as crazy as that was. Being with Axel felt right. On the other hand, she was still terrified of the future. Now she was jobless, and thieving wasn’t something she ever wanted to get into. Besides, her whole world had suddenly opened to an array of shifters which might not want her in it if they mated.

“A penny for your thoughts,” Axel whispered in her ear, his warm breath and voice like a caress in her most intimate places.

“You’ll get them for free, I’m afraid.” She smiled nervously. Alice clenched and unclenched her hands, then clasped them together. Axel sat and covered them with his much larger ones. “Axel,” she started.

“Tell me, Baby Girl.”

She cocked her head in awe. How could his gaze devour her and at the same time peel back the layers of endless fear she covered herself with? She was naked under him, yet she was also safe. He wouldn’t judge her.

“I love you,” she blurted.

His pupils dilated with undeniable pleasure and a smile which melted her heart formed on his lips.

“And I love you, Baby Girl.”

Alice breathed deeply, the knowledge of his feelings fueling her next words.

“But I’m scared about the mating. I don’t think I can do it. Not yet. I need time,” she said, the torrent of words spilling without pause.

“Alice, I will give you all the time you need. You have already gifted me with your love. What more could a man ask for?”

“You will?”

“As long as you’re with me, Baby Girl, as long as you love me, that is all that matters. We don’t need to complete the mating ritual right now. The animal can wait. I am certain of our bond. We can wait until you’re ready.”

Tears gathered at the corner of her eye. She sniffed. Axel stood and kneeled in front of her.

“Ignore the rest of the people, Baby Girl. This is about you and me,” he said soothingly, as if he understood the embarrassment the public display caused her. “I want you to know I will take care of you, Baby Girl. No matter what. I love you.”

Alice focused on his eyes and his face. This was her mate. Her man. She wasn’t ready to mate officially yet, but deep down she knew she’d take the step soon. She leaned forward and found Axel’s lips. His small gasp of surprise making her giggle.

“I am yours, Daddy. Forever.”

The End