Page 48 of This Mate Thing

"Simon?"

What do I need to say to get him to leave?Fuck, he lives across the street.How am I going to keep Ira safe from him?

"Baby?"Boris touches my shoulder, and I jump, which is stupid since he's pressed against me.What does one more touch matter?

"Yes."I should play along, right?I don't want him to get angry.

"Do you see how I never was in any danger?"

Eh...I'm not following."Of course."

Boris snorts."You have to lie a bit more convincingly unless you want to spend the entire day standing here.Again, I don't mind.I love feeling your ass pressed against my groin."

The moment he says thewords, I can feel him begin to harden against me.I squeak.He wouldn't...do anything, would he?

He snorts."No."

Did I speak out loud?I don't think so.

"You never have to fear me.You're mine.I'll keep you safe.Always."

I have no idea what he's talking about.

* * * *

Chapter 23

Boris

I'm fucking this up.I know I am, but I can't stop now.I can't change my mind about telling him halfway through, but instead of convincing him, I'm scaring him.I can scent it.

"Simon."It's an exaggerated plea, but I don't know what else to do.How do I reach him?

When he doesn't reply, I blow out a breath.New tactic.I need a new tactic."What is it you don't believe about what I've told you?"

"I believe you."

He can't lie for shit, and I chuckle."So nothing?No part of it?You don't believe in shifters, you don't believe in magic, and you don't believe in soulmates."

He doesn't reply.

I grab his hand.It's lax.I suspect it's a defense mechanism.Subconsciously, he knows he doesn't stand a chance against me, or he'd have tried to push me away a long time ago.I press his palm against the wall with my hand over his, then I shift mine.

He whimpers as the tips of my claws tap against the light green wallpaper.

"The wolves in Rutchester aren't normal wolves.Or not wolves as you think of them."

He doesn't speak, doesn't even breathe.I give it some time, but when he doesn't pull in a breath, I start to worry.

"Simon."I give him a little shake, and he sucks in air.Good.

"Are you with me?"

He nods, but I'm not sure I can trust him."Questions?"

He shakes his head.He has to have questions.I know I've shocked him, but his brain must be bombarding him with questions.

"Simon?"