Page 31 of Worse Fates

Golden’s legs nearly give out as the tension holding him stiff dissipates, and I catch him before he falls.

“Idiot, you could’ve died.” Then, remembering he’s upset with me, he stumbles out of my grasp.

“I’m all fine,” I tell him, repeating my earlier sentiment.

Golden’s eyes, big and brown and trying to take all of me in, beg for something when there is no need. I would give him everything on a platter.

“Can you two stop gazing into each other's eyes for two bloody seconds? What are we going to do?” his friend demands.

“I’ll keep you both safe.” I would offer it to Golden alone, but I’m certain he’s going nowhere without his friend. “Follow me.”

“Golden!” the young man shouts. “This is…fucking crazy. Is this the Lucero guy you were talking about? Mickey was a dick, but he could be dead.” He flaps his hand at the sad lump of a man.

I wave him away, uninterested. “Your Mickey is simply unconscious.” My focus is on getting Golden to safety, though my ears perk up at his friend's words.

Golden has spoken about me.

As a possessive triumph swells in my chest, I try to suppress a smirk, but from Golden’s glower, I’m unsuccessful.

“Yeah, this is Lucero. But he’s…he’ll keep us safe, alright?” Golden’s eyes flicker back to my shoulder, as if waiting for my arm to drop off, his own shoulders tense once again. “Where are you taking us, then?”

I incline my head toward the road. “My car. Then I’ll take you to my home.”

“And Kai is coming.”

“Of course.”

His friend—Kai—looks between us, not hiding his suspicions. Then Golden grabs his arm and tugs him forward.

“Lead the way,” Golden says, stern but bone-tired.

I take them a short distance, then open the back door to my long sleek town car.

“Is everything you own black?” Golden asks, a little smile hidden in his voice.

Kai jumps in first, then looks at Golden expectantly, who seems to be standing there, unsure what to do next.

“I wouldn’t want to stray too far from the classics.” My teasing works, and I’m rewarded with a huffing laugh from my mate.

After a pause, Golden closes the door on Kai. He circles the car and slips into the passenger side, the soft sound of the door closing a question mark. Thrilled, I seat myself next to him and turn the heat high; warmed more from the way Golden snuggles closer to the blasting vents. His cheeks turning from a washed-out brown to toasty pink.

I drive away, the rain streaking across the windows, like falling stars.

Kai is curious in the back seat, but seems to be following Golden’s lead and remaining silent.

“How did you find me?” Golden murmurs.

I tap my index finger on the wheel, turning when I need to and trying to find a way to tell him without making him want to distance from me further.

Then he huffs, forehead pressed to the window. “You knew where I was the whole time, didn’t you?”

“I did.” No sense in lying. “Only to ensure you were safe.”

“Probably how every stalker explains away their weird behaviour.” His remark is meant to bite, but he’s too tired to really sink fangs in.

The urge to touch him leaves my knuckles white as I squeeze the wheel harder than I did Jace’s neck. I need to hold back, already I’ve scared Golden with my intensity. Meeting my soulmate has always been a world-altering experience, a happy one filled with unrivalled love and passion, but I’m not about to turn away from a challenge.

First, patience. No romance in history has ever remained a joyous affair when the other half was forced.