Chapter 9

I rush back to my shed and slip inside unnoticed. I take a minute to catch my breath then quickly change my clothes. I’ve got about ten minutes until Hunter comes looking for me. I had to rinse under the waterfall so no one could smell Ashton on me. Not that anyone would get close enough to me.

Alyssa is already at the stove. She doesn’t acknowledge me when I enter the kitchen. She’s making pancakes, so I grab the bacon and a baking sheet. “Sit your butt down. You’re supposed to be resting, remember.”

I lay the baking sheet on the counter and cut open the bacon packages. “Yes, I remember. This doesn’t hurt much. I’ll rest after I get it in the oven.” She gives me a quizzical once over then nods.

I keep to my word and pull up a stool to sit. “Alyssa, where is your family?”

She fills the flat top with batter then gets the spatula. “My mate died a bit ago. My daughter died before that, and my son was killed before that.”

Wow, her whole family is gone, and she’s still kicking and feisty as ever. “Why did you stay after your mate died?”

She gives me a side glance. “I made a promise. Now, you go start cracking eggs. We’ve got a pack to feed.”

“Yes, ma'am.” I get the mixing bowl and the block of five dozen eggs. “Oh, damn.” I grunt as I almost drop the package. Alyssa gives me a hand just in time. She grunts then takes the block to the counter.

After breakfast, I run the vacuum in the hall while Alyssa gets the kitchen cleaned up. The vacuum turns off, and I close my eyes with my head back. “Peter, not today. It’s hard enough getting all my work done with two broken ribs.” I turn around and step back. Hunter is leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. “I'm sorry, sir. I’ll be quiet.” I duck my head in submission.

He pushes off the wall and steps toward me. “You are the most worthless, pathetic werewolf I’ve ever seen. Two broken ribs, huh.” He yanks my shirt off of me. I cover my chest and cringe away. “Ugh, you’re so scrawny. Don’t worry, you’ve got nothing I want to see anyway.” He presses on my ribs, and I cry out. He tosses my shirt back at me. “At least you’re not lying that they’re broken. Did you enjoy your evening, Tramp? I did.”

I slip my shirt back on. “No, sir, I did not. I felt it.” Hunter grins in satisfaction. Ugh, the bastard. I just can’t help myself. “All three minutes of it,” I mumble out.

I brace myself for the slap that sends me into the other wall and onto the floor. “What the fuck would you know, Tramp. You were probably crying like the little bitch you are.” I feel someone behind me but don’t dare look. Hunter grumbles in his chest then turns to leave.

It’s now or never. “I, Gypsy Rose Campbell, accept your rejection, Beta Hunter Lawrence.”

He stops in his tracks. He turns his head to look at me with his jaw flexed. “Good riddance. I don’t want you fantasizing about me anyway.” I swallow back the bile as he leaves the hall.

Peter helps me to my feet, his parents and Alyssa just behind him. “I’m glad we were here. He looked like he really wanted to hurt you.”

He looks over my face. “He always wants to hurt me. Why is today any different?” Peter’s dad looks me over, hmphs, then leads his mate away. “You should go. Your parents…”

Peter looks back over his shoulder. “Yeah… You accepted his rejection. I’m proud of you, Gyps. I’ll catch up with you later.” He musses my hair then catches up to his parents.

I plug the vacuum in and get back to work. “You keep away from Beta Hunter. Go put ice on your face. I’ll finish up here.”

My face is warm, but I can’t just let Alyssa do everything for me; she’s already done so much. “I’ll ice it later. I have windows today.”

“Don’t sass me, young 'un. Go, do as I tell you.” She takes the vacuum from me.

“Yes, ma'am. Thank you, Alyssa.” She gives me a soft smile. I go straight to the kitchen and ice my face.

Alyssa takes over lunch and dinner then tells me to go. My heart takes flight, and I’m excited to go see Ashton. I wash under my waterfall then dress and follow the tunnel.

Ashton is waiting for me in the cave. He smiles when he sees me. “It’s about time. I was worrying all day. I thought you might be in trouble for not making it back this morning.” He pulls me into a hug. His shoulders relax then he releases me but holds my hands.

“I made it back in time, just barely though.” He looks over my face. I lift my eyes to his. He’s so dominant that I should be looking down. There’s a gentleness about him that puts me at ease, and I’m not afraid of him. “I’m okay today, Ashton.”

He shakes his head. “We can’t let that happen again. I set my alarm just in case. I couldn’t live with myself if you were hurt because of my carelessness.” His hand touches my cheek, and I lose my breath.

“Ashton, I could never blame you. You’ve been nothing but kind to me. You make me feel safe.”

His looks down to my lips then back to my eyes. “Your lip is still split.” He finds the salve and applies it to my lip. “Turn around. I’m going to shift, so you can meet my wolf. Then we can go to the cottage”

I do as instructed, grateful for the warning. A cold nose nudges my hand. I turn around to the large silver and black wolf. His paws are white, and his eyes are the same green color that I’ve been dreaming about since our first meeting. I can’t help my smile as my fingers run through his soft fur. His back arches up to meet my touch.

I grab his pouch, and we leave the safety of the cave. Ashton’s wolf is graceful as he playfully runs around me. He looks so free and happy. I want to shift with him, but my ribs need to heal. Now that they’re where they need to be from shifting before, I have to wait for them to heal in my human form.

We make it to the cottage, and I open the door for him. He stops at the doorway and pulls at his pouch. “Oh, sorry. I’ll wait outside while you shift.” His wolf rolls his eyes at me and steps back. “Okay. I’ll wait inside.” Ashton’s wolf nods. I giggle and close the door.

Ashton opens the door in only his jeans. No shoes, no shirt. He runs his fingers through his dark hair. Goddess, he’s gorgeous. Why couldn’t I get a mate like him? He’s perfect. I shake those thoughts away. He’d never go for a scrawny weakling like me. I’m so pathetic. Damn, why does Hunter have to be right about me.