Chapter 51
Chapter 51
POV: Jared
“I need to go!”
Without a second thought, I snarled at Roxane, ordering her to leave. Then I turned to Damien and gave him a respectful nod. No words were needed—we understood each other. Andrea ran to me, hugged me tightly, and whispered:
POV: Andrea
“Go. Find her. Tell her everything’s going to be okay.”
I had felt everything Kat went through the moment the tiger stared into her soul. All her fears had screamed inside my mind, and I needed her to know—nothing had changed between us.
POV: Jared
I shifted into my wolf form in a flash, massive paws hitting the ground as I chased after the bird desperately fleeing from me. I reached out to Kat through our bond, worried when she didn’t respond. We had practiced this—mind-linking—just hours ago. It was surreal, thrilling... and terrifying.
Kat! I called again. Still nothing. I pushed harder, running faster. I’d lost her scent, but I was sure I knew where she’d go. The one place she always felt safe.
Kat... answer me! I urged, but silence echoed in return. I didn’t stop. I just ran—toward her house. Our house.
POV: Kat
I flew through the sky, frantic and scattered, not knowing where to go or what to do. Everyone had seen me. Everyone knew. The guilt of exposing myself like that—with just one push—burned inside me.
I’d left Jared’s house without explaining anything to Andrea. She must be hurt. Damien… well, he had an excuse. He wasn’t there when I discovered my transformation. But with Jared’s sister, it was different. I heard Jared’s mental call. My wolf howled in response, begging to reach him.
But I couldn’t. Not now. I had failed him.
I flew home—no hesitation. I needed to think. I needed peace.
POV: Jared
Please, answer me.
I was getting desperate. I knew Kat was probably overwhelmed, but I didn’t see her as weak. Not for what happened with Roxane. Hell, I would’ve killed her if Kat hadn’t stepped in.
Just tell me you’re okay!
A chill ran down my spine. What if something had happened? A hunter? A vampire? I shook it off and pushed myself to run faster. The house wasn’t far, but it felt like an eternity.
The door was unlocked. I barged in. Her scent—strong, intoxicating—hit me instantly. She was close.
In the kitchen. There she was. Standing at the sink, back to me.
Hell, Kat… you’re going to drive me insane.
I growled the words in my thoughts, waiting for her reaction.
POV: Kat
The second I caught his scent, my wolf stirred. My body heated with need. How could he still affect me like this? Even now, when I was drowning in confusion?
His voice echoed in my head. Dominant. Deep. His scent wrapped around me like a drug.
I bit my lip.
He was my mate.
He had every part of me—and that scared me. The idea of disappointing him? It destroyed me.
“Jared... it’s better if you leave me alone. I’m not ready to talk about what happened.”
POV: Jared
“I’m sorry, baby. But leaving you alone? That’s no longer an option.”
I stepped forward, brushing her hair aside. I kissed her mark, right over the strap of her dress.
“You’re mine. For eternity.”
Her skin shivered. I saw it. Felt it. She tried to stay distant, but her body gave her away. My hands slid up, cupping her breasts. She moaned—and gods, I nearly lost it.
“And who said I wanted to talk?”
POV: Kat
His voice was rough and relentless in my mind, and yet it warmed me. I was pushing him away—but what I really needed was him.
Jared stepped in, close, lips brushing my mark. I trembled.
He was naked. Still glistening from the run. His body was sculpted like a warrior god, and all I wanted was to devour him right then and there.
But I forced myself to speak.
“I don’t think we can just ignore what happened.”
I turned, meeting his eyes, pushing him back slightly.
POV: Jared
“Okay.”
I raised my hands in surrender. She wanted to talk, so we’d talk. But her eyes... those wild, defiant eyes... they lit me up inside. My body ached for her, even as she challenged me.
POV: Kat
“I lost control, Jared!”
I started pacing, frustration boiling in me.
“Did you see the way Andrea and Damien looked at me?”
I stopped. Pain twisted my chest.
“She’ll never forgive me for not telling her.”
POV: Jared
“Roxane deserved what she got.”
I stepped forward, cupped her face gently, my thumb tracing her lip. My other hand circled her waist, pulling her into me.
“And Andrea accepts you. Completely. That’s what she said.”
POV: Kat
“Are you serious?”
Relief washed through me. My fingers slipped into his hair, stroking softly.
“She said that to you?”
POV: Jared
“Have I ever lied to you?”
I growled the words near her lips. I wanted her to close the distance this time. I wasn’t going to take, not unless she gave.
“I’d never lie to you, Kat.”
POV: Kat
“But Roxane…”
I looked down, arms wrapping around his neck.
“She saw me…”
POV: Jared
“Forget Roxane.”
I gently lifted her chin.
“Tomorrow, I’m having a final and private conversation with her.”
POV: Kat
“No!”
My voice rose. Too loud. Too fast.
I saw his subtle smirk—he loved that I was possessive. That I was claiming him again.
“I’m going with you.”
POV: Jared
“Why?”
I tilted my head, smirking.
“Don’t you trust me?”
POV: Kat
“This isn’t about trust. It’s about protection.”
I crossed my arms, though every cell in my body screamed for his touch.
“I’m your mate. If there’s danger, I need to know. I need to be with you.”
POV: Jared
“Protection?”
I let my eyes sweep over her. Her defiant stance. That little dress. Those thighs.
“How long have I been your Alpha? Protection is my job, not yours.”
I moved in, trapping her against the counter, my hands on either side of her hips.
“I protect what’s mine. I protect you. Not the other way around.”
POV: Kat
“WHAT?!”
I stared at him, stunned. Furious.
Was he seriously pulling rank now?
“I think I better leave!”
I turned, teeth clenched. If I stayed, I’d say something I couldn’t take back. So I walked away.