When I wake up, I almost expect everything to have been a dream. I’ve watched Amelie from afar for so long and now she’s finally mine; it doesn’t seem real. So much has changed in so little time. I thought for sure the mating signs would happen with her last night, but it never did. I’m trying not to get angry over it, but I don’t know what the Great Luna’s waiting on. Why would she deny me my mate when all I’ve done is be loyal to my people and protect them? I don’t think I’ll ever understand.
Looking over at the clock, it’s almost nine in the morning. I can’t remember the last time I’ve laid around in bed that long. Amelie’s hand rests on my chest and I lightly trace my fingers over her bare shoulder. She moans and it makes my cock twitch. I want to make love to her again.
My phone vibrates on the dresser, but Amelie doesn’t wake. Carefully, I slide away from her and out of the bed, not even waking her. But then, the phone stops before I can reach it in time. As I look to see who it was, a text comes in.
Colin: Call me asap!
Grabbing my clothes off the floor, I slip them on and hurry outside to call him back. When he answers, I can tell something’s wrong.
“Zayne, thank fucking God. Where are you?” he says quickly.
“Amelie’s, why?”
He sighs. “You need to get away from there. One of the Channons is in Wyoming.”
Anger ignites in my chest. I had a feeling they’d be coming soon. And, of all nights, it had to be on a full moon. “Fuck,” I hiss.
“You have to get away from Amelie before they trace you there.”
I jerk my attention to the house. Amelie is still inside, sleeping peacefully by the sound of her breathing. “What about Amelie? I haven’t told her anything about this.” The rage within me is quelled for the moment but staying away from her with danger close by is going to make it worse.
“We’ll explain it to her. But right now, you have to go. We need to figure out the game plan.”
I wish there was time to explain everything to Amelie, so she’d know why I had to leave. I should’ve told her everything from the beginning, but I didn’t want to involve her if I didn’t have to. As quietly as I can, I hurry inside and peek into Amelie’s bedroom one more time. I want to bring her with me, but it’ll put a target on her back. I just have to hope that keeping my distance will be enough to keep her safe until I can get rid of the Channons once and for all.
Time ticks by but I can’t leave without giving Amelie some kind of explanation. I remember seeing a notepad and pen on her kitchen counter, so I go in there and rip off a piece of paper.
Amelie,
I’m sorry I had to leave, but there’s no time to explain. All I’m asking is that you trust me. I told you before that everything I do is to keep you safe. This is one of those times. I’ll come back to you when all is well.
Zayne
I set it on the nightstand beside her bed and close the bedroom door behind me. At least, this way, I’m not leaving without an explanation. I did it before and I can’t do it again. My plan is to hunt the Channons down and finish this. I’m not going to let them fuck up my life.