Faith is even more beautiful than before. The second I saw her by the door, I had to reel myself in. I tried not to smile at the sound of her erratic heart, but I couldn’t help myself. I already know nothing will happen between us, but it’s nice to know I can get that kind of reaction out of her.
“What did you think of Kami’s famous chicken parmesan?”
Faith savors the last bite on her plate. “It’s absolutely amazing. I’m a good cook, but I think she has me beat on this one.”
“Yeah, I heard about your cooking. Chase made it a point to tell me all about it.” Chase is a good friend, but I know where he was going with all of his comments. He was hoping Faith would turn out to be his mate, but it didn’t happen. I feel guilty for being happy about that.
Faith grabs her glass of wine and sits back in her chair. “What all did he tell you?”
I smirk. “Everything. Chase even sent me a case of your favorite wine from his vineyard,” I say, glancing down at her glass.
She looks at her wine and chuckles. “I thought it tasted familiar. It’s literally the best wine I’ve ever tasted. I’ll have to get him to ship me a case when I go back to Wyoming.”
“What are you going to do if your pack can’t find Vilkas?”
Smile fading, she sets her glass on the table. “I don’t know. That night Killian came for me, he had a chance to hurt Micah and Amelie, but he didn’t. He didn’t even hurt me when I attacked him.” She looks over at me and sighs. “I’m just afraid it won’t be like that the next time. Micah will risk his life for me, and I refuse to let him. If all else fails, I’ll travel the world on my own. I’m not a damsel in distress that needs saving.”
“No, you’re not,” I say in all seriousness. “But I know Micah wants to keep you safe, just like I do. The only people in my pack who know you’re here are my parents, Kami, and Anson. If you don’t mind, I’d like to keep it that way for now.”
She nods. “That’s fine. Your home, your rules. I’m the outsider here.”
“You’re not an outsider, Faith. You’re a friend of the pack. For the next week, my home is your home.”
Her lips pull back into a sexy smile. “Thanks, Tate. Does that mean I have control of the kitchen?”
I burst out laughing. “Hey, if you want to cook that’s fine. Just make sure you have enough for me too.”
She shrugs. “I’ll think about it.” Then she winks. “Just kidding. I don’t want to be a burden, so I’ll help out around here as much as I can.” She stands and reaches for my plate, but I pick it up and hers before she can get to them.
I take our dishes into the kitchen, and she follows me. “I know how to clean dishes.”
“I have no doubt,” she says, laughing. “Your kitchen is spotless.”
After rinsing off the plates, I place them in the dishwasher. “My mom taught me well.” She wraps up the dish with the leftover food and sets it in the refrigerator. “What all do you want to do while you’re here?” I ask.
She leans against the counter. “Don’t you have to work?”
I shake my head. “I’m in the middle of a project, but I can finish it up after next week?”
“Don’t do that,” she says, stepping toward me. “You don’t have to stop work because of me. Maybe I can help you. Colin told me you work on houses.”
Grayson’s Construction has been in my family for years. My father passed it down to me the day he stepped away from being alpha. I inherited both the business and the pack. “I do. I’m currently working on a renovation for a young couple in town. Anson and I are replacing all the flooring and windows and doing all the painting.”
Her eyes light up. “It just so happens I’m an excellent painter. Mainly on canvas, but I’m sure I can help you paint the rooms.”
When I met Faith all those months ago, I thought she’d be entitled because she’s a royal. On the contrary, she’s the most down-to-earth and genuine woman I know besides my mother and sister. I used to be envious of Cedric for being friends with her. There are plenty of women in my pack, but none have caught my eye the way Faith has. Chase made her time with him memorable, and I want to do the same. The last thing I want is her working the entire week she’s with me.
“I’ll finish it up next week,” I say to her. “You’ve never been to Montana, so let me show you around. I want you to enjoy your time here.”
She crosses her arms over her chest. “You think I’ll be a shitty painter, don’t you? That’s why you don’t want me to help.”
I hold my hands up. “No, that’s not it.” I’m not about to tell her the reason is I want to spend time with her. By the determined look on her face, I have a feeling I’m going to lose this argument. “Fine,” I give in. “You can come with me to work. I just figured it’d be the last thing you’d want to do.”
She steps forward and places a hand on my arm, her blue eyes boring into mine. Her heart speeds up again, and so does mine. I love the way her skin feels against me. “You’re helping me, so I’m going to help you. It’s what I want to do.”
“Okay. We’ll get started bright and early.”
“Great.” Her hand slides away, and she takes a step back. “I think I’m going to turn in for the night. It’s been a long day.”
I nod. “See you in the morning.”
She leaves the kitchen and starts for the stairs. “Good night.”
“Same to you,” I shout. Ever since I met Faith, she’s taken over my dreams. Does it mean anything? No. All it does is remind me that she’s something I’ll never have.