The Designated Mate novel Chapter 28

"I called one of the guys that works at the pack warehouse before I finished your roof. He said they have one water heater in stock just in case someones goes out. If we go get it now, you'll have hot water by the end of the night," he said with a deeper, huskier voice, changing the subject when he noticed my red cheeks. I squealed happily before bouncing up and down on the bed.

"Yes! Can we go now? Please?" I begged, putting on my best puppy dog eyes. He nodded before sitting up in bed causing the sheets to fall around his waist and expose his perfect physique. I gulped before moving so I could squeeze my legs together to quell the heat between my thighs. Wow...that's new.

"Whatever you want, baby," he rumbled out before making quick work of putting his clothes and shoes on. I was contemplating his words the entire time. Baby and flower...I've never been called a term of endearment before. Flower was an...unusual one. I'll have to ask him about it.

He grabbed the keys from my hands just as I'd picked them up while also wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me into his side. I didn't say anything, just snuggled up to him for warmth as he guided us to my car. I figured it would be best if he drove because I had no clue where we were going, clearly he'd had the same thought process.

His big palm rested on my thigh during the car ride causing his comfortable warmth to seep into my skin. I ran my fingers over his knuckles and fingers, noting every scar and imperfection. I concluded that he must work with his hands a lot as they were marred more than normal. He didn't seem to mind my thorough scrutiny, just glanced at me every so often.

His arm shot out like a second seatbelt of sorts just before he slammed on the breaks. Caught off guard, I held my breath as we came to an abrupt, screeching halt. Looking up, I was expecting to see a deer or some other form of wildlife, but instead, I was shocked to see another car parked in front of us haphazardly. It was purposely blocking the road.

"Little fucking punk," Knox grunted under his breath before turning to look at me. He inspected me head to toe before concluding that I wasn't hurt - though that didn't stop him from still asking me.

"I'm fine, Knox, but what are we waiting for?" I asked, slightly impatient.

"I'm assuming we're going to find out," he growled in annoyance as Corbin emerged from the driver's seat of the car.

"Oh no," I groaned while letting my head fall back against the headrest.

"What do you want?" Knox demanded, getting in Corbin's face and causing him to take a step backward. I felt bad watching Corbin try and act all tough in front of his friends, but I wonder if I was the only one who could see his legs shaking from fear. I didn't blame him, though. If what they say about Lycans is true, and just from seeing Knox's wolf the one time, I wouldn't want to go head to head with him either.

Ever.

"What are you doing with an unmated female? Claiming one of our own wasn't part of the deal, Knox," Corbin sneered.

Part of the deal? What deal?