The Designated Mate novel Chapter 30

"Lycan Knox," they both muttered before slightly bowing.

"I'm here for the water heater. I called and they said they would have it ready for me," he grunted, completely ignoring their formal greeting.

"Yes. We'll get that for you right away," one of the two said before disappearing, dragging the other behind him. I kept my mouth shut, though I was starting to really worry for my sanity. How was it that all the people I've ever seen interact with Knox were utterly terrified to the point of their body's shaking and having an impaired ability to form sentences, yet after the first few times I was around him I was fine?

Maybe other people just didn't take time to get comfortable around him after they'd discovered he was a Lycan like I had. I mean, as far as I knew, he wasn't any different from any of the other male wolves I knew. In fact, he treated me better than most in my birth pack did. He treated me better than my own father did.

Knox let me deeply ponder my thoughts while we loaded the heater up and drove home. I was thankful for that, as they took a turn for the worst when I began worrying about my mother, sister, and Kiara. It had been three days since Kiara had last contacted me and while I was getting anxious, I knew I didn't have any other choice other than just biding my time until she called again...

Poppy's POV

After getting home and getting the water heater installed, Knox mumbled that he needed to leave.

"Where are you going?" I asked quietly. I wasn't sure what it was, but I didn't want him to leave. Though he didn't talk much at all, I found myself liking his company. He listened when I talked - even if it wasn't about anything important or anything he was particularly interested in. He never made it seem like he was annoyed. He always gave me his full attention and acknowledged what I was saying.

It was a nice change.

"Border patrol. I will be back tonight," he said. I nodded and saw him to the door - which still desperately needed to be replaced, something I was reminded of by the look of disdain Knox gave the rotted piece of wood.

"Tomorrow I'll replace this," he insisted to which I nodded. I opened my mouth to say goodbye when he surged forward and rubbed his cheek against both of my own one by one, rubbing his scent into my skin.

The only time I'd ever seen any male wolf do this to a female wolf was when they'd yet to be marked but had made a verbal claim. I stood shell-shocked, unable to speak as he pulled away and left. It took me a few minutes to snap out of my reverie and realize I was making my house colder than it needed to be by standing there with the door open.

"What?!" I demanded as she stared at me in shock.

"What the hell is that!" she screeched while pointing at a spot on my neck. I covered the area with my hand, confused as to what she was referring to.

"What? What is it?!" I asked frantically.

"Oh my god, Poppy, are those canine punctures?" she questioned flabbergasted before coming closer. She ran her hand over my neck before sucking in a breath.

"Holy shit! You've only been here a few days! This is a partial claim!" she exclaimed. I was so confused as to what she was referring to so I ran to my bathroom and examined the area of skin in the mirror. Sure enough, a vast majority of my neck was covered in dark purple love bites, but right towards the base of my neck were two perfect little superficial holes. I had no idea what they meant, but I knew for a fact they were from Knox and they were apparently a big deal if Grace's reaction was anything to go by.