When they touch me (Shelagh Milano) novel Chapter 10

Artemisia

“Relax, princess.” He says mockingly as he starts the engine and drives off after the others. “I won’t surely take your innocence in an Escalate.”

“Ha!” I push out, turning my head to look out of the window. “Would be too late for that anyway.”

As I’m expecting him to blow off, I’m quite taken aback by his chuckle. “Good to hear. That will make a few things easier.”

Gasping theatrically, my eyes snap to look at him and find him smirking. His delectable dimples are already back on display as he is concentrated on the road.

Maybe it’s the mate bond, but I have to say that he is even more handsome than his brother. His squared jaw is covered in stubbles and his sun-kissed skin makes me fantasize about him training and working outdoors. A lot.

As my gaze is about to wander along his muscular arms, his deep smoky voice tears me back to reality.

“Drake says he can’t get your wolf to talk to him.”

“Drake?” I ask, thankful for the change of subject.

“Yeah. My wolf. He is getting a bit agitated as she doesn’t answer him. Is everything alright?”

“Sure.” I lie, “Maybe she is traumatized by what happened too.”

He chuckles, shaking his head.

“I hope she recovers quickly. He has even less patience than me.”

Boy, what a catch.

“Just as quickly as she will be able to. Don’t push her.” I murmur, turning back to watch the scenery pass past my window.

If I wasn’t outraged by this situation, I’d surely enjoy the view. The green hills and the flowery fields along with the beautiful brown and reddish cottages give up an entirely other atmosphere than I would have imagined by hearing my brothers’ stories.

I hug myself as I watch the people who keep coming into the picture and turn around to wave at us shortly. A few of them take a longer look, probably trying to figure out who I am.

I have a mate.

A second chance mate.

And even if I feel like we didn’t click at all, I found myself lying to him as I was too scared to face another rejection because of my dormant wolf.

So stupid.

But there is no way an entitled and arrogant alpha like him would approve of such a thing. He would rather reject me in a second.

Also, there is that story about the execution.

Cassy! Please!’ I plead to her, without getting any answer.

“Here we are! Home sweet home.” Fynn announces proudly while my eyes widen at the magnificent mansion in front of us. As he rolls onto the driveway, crunching the pebble stones under our tires, I can already spot a frowning Cayden on top of the wide stairs leading to the main entrance. Taking a deep breath, I get out of the car with sparkling eyes. While the two brothers start bickering, I take my time to admire the three-story mansion in brownstone and with impressive wings.

Just as I’m about to take another step to reach the stairs, Cassy stirs, making me clench my stomach in pain. “Everything alright?” Cayden is looking at me worriedly and I nod slowly.

I’m not convinced though.

From the open main door comes a mix of scents that are as alluring as they are unsettling. I can’t wrap my head around what could be wrong as Fynn passes me with my luggage.

“Don’t forget to breathe, sweetheart.”