THE CONTRACTED MATE
i's
shed room, and something struck me, this was not my room or my mother's room, this room was sc
last thing I remembered was being attacked by the wild w
spoke up. "Ah, welcome back, Kali. I
ng me with a warm smile. She had a gentle touch as she gave
lently, watching me with an unreadable expression. His eyes
I?" I stuttered,
ing pillows behind my back. "You're in Ryder's esta
canned the luxurious r
jaw clenched. "The attack, Kali.
rushing back. The fores
voice calm and gentle. "Don't worry, Kali. Y
scared and felt uneasy. Why was
r remained silent, his eyes never leaving my face.
d, my voice barel
es never leaving
sked, my heart pou
and sank into the couch. "I am Ryd
ned in surpr
i, are a guest in my home and
ething about Ryder's piercing green eyes that put me a
m glad to hear that. Can you tell me what happened?
her's house, my journey through the forest, and the attack by the wild wolve
fe now. You're under my protection, and I promise you, no harm will come to you
not deny the threat that came with his words
i. Now, tell me more about yourself. What
d sheepishly. "Well, I love to run, expl
uh? I like that. I'm more of an outdoorsy person
answers. I found myself opening up to him in ways I never thought p
to reveal. My curse. The secret that had haunted me for so long, the secre
den deep in my heart, where
turned serious again. "Kal
tension in the conver
rsed?" he a
I felt like I'd been punched in the gut.
ust say I've done my research, Kali.
now about my curse. Did he go back to my pack and
talk. "And that's why I'm willing to make you an offer
ecame sweaty. What could he possibly off
ked, my voice bare
mirk. "Let's just say... this deal w
t?" I mumb