Chapter 15: Kingston

We pulled up to the lodge in about fifteen minutes. I got out of the SUV, grabbed Ayla’s crutches, and met her at her door, which she had already opened. I helped her out and back onto the crutches, holding back the urge to just scoop her up and carry her inside. I knew she wouldn’t be okay with that.

At least not yet. But I hoped one day.

That hope seemed to grow in me over the past couple of days. Ever since the night I found out about her mate, she no longer tensed up when I touched her. She didn’t seem to feel as awkward around me. And she was willing to accept my

help.

I just hoped that comfort would grow the longer she was with

  1. me.

I still didn’t know anything about what happened with her mate or who he was. But I did know that she didn’t want him

to find her. She had no desire to be with him. I had no qualms about taking advantage of that, knowing what he was capable of.

I helped her up the few stairs that led to the front door. I noticed her eyes went wide when we walked inside.

She cleared her throat. “This is your private home? I can’t imagine what your packhouse looks like.”

I laughed. “You could say it is rather modern. I’d love to take you there one day.”

The blush that colored her cheeks didn’t escape my notice. I guided her through the living area to a hallway to the right. We had set her up in the largest suite on the main floor, and everything we salvaged from her vehicle had already been brought in. I wanted her to feel as comfortable as possible.

“This is your room,” I said, ushering her through the door.

As soon as she crossed the threshold, she froze.

“Um, this is too much.” She shook her head. “I don’t need this much space, really.”

part of the house and with its own bathroom. This provides that,” I

nodded and continued into the room. She was struggling a little more now. The crutches weren’t helping her broken rib. She sat on the edge of the bed, taking shallow breaths. Looking at my watch, I

right back,” I

bottle of water from the fridge. Heading back to Ayla’s room, I removed a prescription bottle from my pocket. Pierce had picked it up before coming to get us. She was still sitting on the edge of the bed. Her eyes were closed, and her

the water, I put it in her hand. Then I dropped two pills in the other before lifting her chin to

pain,” I insisted. “Take the

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Chapter 15: Kingston

to talk to

at her, caressing her face gently. I didn’t want her to worry, but I did want her to come out. I had a feeling if I let her, she’d lock herself away in this room

in her hand and still hesitated. There was something else bothering

there’s nothing wrong with taking something to help you

head. “It’s not that…” She sighed, shaking her head again. She tossed the medication back with a

I said, holding her still as she tried to scoot away. “Ayla, talk to me.

away from me. “The injuries distract from the other

pain,

she said softly. “We tried to

Wait… What?

my anger back. She didn’t need to

and I accepted his rejection, but his wolf never agreed. So I tried to reject him, but his wolf

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Chapter 15: Kingston

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a half–broken

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