Chapter 115

Chapter 0115

This evening could not have gone any better. The dinner, the ambiance, the amazing company, it’s been perfect. Now we’re here at the overlook and the night is gorgeous. It’s a little cool, but that just means I’ll have an excuse to pull Cara closer to me.

I’m really interested in what has Artemis purring so loudly I can hear her, but when Cara says she doesn’t want to tell me, I let it slide. I have something that I need to discuss with her. I’ve been thinking about it since last night, and while we’re here, together and alone, I think it’s time.

I lean against the tree and pat my leg. “Come sit with me?” I ask. I’ve been touching her all night and now with her sitting away from me, the space around me feels unpleasantly empty.

She moves over to me, ready to sit beside me, but I grab her by the waist and turn her, sitting her in my lap, so she’s facing me. I want to see her face and have her see mine for this conversation.

She yelps a bit when she settles in my lap. I’m guessing she’s never been in a situation where she’s straddled a man that she wasn’t pinning to the ground in training.

“I want to talk about last night, and what that means for our future.”

I see her brows furrow when she starts thinking about last night, so rather than let her ask questions, I jump right in.

“When you thought my father was going to come down on me, you stepped in front of me. You acted as my Guardian, even though I didn’t need you to. Even without thinking about it, you were protecting me.” She starts to interrupt but I put my finger to her lips to silence her.

“Let me say this, please.” She nods and I remove my finger, sliding my hands down her arms to her hips. “I’ve had a lot of time to think about what happened in the woods with Eli. Time to think about what it would have meant if something had happened to you after you sacrificed yourself for me. And I’m going to tell you now Cara, I can’t live with myself if something were to happen to you because you were taking a bullet, an arrow, a dart, whatever it is, if you take the hit for me. I honestly don’t know how my parents have been able to live with that guilt. But I can tell you, I won’t be able to do it.”

I take a deep breath before continuing. This is key. I need her to agree to this.

“I want us to have a partnership, not Guardian and Alpha. I know I’ll never be able to keep you out of the fight, but I want you standing by my side, not in front of me. If we’re fighting together and something happens to one of us, then it does, and we live with that. But please, don’t ever put yourself in a position where you give your life for mine.”

I take her hand and I put it on my heart, holding it there with both of mine. “I’m strong Cara. I’m a strong Alpha that, in truth, probably doesn’t need a Guardian. But since the Moon Goddess decided to bless me with a fierce and powerful protector, who am I to complain? But,” I pause to make sure she’s hears me. Your life means more to me than just a pack member, more than just a Guardian. So, promise me, please, that when the time comes for us to fight, because we both know it will come, that you will stand beside me, not in front of me.”

–

I watch as a series of emotions play across her face surprise, frustration, anger, gratitude. She takes her other hand and slides it up my chest. Her face is still thoughtful when she responds. “I can’t guarantee that I will be able to stop myself if it comes to saving your life. Being a Guardian is like being an Alpha. It’s in my blood and I can’t fight the genetics. But,” She pauses before finishing. “I would love to be your partner in life.”

I know my smile is huge and without thinking, I lean up and kiss her. It’s fast and

“Thank you.” I say with fierce before I pull away, looking into her eyes. everything I’m feeling in my heart.

She smiles at me then leans in and rubs her nose against mine, her eyes closing in contentment. “Can I tell you something?” She whispers.

“I want you to tell me everything Cara Nelson. Anything, everything. So yes, tell me something.” I chuckle.

SONOS SLI