Free Shifters of Shadow Falls Collection (Books 1-3) by Crystal L. Shaw Page B

east wing is all set up so we figured we’d get our little mate settled. 
    She wasn’t in the guest bedroom.  A small part of me hoped she’d be in bed waiting for us, but I should’ve known better than to be so naïve.  We can’t hear her crying anymore, but she’s still hiding in the bathroom.  She probably fell asleep in there.  It fucking hurts that she’s avoiding us, but I’m not going to lay down and just take this shit forever.  She’s my mate, and I’ll be damned if she’s going to refuse me. 
                  “Come on; stop pussy footing around.  She’s probably asleep anyway.”  He reaches for the door before I’m even able to respond.  It’s locked.  That’s not surprising.  He jiggles the handle and it pisses me off.  He’s too fucking loud.  He’s gonna wake her up and I’d rather he didn’t.  If she’s asleep I can at least hold her without having her beat the shit out of me.  It’s the only reason I’m really looking forward to doing this right now.  I grit my teeth and push him out of the way.
    “Knock it off.  I swear to God if you woke her up, I’m going to break your fucking hand.”  He snorts and all out smiles at my threat.
    “You may be a big motherfucker, but I can still take you Dom.”  Not many in the pack like to spar with me anymore.  The idea of the two of us going at it makes me smile.  I take a credit card out of my wallet and slip it between the lock and the door frame.  I’m not as good as some, but I’m sure I can jimmy this lock. 
    “Put your money where your mouth is, Pup.”
    “Pup?  I’m 6 months younger than you!”  I chuckle.
    “Still younger.”  As I say the words I hear the lock clear and I twist the nob.  We’re in.  I breathe in for a second before pushing the door gently open as quietly as possible.  I silently step into the room, but she’s not here.  My brows furrow and Caleb pushes past me.  I take a second glance around the large bathroom, but she’s nowhere to be seen.  Adrenaline spikes through me and my heart beats frantically, pounding against my rib cage.  My mate’s gone! My throat closes and I struggle to take in a breath.
    As I’m having a God damned break down, Caleb pushes the shower curtain open.
    “Calm the fuck down; she’s right here.”  I release a breath I didn’t know I was holding and walk silently, but quickly to my mate.
    She’s curled up on the bottom of the deep soaking tub; her neck is at a weird angle laying against the cold cast iron.  That’s got to fucking hurt.  She could’ve at least grabbed a towel for a make shift pillow.  That now-familiar pain creeps up in my chest.  She’d rather stay hidden and cold then to attempt any kind of comfort.  Shit, we left her alone in the bedroom; she could’ve slept there.  I breathe deep, letting the disappointment and guilt run through my body.  She doesn’t trust us. 
    I lean down to sit on the edge of the tub and brush her soft, blonde hair away from her face.  Her cheeks are tear stained and black shit is smeared under her eyes, but she’s still impossibly beautiful.  Her little frame only takes up about half of the tub, making her look even more fragile.  Her deep, even breath confirms that she’s out cold.  She’s still in her skimpy dress; I can’t help it as my eyes linger on her plump breasts that are in danger of being exposed.  The bottom of her dress isn’t even trying to cover her ass.  I tilt my head so I can see a bit of a cream lace thong.  I close my eyes and bite back a groan.  She’s fucking gorgeous.  I sure as hell don’t deserve her. 
    I consider undressing her and putting her in something more comfortable, but nix that idea as soon as it pops into my fucked-up brain.  She doesn’t even want me to hold her hand; there’s no way she’ll be alright if I undress her.
                  Caleb picks up her heels on the other side of the tub and looks them over.