Free First Beginnings by Clare Atling, Steve Armario Page A

very special girl.’ His mum smiled
at him, as if she had all the answers he needed. He was about to ask what she
meant, but she smiled and winked at him. ‘Why are you still here? If someone
had told your father I was laid out on a bed, he would have torn through the
walls to get up the stairs quicker!’ He heard his father snicker like a naughty
schoolboy in the corner.
    ‘Way too much information, Mum,’
Seth winced.
    ‘Oh, I don't know, boy!’ replied
his father. ‘Five hundred mated years later and I would still rip through the
walls to see your mother spread out on our bed!’ He smiled and walked over to
place a kiss on his wife’s cheek.
    ‘I feel sick,’ Seth said as he
rubbed his stomach. ‘I'm going to get Sarah and go home. Far too much
information…’ He turned to leave, but not before he saw the love flare through
his father’s eyes as he looked at his mother, but he picked up his pace when he
heard his mother squeal.
    When he reached the door to his
old bedroom, he opened it quietly and looked in. When he saw Sarah spread out
on his bed, he knew exactly what his father had meant. He couldn’t help but
catch his breath at the beautiful sight; she was like every dream come true and
more. He walked slowly to the side of the bed and sat down next to her to sweep
the hair off of her face. She was all his and he would never, ever, let her go
to Colt. She was his mate and he would protect her with everything he
had.
    Stirring from her sleep, Sarah
moved her head closer to his hand as he held her cheek in his palm. Her hand
came up to hold his as she opened her eyes.
    ‘Hey, sorry,’ she said, ‘I didn’t
mean to actually fall asleep. I just meant to rest for a while. Everything ok?
Why are you covered in blood?’ She sat up so quickly that she felt dizzy for a
moment. ‘Oh my god! Callie! Is she ok?’
    ‘Everything is fine, sweetness,’
he replied soothingly. ‘When we got to your old home we were paid a visit by
two wolves. One of them Callie confirmed was the man who tried to take you. His
name is Marcus – we’ve dealt with him before. The other was his son, Colt. We
were attacked, but they ran when Logan arrived.’ He pulled her against him, and
she rested her head on his shoulder. Seth took in a deep breath of her sweet,
tropical scent. ‘It’s nothing a shower wouldn’t fix once we get back home.’
    ‘You could shower here,’ Sarah
replied. ‘I would wait for you?’ she added shyly, not feeling as confident as
she should in his bed. ‘I don't mind.’
    ‘As much as I would love for you
to stay here in my bed,’ said Seth, smiling, ‘I think it would be wise to
return home.’ She felt the shudder go through him. ‘I think my parents are about
to strengthen their mating bond and, as much as I want you, and as hard as you
make me, there is no passion-killer quite like hearing your parents going at
it.’ Sarah giggled at him as she saw how serious he was. ‘You should do that
more often,’ he said, looking straight into her eyes.
    ‘What?’ Even to her own ears she
sounded breathless.
    ‘Laugh. It lightens up your whole
face. I love seeing your eyes sparkle, like you are free of this entire burden.
I love you, Sarah. I know you think it’s too soon and I know all of this scares
you, but I would do anything for you. I would keep you safe and give you the
life you need to be happy here. I would do anything to make you laugh every
day, my sweetness.’ He placed a soft kiss against her lips as he felt the wetness
of her tears. ‘Don’t cry, sweetness.’
    ‘No one has ever said anything so
perfect to me in all my life,’ replied Sarah. ‘Everything about this scares me.
I know it’s not fair on you and it’s causing you pain, but I really do need
time. If I asked you to give this island up and move with me to live in my
house, would you?’
    ‘In a heartbeat, my sweetness. I
would follow you anywhere. But at the moment, this is the safest place to be.
Come, let