Free Guardians Of The Shifters by Shannon Schoolcraft Page B

“Can’t we just live in the now instead of the past?”
    Cole shook his head. “These laws and rules have been set for a reason, if a guardian and shifter mate--.”
    “Yes I know…a hybrid shifter will be born.” Caden interrupted. “Nobody even knows if it’s true…it’s just a myth set into place so that guardians and their charges don’t fall in love…now if you’ll excuse us.”
    My heart stuttered in my chest at the word “love” and I did my best not to show it on my face. Cole gave me one long lingering look before turning on his heel and stalking off. The way he walked off with his back straight, one would think there was a stick shoved up his ass. Caden put his hand on my lower back and edged me onward. Once we made it to his house he swiftly unlocked the door and quickly ushered me inside. The lights flicked on automatically and this time I was able to look at my surroundings.

                         Chapter 13
     
     
     
    When you first walked in there was a light brown leather sofa set off to the left with a brown coffee table next to it. Next to the table there was a reclining chair that matched the couch. Mounted on the wall was a thirty two inch flat screen T.V and below that was another brown table. I was already in the kitchen and didn’t need to see it to know that it was just like every other kitchen. Thin white curtains covered the four windows that I could see.
    Caden dropped my bag on the couch and peeled off his black leather jacket and draping it over the back of the couch. “Let me give you a tour.” I followed him towards the right side of the room and through a door. He flipped on a light. In the center of the room was a king sized bed that had a plain black comforter and matching pillows. To the left of the room was a tacky brown dresser and to the right of the room was a bathroom. There was a silver bedside table with a lamp built into it. Were they afraid someone was going to steal the lamp? Oh sure, let me just stick it under my coat so no one will see it. Dumb asses.
    Caden’s house wasn’t much bigger than my unit except he had a kitchen, go him. “End of said tour.” I followed him back out of the room but not before my eyes glanced back at the bed. Of course it’s a big bed, he’s such a big dude. I stood awkwardly behind the couch not sure what to do now. I looked at Caden who was standing just as awkwardly. He ran a hand across his stubble peppered jaw. “Why don’t you take the first shower?”
    I wasn’t going to argue. “Okay.” I grabbed my bag.
    “Oh.” I looked back at him. “Try not to get the bandages wet.”
    Nodding my head I disappeared to the bathroom. How was I not going to get them wet? It’s not like the water will magically keep it dry. Once I was in my birthday suit I stepped into the shower and the water automatically turned on, nice, I could get used to this. It was harder than hades to keep the bandages dry so I said screw it and washed up like I normally would. Once I was cleaned up I stepped onto the soft mat outside the shower to dry off. I wasn’t going to linger in the bathroom for my normal shower clean up so I quickly dried off and got dressed.
    Caden was sitting on the bed with his head in his hands when I came out of the bathroom. I instantly went over to him and rested my hand on his shoulder. His muscles bunched under my touch.
    “Caden…are you alright?”
    He peeked up at me through thick lashes. “Yes, just tired.”
    I didn’t believe him but I also didn’t say otherwise. “Okay, I’ll be in the other room.” I started to pull my hand away but his warm fingers snaked around my wrist pulling me back. I stood between his spread thighs looking down at him. His strong arms wrapped around my waist bringing me closer. He rested his cheek on my chest above my heart. My heart bounced around erratically and I was afraid that the organ would jump out and poke him in the eye. I brought my hand up