Total pages in book: 36
Estimated words: 35696 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 178(@200wpm)___ 143(@250wpm)___ 119(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35696 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 178(@200wpm)___ 143(@250wpm)___ 119(@300wpm)
For a few moments, she allowed herself to think of her parents. What would they think about her latest predicament? They were only ever understanding of her need to help others.
Running her fingers through her hair, she took a deep breath.
She was about to climb into bed when she heard Daphne whimper. At least she had the baby to take care of. Most of the time, looking after Daphne stopped her from thinking about all that she had lost.
Entering the small nursery, she looked down at Daphne. “I think it’s diaper-changing time.”
“I will do it,” Rocko said.
She glanced over her shoulder. He was in the doorway in only a pair of pajama shorts. Did he put them on for her?
“I’ve got it.”
“This is my way of saying sorry,” he said. “I can take care of her. Go and get some sleep.”
“This is what you have me here to do.”
“And I’ve been an asshole to you. It’s not acceptable and this is my way of trying to repay you.” He stood beside her and lifted Daphne into his arms.
“Do you know how to change a diaper?” she asked.
“I was doing it before I got you to take care of her.” He walked over to the changing area. “Go and get some sleep.”
She wanted to argue. She watched the two together and she frowned. Something seemed off but she wasn’t sure what it was.
“Goodnight.”
“I am, you know,” he said.
“What?”
“Sorry.”
“I know.” She wasn’t ready to forgive, at least not yet. She went back to her room, climbed into bed, and sat listening to the small radio as he changed Daphne’s diaper.
“There, all done. See, I’m not a total idiot. Now, let’s see if I can get you to sleep. It must be easy for you, no extra senses,” he said.
She frowned. Did he know she could hear him? What did he mean by no extra senses? She had to be hearing things.
Closing her eyes, she allowed sleep to claim her.
Chapter Four
Being nice wasn’t Rocko’s strong point. He was used to getting what he wanted without trying so hard. Going through the grocery store several miles out of town, he found as much vegan produce and groceries as he could. What was it women wanted if he could make up for being a dick? Chocolate? Jewelry? Flowers?
What was the nice way of saying, sorry for threatening to kill you, forgive me? Nothing seemed to say sorry right now.
He didn’t ask any of his men, even his mated men. They all had strong relationships and threatening their woman would never be in their lives.
Was Winter his woman?
They weren’t mated. His wolf liked her, found her attractive, but that was it. He’d put way too much thought into this shit.
After paying for everything, he left the store, filled his truck, and took off back to his home. His pack knew he took long trips away to clear his head and to help him deal with plans to keep them all safe.
Since the hunters, he’d put up further protective fields, including a fence with additional security. He’d installed cameras as well at parts of the forest that were monitored twenty-four seven.
Several of the human workers had also agreed to help. They had pledged loyalty to them, but he didn’t trust them. They had trackers and they had fought against them when he first captured them. He didn’t trust easily, and for good reason. He had no reason to trust. Loyalty was easily swayed.
Arriving back at his pack, he drove to his home, dismissed his guards, and proceeded to carry all of his vegan groceries inside. Once in the kitchen, he saw she was out in the yard.
She spent a great deal of time outside. This time she wore a beautiful white, floral summer dress. It really enhanced the blonde of her hair and the blue of her eyes. She looked stunning.
He spread out all the goodies and was in the process of putting them away when she arrived in the kitchen.
“What’s all this?”
“I didn’t know what you’d like, so I purchased as much as I could.”
She lifted a tray of pre-cooked falafel. “You bought all of this for me?”
“Yes. I want you to be comfortable while you’re here, taking care of my child.” It still felt odd to keep on lying to her. She didn’t deserve it.
“It’s no trouble. I adore Daphne. Say hello to Daddy,” she said. Daphne was in her arms.
This wasn’t his child but the thought of her growing up, calling him Daddy, and thinking of him as her protector, it did something to him. He wanted children and a mate, a big family, but with the constant fight with humans, he never thought it would be possible to experience it.
“You’re good with her. Did you ever want children of your own?”
“I want us to start over,” she said.