“Put your money where your mouth is, pup.”
“Pup? I’m six months younger than you.” I chuckle at the indignation in his tone that rings in my head.
“Still younger.” As I whisper the words, I hear the lock clear and I twist the knob. We’re in. Holding my breath, I push the door 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 another 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 throat closes and I struggle to take in a breath.
As I’m having a goddamn breakdown, Caleb pulls open the shower curtain. The sound of the rings sliding along the metal bar steals my attention.
“Calm 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, lying awkwardly against the cold cast iron so that her neck is at a weird angle. That’s got to fucking hurt. She could’ve at least grabbed a towel for a makeshift pillow. That now familiar pain creeps up in my chest. She’d rather stay hidden and cold than to attempt any kind of comfort. Shit, we left her alone in the bedroom; she could’ve slept there. I breathe in 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 blond hair away from her face. Her cheeks are tearstained and black mascara is smeared under her eyes, but she’s still impossibly stunning. Her petite frame only takes up about half of the tub, making her look even more fragile. Her deep, even breathing confirms that she’s out cold. She’s still in her skimpy dress; I can’t help it as my eyes linger on her upper half that’s very much in danger of being exposed. The bottom of her dress doesn’t even come close to covering her ass. I tilt my head and I can see a bit of a cream-colored 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 all right if I undress her.
Caleb picks up her heels on the other side of the tub and looks them over. “It’s a wonder she hasn’t broken her damn neck wearing these things.” I snort. Her toenails are painted hot pink and match her dress perfectly.
“You think pink’s her favorite color?” I don’t know why I ask. The thought slips out.
“Judging by all the pink shit we just brought here, yeah.” I nod my head, idly wondering what else she likes. I want to know everything about her. My eyes drift down her luscious curves.
“I grabbed this to cover her up,” Caleb says. I turn around to face Caleb although I have to look up at him since I’m still seated on the edge of the tub. He’s holding the comforter from the bed she could’ve easily slept in. I nod and exhale deeply while I stand. I didn’t even realize he’d left the room.
“All right, let’s wrap her in it so we can get her to her room.” I move out of his way. “You think Alpha’s going to have Grace sleep with him tonight?” I’m still debating on sleeping next to Lizzie. I’ll wake up before her, so I can slip out before she has a chance to freak out. He huffs, giving me a look like I should know better.
“I think he’d like to, but he’s not going to have much of a choice.” I tilt my head and give him a side-eye. He just shakes his head and reaches down to collect our mate. “You really think Grace is going to want to sleep with him tonight?” I frown and shrug. I don’t understand why our mates are so difficult.
Caleb stands in the tub, draping the comforter over her body. I bend down with him to help gather the blanket around her tiny body. As I tuck the blanket under her arm, her blue eyes spring open and stare straight into mine, scaring the shit out of me. I stumble back a bit, caught off guard. My action halts Caleb and he follows my gaze to our mate’s eyes. I hear her heartbeat pick up, instantly racing, but outwardly she shows no signs that she’s coherent. Her body is frozen in place and her face is devoid of emotion. She reminds me of an animal playing dead, hoping a predator will go away and leave her alone.