Chapter 13

Gretchen groaned as she rolled over in the bed. She slowly opened her and smiled as she woke up to a handsome sleeping Colson. He looked so peaceful as he slept. She gently ran her finger down the side of his face and his chest when she felt his hand wrap around her wrist. “You are heading toward dangerous territory,” he growled in a husky tone. Gretchen smiled as her heart fluttered at his sexy morning voice. “Sorry,” she said with a shaky voice. Colson pulled her closer, wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her forehead. “How did you sleep?” he whispered. Gretchen thought about it for a moment. She couldn’t remember when she fell asleep or how she got into the bed. “Umm. I think okay. I don’t remember how we got back last night,” she admitted. “Luckily for you, you have someone here to keep an eye on you and get you home safely,” Colson confided. Gretchen smiled. “You took care of me?” “Of course I did,” he told her in his husky voice. “You’re my mate. It’s my responsibility to protect you and take care of you.” There was a pang in her heart when she heard his words. She knew he was trying to be sweet, but the only thing that kept ringing through her head was she was his mate. Not that he had feelings for her, liked her, or even was falling in love with her. It was all because of the bond she had with his wolf. Gretchen tried to put on a brave face, hiding the fact that she was falling for a wolf who was only with her because of their bond. “Thank you for looking out for me. It was very kind of you.” She slowly pulled away from him to get out of bed. Colson immediately felt the change in Gretchen when he told her she was his mate. He didn’t understand; had he said something to upset her? He thought he was affectionate, telling her his responsibility to protect her. “What’s wrong?” he asked her. Colson was starting to feel insecure, a feeling he was not used to and didn’t like. Gretchen turned and gave him a small smile. “Nothing, everything’s fine. I think I need to eat something; my head is killing me.” Colson got up and walked over to her. “Did I say something wrong?” Gretchen could hear the hurt in his voice. Maybe he was being genuine about being protective of her. Perhaps she was being sensitive and overreacted. Gretchen turned to look at Colson. “No, you didn’t say anything wrong. We’re fine,” she told him. Gretchen ran the back of her fingers up and down the side of his cheek. Colson closed his eyes as he leaned into the touch of his mate. His heart pounded against his chest. His feelings were growing more and more. He was falling for this girl, and he hoped with all his heart that she was falling for him too. *** Madeline paced her room as she waited for everyone else to get up. She had been awakened in the middle of the night by the laughing and snickering she could hear through the wall. Madeline couldn’t sleep much after that as she was filled with worry that she was too late in telling them about the secrets of this dark city. Madeline took deep breaths as she tried to calm her nerves. Allowing her fears to get the best of her wasn’t good for her. She went over to her suitcase, pulled out some essential oils, and rubbed them on her pulse points to help calm her and get her centered. She closed her eyes as she took in the pleasant smells, allowing them to do their job. After a few minutes, she opened her eyes and felt the fear slowly dissipate. There was a knock on the door. Madeline approached and asked, “Who is it?” “It’s Logan; I’ve brought you some breakfast,” he told her through the door. Madeline sighed as she opened it. She stepped back as she allowed Logan to walk through the door. A cart full of food followed him by a server. Logan tipped the server before closing the door behind him. “Logan, what’s all this?” she asked. Logan pushed the cart over to the table that sat close to the window. “I thought we could have some breakfast and catch up. I mean, it’s been over thirty years since we’ve had a good talk.” He pulled out a chair and waited for Madeline to take a seat. “I didn’t think you would speak to me after what I did all those years ago,” she started,sitting down. Logan sat quietly for a moment, contemplating what he wanted to say. “I’m not going to lie. At first, I was furious, but after a while I understood and forgave you.” “Have you stayed in Silver City this whole time?” Logan shook his head as he took a bite of his food. “No, I couldn’t stay here after you left. My job also had me traveling around the world. It’s only been these last few years that I’ve been staying close to the city.” Madeline stayed quiet as she ate her breakfast. “I saw you during my travels. It was a long time ago. You were out with your children. You looked happy,” he told her. “Being a mother made me very happy,” she confirmed. “What about you? Did you ever settle down?” Logan shook his head. “I’ve only loved one woman in my life, and she ran away from me,” he admitted. Madeline’s heart broke hearing this. Her heart had broken as well for the choices she had made. But she had made a promise, and she needed to keep her promise. “I’m sorry,” she said softly. He raised his hand to stop her. “ I’m not looking for apologies; I just wanted to ensure you were happy.” Madeline could feel the tears start to sting her eyes. Was she happy? She was happy to be a mother. She was happy to have raised her children in the coven she had grown up in. She was happy that after many years she was reunited with her granddaughter. But something was missing, or better yet, someone. “Logan,” she breathed out. A knock sounded on the door. “Mother, are you awake?” Zachary said through the door. “That’s my cue,” Logan told her as he got up from the table and headed for the door. “Will I see you again?” Madeline asked. “I’ll come back soon,” he promised, then disappeared. Zachary opened the adjoining door between the two rooms. “Everything okay, Mother? I heard voices.” Madeline rolled her eyes at her son. “Of course, I’m fine,” she confirmed. She pulled out a pocket watch from her pouch and looked at the time. “Get everyone up and in here. There’s something important I need to talk with everyone about,” Madeline ordered.