Kane POV:
One thing was crystal clear: I had to make things right with my mate. Elena wasn’t just furious—she was downright livid. I couldn’t bla her. Hell, if the roles were reversed, I’d probably have torn down the walls by now. But no matter how justified her anger was, I had to figure out how to chip away at it. I needed her forgiveness, and I knew I’d have to work harder than I ever had before to earn it. Small gestures wouldn’t erase the mistakes I’d already made, but they were a start. Right?
When she finally cald down a bit, sniffling and glaring daggers at all the sa, I gently asked her if she’d like to take a bath. Honestly, she needed it after all the chaos—and I couldn’t imagine her stepping outside in that wrinkled, tear-soaked t-shirt of mine. She nodded reluctantly, clearly still too mad to speak more than necessary. Fine. I’d take whatever tiny victories I could get.
And, like always, I carried her to the bathroom.
Why did I always insist on carrying her? I didn’t know, but it felt right. Holding her in my arms was like grounding myself, like having this undeniable proof that she was real, that she was mine. It reassured that I hadn’t lost her completely yet, even if she was trying her damnedest to push away.
I set her down on the counter next to the sink and went to work preparing her bath. The whole ti, I could feel her eyes on . Watching. Judging. Maybe she was deciding whether or not to throw the soap at . Either way, I didn’t mind her gaze. I wanted her attention, even if it ca in the form of glares.
Once the bath was ready, I turned back to her, and instinctively, I went to help her undress. It wasn’t so grand romantic gesture—just a natural response. But of course, she wasn’t having any of it.
"Okay, that’s far enough," she snapped, gripping her shirt like it was a lifeline. "I can do it on my own."
Ah, there she was—her sharp tongue cutting like a knife. At least she wasn’t giving the silent treatnt anymore. Maybe I was making progress.
"Fair enough," I said, backing off with my hands raised in surrender. I left the bathroom, pulling the door shut behind , though I couldn’t resist smirking to myself. Even angry, she’s a firecracker.
While she bathed, I got dressed in a white t-shirt and grey sweatpants. Nothing fancy—just casual, comfortable. I figured it was best to tone things down today. No need to add fuel to her already burning temper.
After I finished, I laid out so of my clothes for her: a hoodie, another oversized t-shirt, and a pair of long socks. It wasn’t much, but it would do until we got to the store. I didn’t exactly keep won’s clothing lying around, and Elena didn’t strike as the type to appreciate Ashley’s leftovers.
I leaned back on the bed, waiting.
And waiting.
For Goddess’s sake, how long does it take to bathe? I had already gone through every plausible excuse to stay patient, but she was pushing it.
Finally, I walked to the bathroom door and knocked. "Have you drowned in there, or are you planning to co out soti today?"
There was silence for a mont, followed by the sound of water sloshing. Then her voice cut through the door, sharp as ever. "I’ll be out when I’m ready. Go away."
I rolled my eyes but stepped back. Stubborn little mate.
A few minutes later, the door opened, and out she ca. And damn.
Elena was wearing nothing but a robe—my robe—and it was far too small for her. Or maybe that was just my brain playing tricks on . Either way, it barely covered her thighs, leaving way too much of her creamy, wet skin exposed. I don’t rember having a short robe but boy was I happy that I did. Her damp hair hung around her shoulders in soft waves, and the sight of her like that was enough to have my wolf, Ash, growling in approval.
Down, boy.
She looked at , her eyes narrowing slightly when she noticed the way I was staring. Quickly, I straightened up and motioned toward the clothes on the bed.
"Get dressed in this so we can go get you so decent clothes," I said, trying to keep my voice steady and ignore the very inappropriate direction my thoughts were heading.
But instead of moving to grab the clothes, she just stood there, arms crossed, giving a pointed look.
"What?" I asked.
She raised an eyebrow, as if to say, Are you seriously that dense?
"Get out so I can get dressed," she said, her tone not leaving any room for argunt.
I stayed where I was. Did she really think I was just going to leave her alone again? After everything that had happened today? No way. She might not be planning to climb out the window again (at least, I hoped not), but I wasn’t about to take any chances.
She seed to pick up on my hesitation because she rolled her eyes and added, "As much as I would love to climb out the window again, I’d like to get so real clothes. And maybe so actual underwear. So rest assured, I won’t be escaping before I at least have those."
Well, when she put it like that...
Her words sent a rush of heat through . No underwear? Damn. My brain betrayed instantly, conjuring all kinds of inappropriate thoughts. I clenched my fists, willing myself to focus.
"Fine," I said finally, forcing myself to step back. "I’ll be waiting for you downstairs."
I walked out, though I couldn’t resist throwing one last glance over my shoulder. She was already grabbing the t-shirt I’d left out for her, and for a mont, I thought about staying just a second longer.
But no. I left the room, shutting the door behind , and let out a long breath.
Goddess help . This mate bond is going to be the death of .
I made my way downstairs, trying to distract myself. But no matter how hard I tried, my mind kept circling back to Elena. Her fiery spirit. Her sharp tongue. And that damn robe.
It didn’t matter that she was furious with . She was still my mate, and I’d be damned if I let anything—or anyone—co between us.
Now I just had to convince her of that.
Easier said than done.
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