“I really don’t care for being kept in the dark.” His silver eyes open and stare into my own. He seems to be searching for something and I don’t know what. “It makes me feel uncertain and like I can’t control anything.”
He sighs heavily before turning his back to me and getting in the shower again. The water runs down his gorgeous naked body as he says, “I’d prefer for you to trust my judgment, but if you insist …” He sighs again and catches my eyes roaming his body. I can’t help it. He gives me a knowing smirk, which makes me blush. “The blood is from a shifter who came to the offering.” His words ground me.
“What kind of shifter?”
“A wolf. From my old pack.” I stare at him, willing him to explain. After a moment, frustration grips me as I realize he has no intention of telling me any more info. It’s like pulling teeth with him.
“Why was the shifter from your old pack at the offering?” Devin stops shampooing his hair to look at me. His eyes travel down my body and back to meet my gaze. Foamy suds drip in heavy dollops.
“Strip and get in.” He steps under the hot stream of water to rinse. My lips purse at his short command, but I obey. Only because I was going to anyway. At least that’s how I justify it.
His hands find my hips as soon as I enter and he pulls my body close to his, resting his chin on my shoulder. “They were there to take you and Lizzie. Or at least that’s what they decided when they got there.” My body stills in fear. A million questions threaten to burst from my lips, but he continues to talk as he reaches for the body wash. “They want their territory back.” He lathers the soap and then massages my body, starting at my shoulders. His strong hands feel like heaven and his touch brings a sense of ease that’s at odds with what he’s telling me. He kneads my tense muscles and I lean into his warm, expert touch. “Apparently they had a deal with some vampires.”
“Veronica’s coven?” I’m barely able to make the words coherent as a blissful moan takes over my body.
He chuckles at my effort. “No, sweetheart.” He kisses my cheek before adding, “I don’t think so. I’m not sure who yet.” He turns me in his arms and I rest my forearms on his chest. “Have I told you enough?” I look up at him through my thick lashes and try my best to think. His touch is so soothing and comforting that it’s hard to remember why I’m angry.
“You were upset that I keep you in the dark. Are you still mad at me?” How does he do that? My brow furrows.
“Are you sure you can’t read my mind?” He laughs and leans down to kiss me, which I more than welcome.
“I’m sure. But that doesn’t answer my question.”
“I’m not mad. But I don’t like having to pull information from you. I wish you’d just tell me.”
“And I wish you’d trust me. When I say you don’t need to worry, I wish you’d believe me and stop pushing me.” I step out of his hold, not liking his response, and reach for my conditioner. I coat my hair and step farther away to gather my thoughts.
“It makes me feel weak when I do that.” I nod, agreeing with my own words. That’s really what it comes down to.
“When you do what? Trust me?” I shake my head.
“When I put all my faith in you and submit to whatever you want.” I lean my head back to rinse my hair but maintain eye contact as I tell him, “It makes me feel weak.”
“Do you think our pack is weak?” His question catches me off guard.
“Of course not.”
“They all submit to me. But you don’t think they’re weak?”
“That’s not the same.” I rinse off and step out of the shower.
He follows, but reaches for a towel before me and wraps it around my small body, pulling me into his hard, wet chest. Our naked bodies touching make me arch my neck, wanting him to kiss, lick, and bite the exposed skin.
“It is the same. They trust my judgment, knowing that what I decide is what’s best for everyone. They’re each strong and worthy of being Alphas themselves. But they choose to let me lead and have faith that I’ll ensure their safety and happiness above all else. Yet you,” he says and rubs the towel along my body, drying me off, “you don’t have the same faith. And you’re my mate.” The last sentence is thick with emotion. “When I met Caleb and Dom, I didn’t say a word. I kept walking and they followed. They never questioned my authority or judgment. Never. Yet you’ve consistently questioned me.”