CHAPTER 12

Redressed in yesterday’s clothes, I find my way back to the kitchen. Masen is dressed similar to yesterday, only his jeans are a little looser, and his belt and boots are a caramel brown. His wide shoulders are bent over the counter messing with the coffee pot. When he stands and turns, I’m again taken aback by his size.

“Are all Alphas as big as you?” I ask.

His smile is pure mischief. “No, baby, I’m the biggest,” he states proudly.

“Psshs, you” —I point— “are trouble.” But I love how playful he can be. His strong jaw is clean shaven, and his dark hair is damp. His light eyes make his handsome face so striking it’s hard to look away. I wouldn’t have guessed he’s almost thirty. He looks closer to early twenties, but shifters live a long life so we age much slower.

He offers me coffee, but he doesn’t have any creamer so I decline. “I’m kinda picky about my coffee. I’ll grab some at home.” He drinks a cup of black coffee and lets me know he’s ready when I am. “It’s okay as long as you point me out of the pack land. I can make it from there.” I still have plenty of time before my first class to make it home and change.

“I want to come. Please?” he adds as an afterthought. I don’t think he uses that word often.

“Sure, are you going to follow me, then?”

He runs his hand through his beautifully messy hair. “I was kinda hoping I could drive you home and then to school. I won’t try to go to class with you or anything,” he says, like that’s even an option, “but I thought maybe we could hang out again tonight?” At least, he phrases it like a question.

“What about my Jeep though? If you drive, it’ll be here, and I wouldn’t have anything to drive.”

“I’ll make sure you have your truck when you need it.”

My purse and keys are on the island where he left them after bringing them in last night with the cookies. Grabbing my things, I announce, “I’m all set.”

He tucks my hand into his arm in the way I’m becoming familiar with and leads me to his garage. There are a few cars, and a large SUV, but he approaches a motorcycle. “No way, Masen. I’m not riding to school on that! Everybody already stares at me. I can just imagine what they’d say if I pulled up on the back of their Alpha’s motorcycle,” I scoff.

“First, who stares at you?” he asks darkly.

“Only every shifter at school” —I throw my hands in the air— “Thank god for Sniffer and Sam, or they may have kicked me out for being a rogue or something,” I add. “Even my English Professor held me after class.”

His eyes narrow. “Did he now? I’ll take care of it,” he says, brushing my concern off. “Now, secondly, of course you can ride up on the Alphas bike, you’re the Alpha’s Mate,” he smirks, “And I plan on Marking you as soon as you let me,” he growls.