Peaches and a spoon

Nolan’s POV

I woke to find her curled against me, so I wrapped my arm around her and pulled the blankets over us.

Last night was different. Most nights, when we crash together, she wakes shaking from nightmares. But for the first time since we started sharing a bed, she slept through. Only Baby Jay stirred once. Morning light crept in, hinting at an unusual calm—for now.

The sudden clatter from my trap snapped the calm. I jolted awake. The man was standing in front of the bed with the shotgun pointed at us. Fuck. We just stared at each other.

Emily opened her eyes, startled by the threat and instinctively clutched Jay while moving to shield me from the gun.

We are sorry. We will fix the bed and leave… please.

Are you two going to the settlement? he asked

What settlement? I asked.

Maybe a couple of more days' walk. He put his gun down. Come, I will feed you.

You don’t have to, I started to say. Emily kept going in front of me.

The man smiles. She’s protecting you; she knows I won’t kill her. Don’t worry, I won’t kill him. You two look good together.

Thank you, I answered carefully. We will be on the way, took a rest…

The man turned and walked into the other room. Come, eat something, it's a long walk. She needs the calories.

I listened, tense, half-expecting more men to arrive.

Henry, my name. I live alone. Couldn’t bring myself to the settlement, maybe because they're mixed. Even though they’re more human than wolves. People say it is the safest settlement.

Then come with us, Emily said, you can always leave…

See, you’re young, don’t see the danger. This world is every man for himself. I was in a settlement, and I saw what they’re capable of when danger arises.

He was opening a can of peaches. My hand went into my pocket. I was wary and ready to defend Emily. I pulled her behind me, not trusting Henry.

We have food, and we appreciate your hospitality…

" Let her eat; she needs it, wolf," he said. The way he said 'wolf' made me tense. I never knew whether people like Henry meant it as a slur, as a fact, or as something in between. Out here, sometimes it was all three.

Emily sat at the table with Jay still in her arms. He gave her the peaches and a spoon. She ate a few.

Henry looked at me. You’re still young and in love, but have good instincts.

A chill went through me. What is he saying? Then I saw him lunging at Emily, and with a step and a move, I pushed him.

I will not kill you; find someone else to do it.

Emily stood there, scared by Henry’s aggression. I pulled her into my arms to calm her, knife ready to protect us both. Stay the fuck away from us.

I strapped Jay to my chest, took my backpack, while Emily pointed the shotgun at him. You really want to die, human, do it for a good cause. This is pathetic; you already gave up.

Emily's eyes met mine, pleading. The longer she looked, the warmer I felt. Fuck.

Would you like to come with us? Emily smiled.

The man stared between us.

I guess, if you still want me to…

For future reference, never touch my mate; I will kill you, and your wish will come true.

Got it! Oh, the shotgun has no bullets, just to scare humans away, Henry said.

Emily took my hand, her fingers interlocked with mine. I didn’t question it because it got me one step closer to her. Feeling her soft little hand in mine was a connection.

After hours of walking with Henry, we finally stopped to rest. I sat down and pulled her between my legs to sit her back on me as she fed Jay. My arm is holding her. It felt normal; she didn’t say anything as her head leaned on my chest, and her scent went inside my nostrils.

Minx sighed, which relaxed me. She drifted off. Jay finished, her shirt open. Touching her, my body reacted.

I was losing control. I didn’t care who watched; I wanted her.

Minx growled inside me. He’s my wolf, a part of me that’s never quiet. Calm down, I told him, of course I wouldn’t hurt her. Besides, her heart is still with Hunter.

I held her, grateful for her warmth. Jay chewed his fists, unsatisfied.

Henry approached us from where he sat nearby. She needs more calories; the milk is weak, not enough for him.

Thanks. Ten minutes, then we leave. She needs sleep.

She doesn’t know? How do you feel? Seems like her instincts are right, seeking you, but…

Mind your own shit, old man.

You’re in love with her, he chuckled. Oh boy, tell her, this life is short.

Yeah, easier said than done, I mumbled. I kissed her head. She turned, and her hand went under my shirt, resting on my abs. Oh hell no. My dick was already twitching.

I stayed still, loving her touch. Was she seeking me, or Hunter?

Nolan, she mumbled, for two more minutes.

Okay, I whispered, tightening my arm around her, and her cheek was resting on my chest. Her hand moved, hugging me under the shirt. Okay, stay calm. Minx was trashing inside me.

I kissed her forehead. Her eyes opened and focused. She realized where her hand went, and she didn’t pull it away. Nolan, I…

Just do what you feel, Emily. There is no judgment. Her big eyes stared at me. Then she leaned in and kissed my lips softly. Minx let out a growl. We liked it a lot. Her sweet lips.

I waited. Guilt flickered in her eyes as she pressed her forehead to my chest.

Guilt? I whispered

She shook her head. I kissed my best friend, she said.