The Werewolf's Mate by C.A. Salo Page B

the
outside.”
    “Hey, are you alright?”
    Kalana knew Mari had slapped
her cheek gently, but it didn’t faze her as she listed off into blackness.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 6
     
    Her eyes fluttered to the
bright morning light. Moaning she rolled to her side, the warmth of a large
hand lying on her hip. “How long was I out?”
    “Just the night and you had
more injuries than just your leg.”
    “I figured.” Opening her eyes
she met Drake’s gaze. “Were you injured?”
    “Minor wounds.”
    “What attacked me?”
    “An Ifrit. Apparently it was
sent in by Gilfore.”
    “What’s his beef with you
Rovens?”
    Drake smiled. “He was a rival
for my grandmother, Gwil’s mate. He lost and has held a grudge against us ever
since.”
    “Damn, he’s causing a lot of
problems because he didn’t get the woman.”
    “He’s psychotic and was
ousted from Alston when he tried to kill Gwil and Trelena on the night Gwil
claimed her for mate.”
    Kalana lifted to her elbow
looking down at him. “What aren’t you telling me?”
    “The attack is close; it can
come as soon as tomorrow night. We’re expecting small attacks to be made
between now and then to keep us on the move and try to tire us out.”
    “But you have a plan for
that.”
    “Of course I do.” He smiled,
bringing her on top of him. “I met with Rhys and the other heads of security
after the attack ended and we notified the Council of Elders of our plans.”
    “You had me healed.”
    “Yes, when I found you passed
out, and Mari having a nutty because she couldn’t get you to respond, I called
one of our healers in. You need to be more attune to your surroundings.”
    “I would have been but I was
mad at you.”
    “So I heard.”
    Her gaze went from his eyes
to his hands gripping her thighs. “Drake, leash the claws.”
    “You need to be more careful;
I’ll not lose you to foolishness.”
    “And I don’t want to be lost,
so reel in your claws.”
    “I don’t want you fighting.”
    “What? You can’t be serious.”
Frowning, she sat back meeting his gaze.
    “Oh I’m serious alright.”
    She smacked his chest. “Damn
you, Roven, I have every right to fight.”
    “I want you in this manor
away from the front lines. You’re not a warrior, Kalana, no matter what your
gifts or how well you fight.”
    Kalana snorted as he sat up,
bringing her into his embrace. “I can fight. How do you think I’ve lived on my
own for nine years? And I’m a healer, one of the best, so don’t you tell me I
can’t be on the front lines. I will not be far from you in case you need me.”
Her eyes fluttered as he rested his head on her shoulder, his warm breath
flowing over the sensitive skin at the crook of her neck. Lifting her arms
around him she held him close. “I love you, Drake, and I don’t want to lose
you. I’m scared.”
    “I am too, baby,” he
muttered. “I just got you back. I’d go insane if anything happened to you out
there because I couldn’t protect you.”
    “I’m not going to hide like a
coward. I’m a Fairlawn and a Fae; if we go down, we go down fighting.”
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 7
     
    Kalana bolted upright at the
alarm, the fog of sleep disappearing quickly. “Drake?”
    “The border’s under attack.
Get dressed.”
    “Geez couldn’t they pick a
decent hour?” Grabbing her jeans, she started putting them on.
    “Get your warrior gear,” he
said as he turned, meeting her gaze. “They’re in force; this is the big one.”
    Nodding her head, she ran to
the closet as he took off out the door. Anticipation and anxiety ran through
her as she dressed.
    “Mamma?”
    “Livi, the fight’s here. I
need you to stay in the manor with Mari, do you understand?” she asked as she
turned full Fae. “Do not leave unless you have no choice.”
    “I understand.”
    “I love you.” Kneeling she
hugged her daugghter quickly. “I must go, your father’s calling for me.”
    “Be safe,