Read Online My Mate's Embrace by Caryn Moya Block - Free Book Online Page B

found you. There are many single males who have not been as fortunate. You are a gift to us.”
    “Thank you,” Laurel said. “I’m sorry to be so shy. I’ve been alone a long time.”
    “Not to worry,” Yelena said, placing a piece of cake in front of Laurel. “Now that you are here, we’ll take care of things. You eat and feel better. Anton will teach you about the pack.”
    Laurel settled back in her chair and ate her cake. Yelena continued to fuss over her, bringing her a cup of tea. Yelena reminded Laurel of her grandmother. Anton kept touching her and sending her waves of reassurance and acceptance. Dmitry and Kolya discussed the truck wreck and buying a new vehicle. Alena told them how Laurel had healed her and saved the baby. They all celebrated the fact that the little boy lay safe in Alena’s womb. Soon, with a full stomach and feeling content, Laurel started to nod off.
    “Come, Malyshka , let’s get you settled in bed,” Anton said, leading her from the table.
    Everyone said goodnight as Laurel gave a weak wave and left the room. Picking up her backpack, she let Anton take her hand and lead her upstairs. He took her down the hall to a room on the right. She glanced around at the large bed and desk set against the long wall. Walking over to the windows, she saw the front porch below them.
    “This is my room, or should I say our room,” Anton said. “There is a bathroom over here. You can put your clothes in this cabinet. I’ll have a dresser brought up for you tomorrow. Do you think you will be happy here?”
    Laurel heard a thread of uncertainty in Anton’s voice. He had done so much for her. Could she be happy here? She didn’t really know. Things were happening so fast. Escaping from her stepfather had been her only thought. Now, with that accomplished, she didn’t know what she wanted. But she didn’t want to hurt Anton.
    “The room is lovely, Anton,” she said.
    “Laurel, I feel your confusion. Let us take it one day at a time. I promise you, I can make you happy. I will keep you safe. Just stay with me.”
    “I have nowhere else to go,” Laurel sighed. “I’m not going anywhere.”
    “You are tired. We will talk more in the morning,” Anton suggested.
    What would tomorrow bring? Looking over at Anton, Laurel felt her heart warm. He treated her with such kindness and made her feel safe. She hadn’t thought about getting married. But then life with her stepfather had been a living hell. If she was going to get married, she wanted someone like Anton. Being a member of a pack couldn’t be too bad, could it? Would they look down on her because she couldn’t turn into a wolf? Not knowing what to think, she went into the bathroom to change. She didn’t really have any pajamas. What should she wear?
    A soft knock at the door let her know Anton had already thought of that.
    “Here is a T-shirt for tonight,” he said. “We will get on the computer and order some clothes for you tomorrow. Can I get you anything else?”
    “You think of everything. How did you know?”
    “I laid out your clothes to dry, remember? I knew you did not have any pajamas. If you do not like the T-shirt, I’m sure Alena or Violet have something you can wear.”
    “The T-shirt is perfect, Anton. I’ll be out in a minute.”
    Laurel took her time changing and brushing her hair. A new toothbrush sat on the counter, so she opened it up and brushed her teeth. Anton really did think of everything. He took such good care of her.
    When she slipped out of the bathroom, she thought she would be embarrassed to let Anton see her in nothing but a T-shirt. But soft snores were coming from the bed. Tiptoeing over, Laurel looked down to see him sound asleep. She moved a lock of hair back that had fallen down close to his eye. He looked so peaceful. Feeling daring, she leaned down and kissed his cheek.
    “Goodnight, sweet prince,” she whispered.
    The bed sat on the far wall, taking up most of the space, and had plenty