Read Online Watching Out For Fangs (The Cloverleah Pack Book 7) by Lisa Oliver - Free Book Online Page A

and another wince crossed his face, suggesting his legs were hurting as well. When the staunch vampire didn’t say anything, Josh decided to go with his instincts.
    “I have a full bath here. I will run it for you. You need a soak and some sleep and then we can talk.” Josh used the same firm tones he used when he had ordered his man to take his cock down his throat. This time, just for a moment, Vadim’s whole body stilled and Josh thought his mate would argue with him.  But just as quickly the tension eased and Vadim bowed his head.
    “Please lead me to the bathroom, my mate.” So Josh did, unable to hide the hint of a smile on his face. After all, bathing his mate was another thing his wolf would enjoy, and if Josh had a secret hankering to see his man naked and clean, well he didn’t have to share that thought with anyone. Especially his enigmatic vampire. Not yet.
     

Chapter Seven
    Vadim’s rational brain – the one that had kept him cold and aloof from most people for more decades than he could count - totally rebelled at the idea of a man, even one as good looking as Josh, tending to his needs. But he kept reminding himself that the man who was currently washing his hair with strong capable fingers, was his mate – his true match in vampire terms and a wolf shifter. That meant Vadim was going to have to be more receptive to touch. Strangely enough, Josh’s hands on him didn’t bring up the uncomfortable feelings he was used to. If anything, it felt rather…nice. But apparently he wasn’t as relaxed about the situation as he thought.
    “You’re not comfortable with me helping you like this, are you?” Josh asked, no indication in his tone to let Vadim know if the wolf was angry, hurt or simply asking a question.
    “Not used to it,” Vadim admitted, remembering that shifter’s could smell emotions. “It’s going to take me a while to…” he broke off. How did he explain to his mate about his age, his vow, Edward, fuck everything that had gone to pot in his life.
    “I’m not going to push you for any conversation right this minute,” Josh said calmly, using his hands to cup water over Vadim’s hair, rinsing the soap out. Such gentleness in strong hands. Such caring. How had Vadim gone for so long without the soothing essence of touch, of someone showing an ounce of affection towards him?
    “You’ve clearly been hurt and the guys told me about you being punished by the Regent of your coven for trying to protect this pack so you get some lee-way. But we will talk. I have spent six days thinking that you rejected me and our mating. Having you dropped off in my living room was not something I expected to contend with this evening.”
    “I didn’t expect it either.” Vadim could admit that too, although he realized, perhaps too late, that he probably should have mentioned that he did want to be with his mate.  He had come to that decision at least. The tenseness in those lovely fingers that were washing across his pecs were a clear indication Vadim had been remiss in his omission.
    “So you’ve just popped in for a snack to keep you going, and then what, back off to your coven again? Gonna keep me safe from god knows how many miles away?” Yep. Even without the benefit of being able to scent emotions Vadim knew his mate was hurting and he would have kicked himself if he could have done it without slopping water all over the pristine bathroom floor. Grabbing hold of Josh’s fingers instead, Vadim looked deep into eyes that were the most amazing brilliant blue, which was awesome, and yet filled with pain, which was not. Vadim was only too aware it was him that had caused that pain.
    “I am sorry my mate,” he said, pleased to see the flare that brightened Josh’s eyes for a split second at the use of those words. “I’m a bastard, anyone will tell you that. A loner with no time or patience for other people. But…but…” Fuck what could he say? He had to say something, and it had to