My Cheating Mate (Emma and Jeremy) novel Chapter 14

What the hell? Where had she learned to fight hike that?

But there was no time to wonder Another rogue was on me, his teeth sinking into my back leg. I twisted and caught him across the muzzle, feeling bones crack under my claws.

Emma was holding her own against two rogues now, moving with a speed and precision I’d never expected. She wasn’t trying to overpower them–she was too smart for that. Instead, she was using their aggression against them, letting them overextend and then striking at vulnerable points.

Had she been training in secret? Taking self–defense classes I didn’t know about?

The largest rogue, seeing his pack struggling, let out a howl–probably calling for more backup. We needed to end this now.

I caught Emma’s eye and jerked my head toward the one I was fighting. She understood immediately, driving her opponent toward mine. We worked in tandem, herding them together, then attacking from both sides.

It was the first time we’d moved as true mates should–perfectly synchronized, anticipating each other’s moves, covering each other’s weaknesses.

My wolf sang with satisfaction even as we fought. This. This was what we should have been doing all along. Fighting together. Protecting each other. Being actual partners.

The rogues realized they were outmatched. The brown one, now missing an eye and bleeding heavily, let out a sharp bark–a retreat signal. They scattered, limping and injured, melting back into the woods.

I wanted to chase them, to make sure they were really gone. But Emma collapsed mid–shift, her body reforming to human as she gasped for breath.

I shifted immediately, not caring about my nudity, and rushed to her side. “Emma! Are you hurt?”

She shoved me away weakly. “Don’t. Touch. Me.”

But I could see blood on her arm, deep scratches from claws. “You’re injured. Let me-

41

“I said don’t touch me!” She struggled to her feet, swaying slightly. “I can take care of myself. Obviously.”

She could. She’d proven that spectacularly. But she was still bleeding, still shaking with adrenaline, and every instinct I had

screamed to protect her, to care for her.

“Those rogues weren’t random,” I said, grabbing my shredded clothes from where I’d shifted. “Someone sent them. Someone who knew you were here.”

r

Emma’s eyes narrowed. “And who would know where I am, Jeremy? Who did you tell?”

The accusation in her voice cut deep. “I didn’t tell anyone. I hired a private investigator, but he wouldn’t-” I stopped. “Vanessa.

“What about her?”

“She’s been calling. Demanding to know what I was doing about you. If she hired someone to track my investigator, if she found out where you were…” I met Emma’s eyes. “She could have sent them.”

Emma’s face went white. “She tried to have me killed?”

“I don’t know. Maybe just scared. Maybe hurt. But Emma, we need to get you out of here. If there are more–

“I’m not going anywhere with you.” She wrapped her arms around herself, blood still dripping from her wounds. “I’ll handle this myself.”

1/2

Chapter la

+25 BONUS

“Don’t be stubborn! You’re hurt, there could be more fogues, and

“And what? You’ll protect me?” fer laugh was harsh. “You’re the reason I’m in danger in the first place! If you hadn’t cheated, if you hadn’t planned to use me, if you’d just “Her voice broke. “I don’t need you, Jeremy. I don’t want you. Just go.”

But I couldn’t. Not with her bleeding, not with rogues potentially circling back, not with Vanessa possibly orchestrating attacks on my mate.

“I’m not leaving you defenseless.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify