The Designated Mate novel Chapter 66

He seemed to contemplate everything I'd said, most likely trying to come up with a different plan that didn't involve me being on the front line at all. I knew he had nothing when he rubbed his hands over his face roughly, the stress lines on his forehead becoming more prominent.

"Go get everyone else and bring them back in here, please," he murmured before pressing a kiss to my forehead. I nodded and dashed out of the room to do as he'd asked. I couldn't believe I'd actually successfully talked him into my plan - and without much of a fight either.

Once we were all in the room again, Knox began explaining the plan to everyone. I interjected a few times, but mostly let Knox speak. The only way the plan would work was if Grace agreed to be my right-hand woman. If I had to go in with someone I wasn't familiar or comfortable with, it would be obvious that we weren't just a pair of friends innocently searching for their mates.

"Poppy?" Knox called out. I snapped out of my reverie and cleared my throat.

"Sorry, I was lost in my thoughts," I admitted sheepishly.

"I said, can you call Grace and Jason and find out if they'll join us?" he asked. I nodded and grabbed my burner cell phone. My heart was pounding in my chest as I dialed her number, praying she would say yes.

Poppy's POV

I had to laugh when Knox told my trainer I would be taking the day off the morning before they were set to leave. He'd been miffed about our lack of intimacy which had been caused by my sore muscles and worn out body. I didn't complain about his demand one bit as I missed our frequent bedroom activities as well.

When night had come, and Knox finally laid down with me after packing the things he needed, I couldn't help the quiet sob that bubbled from my chest. Knox and I hadn't spent a single night apart since our mating and in less than twelve hours I would be alone in this bed. He cradled me against his body, leaving no space between us as he stroked his hand over the back of my head and down to my mid back.

"It's alright, Flower. I promise I will be fine. I'm not happy about this either, but these couple of days will fly by. I promise," he murmured with his lips pressed against my forehead. I clutched his shoulders for dear life, not wanting to ever let go. I shouldn't have been as emotional as I was - I mean, it was only two days for Pete's sake! - but I couldn't stop the tears. Sensing that I was too worked up to be brought down by words, Knox shifted our bodies until he was looming above me. My thighs were spread as he kneeled between them, the palm of each of his hands pressed against the mattress on either side of my head.