Chapter 186
When I find her, she and Kinsley are working on the safe rooms. I pull her to my side. wrapping my arms around her, and taking a moment to see what they are doing.
“It already feels warmer in here, cozier,” I say.
“That’s the goal.” Sophie says, smiling up at me. When she sees my face her smile fades.
“What’s wrong?” she asks, and Kinsley turns, focusing on me as well.
“Ezra found scout trails. I’ve called the other Alphas and we’re going to meet to sniff them out and see where they lead. I may not be back tonight, but I don’t want you to worry about me,” I say to her, already feeling her worry spike.
I take her face in my hands. “I will be safe. I’ll be with four other Alphas.”
“And they want all of you dead!” she exclaims.
“Sophie…”
“Hunter,” she says, tears welling in her eyes as she grabs my shirt, fisting it in her hands. From the corner of my eye, I see Kinsley silently leave to give us a moment.
“If something were to happen to you…” she says and a tear escapes, sliding down her cheek until I swipe it with my thumb.
“It won’t. I’ll be safe. And I need you to be safe too. I won’t let anyone hurt you, but if they attack while I’m gone, you get in the safe rooms.
00
30
Chapter 186
My mate wraps her arms around my waist, pressing her face against my chest as she fights her tears. I wrap my arms tightly around her.
“I can’t live without you, Hunter. I can’t. I don’t want to. I didn’t know that love could feel like this, feel this good. Please, Hunter. You have to be safe. You have to come home to me. Promise me, Hunter. You’ve never broken your promises to me, and I want your promise that you’ll be safe and come home to me. Promise me!” she says, getting more and more worked up.
“Sophie, honey, calm down. You’re getting worked up and it’s not good for our pup. I love you,” I say, kissing her tear–streaked face. “I hate the thought of not sleeping beside you tonight, but I need to know that our pack, and our allies are safe.”
you,
She looks up at me and I see the fear in her eyes. It makes my heart hurt to see her sad, but it also tugs at my heart that my mate loves me this much. “I didn’t know love could feel like this either. I didn’t know that you would become more important to me than my own life. Not because I’m an Alpha, but because you are such an incredible woman, and I love you so much that it hurts. But right now, the pack needs you, Sophie. They will look to you as much as they look to Lucas while I’m away. I need you to be strong.”
“I can’t be strong if I don’t know that you will return to me,” she says fiercely.
“I promise. One way or another, I’ll find my way home to you. I don’t expect anything to happen, but if it does, I’ll make my way home to you,” I say, giving her what she needs.
I watch as she takes a deep breath. I truly don’t expect anything to happen, but if it does, I better make good on my promise.
She slowly calms herself, taking deep breaths while I kiss forehead, her
00
30
T
12:07
Chapter 186
eves.
her checks, and finally her lips.
“I have to go. The others will beat me there at this rate, but I need to know that you’re going to be okay. Soph. I need you to help lead this pack while I’m gone.”
She nods, taking another deep breath before opening her eyes. “One more kiss.”
I smile and lean down, her arms come around me and I take precious moments to deepen the kiss, giving my mate what she needs. I pour my love for her through the bond, feeling her relax in my arms.
“Take care of my mate and my pup,” I say to her.
9
“You take care of MY mate, or you’ll answer to me, Alpha.”
I smile. There’s my tough girl. “Yes ma’am,” I say, walking to the back of the packhouse. I quickly strip, keeping only a pair of shorts before shifting.
Shaw turns his head to grab my shorts, only to find Sophie holding them for us.
“I love you, my mate and wolf,” she says, Hedda’s voice mixing with hers.
Shaw purrs at them, then licks Sophie from chin to forehead, making her sputter.
“SHAW!” she complains, pulling back and wiping her face. He chuckles before turning and racing in the direction that Ezra gave us.
72.963

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The One He Claimed by cooper (Sophie and Hunter)