Chapter 39

Thorne’s POV

There’s something wrong with me. I’m sick or losing my mind. That has to be the reason why I find Aurora’s ambiguous attitude frustrating. Every other woman would jump at the opportunity to flaunt our relationship in front of others. As my lover, she should be proud, not hiding, but when she acted as if today was our first meeting, I had to hold in the growl that wanted to come out.

This isn’t the first time Aurora has kept quiet about our relationship when it could have benefited her. She could have used my status or power to get out of planning a wedding with my stepmother, but she didn’t.

And now, Aurora silently follows me out of my parents’ home without realizing how maddening her silence is. I can’t figure out what her intentions are. Most other people wouldn’t hesitate to use my name to their advantage, but not Aurora.

She never does.

For some reason, it bothers me. The way she would rather stay quiet than claim to be my lover burrows under my skin and grows like a weed. Why doesn’t she speak up? Is she afraid? Or is she biding her time, waiting for a better moment to strike?

I don’t think that’s it. Everything about Aurora seems soft, and I haven’t seen any true negativity coming from the woman. The only time she displayed an ounce of greed was when she first agreed to our contract, but her choice impacted someone else, not herself. She used the money for unselfish reasons.

She hasn’t asked for money, and each time something comes up, she denies my help. Just yesterday I offered to pay for her lunch when she forgot hers, and she wouldn’t let me. It’s small, but the denial infuriated me, especially when I realized that I want her to ask for my help.

I want her to turn to me for the things she needs.

Aurora has clearly been through a lot, even if I don’t know all the details, and now that she’s under my protection, I want to help her. It may be temporary, but I want to do what I can while she’s with me.

But.

She.

Won’t.

Let.

Me.

I growl, my wolf echoing the sound before he speaks up, “This isn’t just temporary. She is our mate.”

Ignoring his statement, I force my eyes to the road.

“If you’re getting married, our contract should probably be dissolved,” Aurora whispers.

Unintentionally, I slam my foot on the breaks. Aurora shrieks, her body flying toward the dash. My heart drops into my stomach, and within a second, my arm is out, catching her across the chest.

A grunt and then a groan fall from her lips as she slams into my arm. Too late, I realize my strength and quick movements might have hurt her more than the seatbelt would have.

“Great way to get her to like us,” my wolf grumbles sarcastically.

“Shut it, mutt,” I growl in irritation. “I didn’t mean to hurt her, and you damn well know that.”

And I didn’t mean to. I moved without thinking, which is not normal for me. My actions are usually calculated and controlled, but ever since Aurora came into my life, that has changed. Something about this woman forces me past my comfort zones and has me acting without thinking.

“I-I know we haven’t fully fulfilled the contract yet,” she rasps, rubbing at her sternum as I lower my arm. I let my hand fall to her thigh as she continues, “But I’ll continue working to repay you since you gave me so much money.”

My irritation grows with her words as I realize what she’s saying. She wants to end our contract and leave me. I pull my hand away from her and clutch at the steering wheel.

“Why do you think this would dissolve our contract?” I ask, driving forward. I need something to distract myself, but there’s nothing here to focus on other than the road and Aurora.

She stays quiet for a moment, and I wait for her answer. Does she think it will be that easy?

“Because you’ll have a wife,” she finally answers, wringing her fingers together and looking down at her lap. “I don’t want to be the cause of any problems between you and your… your f-future wife.”

I can’t stop the humorless laugh that leaves my body as I pull into the driveway of the vacation house she’s staying in.

“I’m not marrying that woman.”

Aurora’s head whips up, her eyes widening, but she doesn’t say anything. She just stares at me and watches as I shove my door open and climb out of the car. I move around the car when I realize she’s frozen in her seat, open the door, and help her out.

She accepts my hand just long enough to let me steady her as she straightens to her full height- which is nearly a foot shorter than my height. She’s so small compared to me. It’s no surprise that she gets nervous when I’m close.

I’m sure she feels the difference in height more than most. I’ve never scented true fear of me coming from Aurora, but I know that I make her nervous sometimes. It’s a scent I’m used to from a lot of people. I didn’t really think anything of it until now.

She’s human. I’m an Alpha. The difference in power and strength will never change, but suddenly, I find myself not wanting Aurora to feel that way.

Sighing, I lead her toward the house, wanting this conversation to be over. I just want to get on with my day and not worry about whatever my stepmother is plotting. The table in the living area had been full of wedding materials.

Had my stepmother told Aurora that I was getting married? Is that why she made the comment about me having a wife?

Annoyance spikes in my head, forming into a dull throb. That woman needs to mind her own damn business. I’ve already told her I don’t want to get married yet.

“Thorne,” Aurora whispers, touching my arm as we enter the house. I turn, looking down at her. Big, curious eyes find mine, and I pause because she went from being frozen in shock to cute and curious.

“What is it?” I ask, my voice softer than I mean for it to be. I can’t take my eyes off of her and the hand that’s softly gripping my forearm. She doesn’t normally initiate contact with me. Usually, I’m the one initiating. Kissing, touching, sex; most of it is initiated by me. This, though, is different.

I don’t want her to pull away, so I stay still, waiting patiently for her to speak. Her eyes sweep across my face, telling me she wants to speak but isn’t sure if she should. Even though we’ve been together for nearly a month, she still hesitates.

The cautious movements, her soft, unsure tone, and the way her eyes jump to her feet when she speak, all remind me of a deer. Small and unsteady.

How can I get her to be more comfortable around me?

“I-If you don’t want to marry that woman…” she pauses, hesitating again. Then, her eyes lift and connect with mine, determination shining in them as she asks, “Who do you want to marry?”