Caleb's Mate - Becca Jameson Page 0,18
with the occasional red one thrown in. It was bright and had lots of windows and sliding glass doors that led to the back deck. It wasn’t Elena’s style at all, and she cringed every time she stepped into the bright cheerfulness. In her mind, the roosters called out cock-a-doodle-doo every time she stepped inside.
Elena ignored the crazy color scheme and shook her mind back to the conversation. “From my perspective, so are shifters.” She kept walking until she reached the open cabinet, but it was impossible to tune him out and concentrate on categorizing the contents. He filled the damn room with his presence.
She set her hands on the counter and took a deep breath.
Caleb set his hands on her bare shoulders and blew out a long breath. His voice was soft when he spoke. “I know you feel the connection too. I’m not controlling it, Elena. I promise. When wolf shifters meet…certain people, they just connect. It’s a vibe in the air. We both feel it. It’s not one sided. You feel it too.”
He was right. Every inch of her body felt the connection, and it was even stronger when he touched her. She felt a little out of control when his skin was on hers. And a lot aroused. She closed her eyes and fought to control her now-racing heart.
Caleb stepped closer, his body heat radiating through her. “I’m sorry. For not telling you who we were last night.”
She relaxed under his touch. Even though her mind warred with her, telling her not to let her guard down, her body disagreed. “Do you have any other secrets I should know about?” She was half joking, but he stiffened a bit and didn’t respond.
She spun around and faced him.
His hands landed on her shoulders again, having not really moved from their position in the two seconds she took to face him. “Caleb…”
He swallowed. Visibly. “A few. It’s complicated.”
“My English is amazing. Try me.”
He nodded slowly. “Well, for one, you know how your Aunt Marge fell in love with Josiah and never left Canyon Springs?”
She glared at him. “I’m super clear on that.”
“She was Josiah’s mate.”
She flinched. What the fuck was he talking about? “His mate?”
Caleb nodded. “More than just a wife. Being mated is a stronger bond than marriage.”
“Uh huh. Do you realize how ridiculous you sound? I mean I’ve heard the term. In movies. Books. Not real life.” Part of her wanted to duck under his arm and shove him out of the way so she could break the connection. But when he was touching her… Damn it was hard to imagine losing that contact.
“I know it’s hard to believe or understand, but it’s true.”
“What?” She jerked back a few inches. “Oh. Oh, I see. You think you and I are mates like Marge and Josiah… That’s insane.” It took every ounce of willpower she had, but she finally gave him a push and ducked under his arm. As soon as she broke free, she sucked in a breath. She also felt a burning loss, almost painful.
She gasped for air as if she’d been running and continued to back up until her ass hit the kitchen table.
Caleb turned around, but he didn’t approach. He leaned against the counter. His expression was tight. “I wish there was an easier way to tell you, but there just isn’t. I decided to rip off the band aid.”
She shook her head, even though she knew deep inside somewhere that what he was saying was probably true. “Caleb. I like you. I do. You’re gorgeous and nice and kind and funny and so many other things, but I’m not going to marry you.” She inched her way around the side of the table, putting more space between them, glad that he didn’t follow her.
“I’m not saying we have to get married. Not now. Hell, not ever. That’s up to you. I’m saying you’re my mate. My partner.”
She licked her dry lips. “But that’s absurd. We met last night.”
“It happens instantly. I knew when you stepped into Morton’s Grocery. I jerked my gaze up from the checkout to find the owner of the scent.”
She drew in a deep breath and grabbed the back of one of the kitchen chairs, fisting the top wrung. “You smelled me when I stepped into the store and knew I was your…soul mate or some shit?”
“Yes.” He still didn’t move, which calmed her somewhat. At least he wasn’t pouncing on her. He wasn’t doing anything to make her