Mending the Beast (Awakening Pride #10) - Lacey Thorn Page 0,29

situation to try and prove anything. I’m going to my mate because she needs help, and I want to be the person who provides it. I need to be that person. Can you understand that?”

“Yes,” she agreed. “But what happens if she runs from you? What if she leaves? What then, Daniel? What keeps you from falling back into the place you’ve been lately?”

“I know it’s a lot to ask, but I need you to trust me on this. I won’t go back down the road I’ve been on. Meeting with Ariel was like a reinforcement of my dad telling me I’d never been enough. That I was weak and undeserving. I took Ariel’s reaction and let it validate every negative seed he ever planted. That’s on me.”

“Oh, Daniel.”

“On me,” he repeated, needing to make sure she didn’t try to put any blame on his mate. “Ariel’s reaction wasn’t about me. It was about what happened to her. What she endured and survived. I should have been here for her. I should have stayed and showed her that I could be the man to help her move forward, even if all she could offer was friendship. But I ran. Out of fear. I won’t be that person again. She deserves better than that.”

“Don’t lose track of what you deserve,” she urged. “You deserve love, Daniel. You’re an amazing man. Worthy of having a woman who will love you with all they have.”

“Exactly,” Daniel agreed. “With all they have. That means I can’t force my expectations on her. I have to love and accept her as she is, give her what she needs, what she can handle. Because I’m lost without her, Laura. And I’m so tired of being lost.”

She gave him a hard squeeze and stepped back, wiping her eyes as she did. “Then get going. Don’t leave Ariel wandering alone like I did with my mate. Go to her, Daniel, and don’t let her walk away. She needs you as much as you need her. No matter how much she thinks otherwise.”

He scooped up his bag and moved toward the door, passing Finn on his way out and sharing a look of understanding. Just as Laura had become like a sister to Daniel, Finn and Murphy had taken immediately to Ariel and treated her like a kid sister. Daniel wondered if his mate had any idea of just how much she was loved and by so many.

His lion rose within him as he stepped into the open air and headed out to meet Tony and the team he’d put together. He’d let the rest of them worry about whoever Ariel had found in need of help. His only priority was his mate. She was his. To protect. To love. It was past time they both woke up to what they could have. Together.

Chapter Nine

By the time Ariel had gotten back to the car, it was too late to head out. She was all about confronting her personal demons, but she wasn’t going in the twilight. Especially when her dreams of late had changed the setting on her. There wasn’t a lot she believed in anymore, but she still wouldn’t tempt whatever was out there by stumbling through that clearing in the dark.

Instead, she’d headed back to the motel and a hot shower. She was debating food when there was a knock at her door. Her heart launched into her throat. Not here. She hopped from the bed, tugging at her shirt. It was his. God, why had she brought his shirt with her? Because his scent comforted her. No matter how much she tried to deny it. To ignore it.

“I know you’re in there.”

His voice was deep, resonating with the power of his animal, and it sent chill bumps over her skin. She wanted him almost as much as she feared him. Wasn’t that the clencher? To want and fear in the same breath.

“Ariel, open the door.”

She stopped pacing and stared at the worn wood that wouldn’t keep out Daniel if he wanted in. Then her heart settled as she reminded herself that for all his strength, he’d never do that to her. He’d stay outside, waiting patiently, until she made the first move.

“Please.”

It was the softly spoken plea that broke through her defenses and had her turning the lock and reaching for the knob. Her hand froze inches from it as fear rose again. This wasn’t a buddy or pal she could joke with while she pushed aside