“Ah!” I yelled putting my hands over my ears. “Nope. Just no. You can’t say that to me.”
Rawson roared with laughter. “Say what? I was just going to say that you finally got together. And why not? It’s true. His scent is all over you.”
“It’s just wrong. You're my...er...I don’t know what you are any more.” I flung my hands in the air. He wasn’t my father, but close enough since he had brought me up and given me a home. Even if he was only eleven years older than me.
“Sweetness.” He used Lyss’s endearment and I didn’t stop him. I didn’t mind him using it, it was a nice way to remember the kind and gentle woman who had loved me alongside this male. “You’re an adult who has survived some nasty shit and I’ll talk about anything you want with you. But if it makes it easier, you can think of me as an older brother—or a father if that’s what you want. I’m honoured either way and I’ll always look out for you, just as I would anyone I love.” A shadow crossed his eyes but he shook it off. “I want you to be as happy as you can be in this shit hole. Know that I saw you and Connor were made for each other when you were only kids—so did Lyss. Connor kept himself back from you when you were young at my request. You both deserved time to grow and live.” His big shoulder rose and fell in a shrug. “But now—well, now you have found each other again and it’s as it should be. Be with your mate while you can, Em. Life is too unpredictable to waste such a gift.”
I stared at his rugged, handsome face, so full of sadness, my heart broke. Although my eyes burned, I managed a nod and a weak smile.
“Good. Now, we need to get on with training. I’m only going to be here for a short while.” He glanced up to the walkway above.
Reflexively, I did too. Zander watched us, his face impassive. Rawson, flexed his hand, the movement drawing my gaze down to it. He was trembling slightly. He gripped it with his other hand as if trying to still the involuntary movements. Nausea rolled through my belly, churning the porridge that lay heavily in my stomach, but I didn’t say anything. There was nothing to say. I wasn’t sure Rawson would like me knowing that he was the warden’s bitch and I wouldn’t take his dignity by pushing him to talk about it.
“Let’s warm up slowly today. I imagine you’re a bit stiff after…”
I glared at him.
He put his hands up, a full on grin stretching his lips. “Okay, I won’t mention you finally having sex with Connor. Took you long enough by the way,” he murmured through the side of his mouth.
“You’re an arse, Rawson.” But I smirked. “Come on then, let’s do this.”
“Right, but I’ll need you to train with one of my brothers. My body is not what it used to be and I need rest today…And Connor will allow only them and me, to be near you.”
“What?” My eyes narrowed, my irritation immediate.
Rawson sighed, and jammed his hands on his hips. “Ember, don’t argue with him on this. You are his soulmate—even if you haven’t gone through a claiming yet.”
My breath caught in my throat. I’d wanted Connor since I was a young girl only I’d never allowed myself to believe he felt the same. But... “Soulmate?” Damn, that was enough to make my knees wobbly.
“Of course. You were always the most important thing in the world to him.” He cocked his head, his expression softening. “Ember, every decision he ever made was based around what he thought was best for you. He loves you, he always has. He lost you once already. He won’t trust anyone but his brothers to train with you.”
“Trust? How about he trusts me? I’m not going to go and jump another man…”
“Trust has to be earned, you know that. It’s not about sex, and it goes both ways. Arguing with every decision he makes isn’t a way to gain his trust, or show your trust in him. He’s Prime, and anyone who sees him look at you will know how much you mean to him. That puts a huge target on your back for those who want his power