Chapter 73
Cody
Carolyn had showed up at my door late in the night, looking like she had been crying. I invited her in, made her some tea and we sat and talked on the couch in front of the fire. She told me about the messages and then I listened to them. Frankly, they confused me as well. I knew she was upset and uncomfortable, so when I asked her to spend the night with me she practically jumped at the chance.
Carolyn had curled up into my side, and then I rolled over to spoon her. As I lay there playing with her hair, she drifted off to sleep. She didn’t sleep well though, I could tell she was having nightmares as she called out in her sleep. I wanted to take away all of her pain, it killed me to see her so upset.
The next morning, we went straight to the Alpha, telling him exactly what she had shared with me and he too listened to the messages. We spent the morning on the phone with Alpha Tobias, so he could get someone to work on investigating the number. He must have cursed a hundred times on the other end of the line, going on about how he was sick of people hurting his sister. Alpha Gabe interrupted him a few times, to discuss what would happen if they found the responsible party. I had no doubt they would track this guy down.
Carolyn trodded off to her room to shower and get dressed for the day. I waited for her in the dining room, having some coffee and quietly talking to Gabe about everything that had been happening. Carolyn came down the stairs looking refreshed, the redness gone from her eyes. When she walked in and sat down at the dining table, taking a cup of coffee herself, Alpha Gabe stood and excused himself, leaving us alone.
I was suddenly nervous as I cleared my throat. “Carolyn, I’d like to ask you something.”
Carolyn looked at me, her eyes wide. “Sure.”
I don’t think I’d been this nervous in decades. I felt like a teenage boy asking a girl out for the first time. I just kept repeating in my head that I need to man-up and spit it out. After a brief moment of silence between us, I reached over and grabbed her hand in mine. Her hand was so small compared to mine, her skin soft. I stroked the top of her hand with my thumb, while I tried to find the words I wanted to say.
Carolyn, I’ve been thinking about this for a while. I feel things for you that I haven’t felt in a very long time. I care for you and I want to see you happy. Maybe this is to soon for you, and if it is, I totally understand. I have no expectations here, you’ve been through a lot,” I looked into her eyes, she had yet to say anything. I didn’t see any fear on her face, so I continued. “I uh….I’d like for you to move into my house with me. I’d like to be the person that makes you feel safe and loved.”
I saw her gulp and then she took a deep breath. “Cody, I think I would like that. But are you sure? I mean we have barely done more than kiss. Maybe you won’t really want me if we progress beyond that.” I saw the nervousness in her face.
I cupped her face between both my hands, forcing her to look/into my eyes. “All I need to know Carolyn is your heart, and it’s beautiful. A relationship goes beyond the sexual part, a real one anyway. I find you incredibly beautiful and every time I’ve kissed you, I’ve felt sparks and warmth. I don’t have any doubts about what we could be to each other, if you will allow it. Let me show you that there are men out there who will treat you with love and respect,” pausing for long enough to see if she would interrupt, I continued. “Carolyn Cane, I love you. I want you to be my mate, my partner in life. Heck, we can even get married, if you will have me. I’d like very much for you to take my name, so I can show the world that I’m the luckiest man alive.”
Carolyn started to cry, tears running down her face. For a moment I was panicked. Shit, had I said to much? Did I scare her away? But then she threw her arms around my neck and crashed her lips to mine. She had never kissed me like that, full of passion and something else, maybe love? I kissed her back, pulling her into me. Was this a yes? I broke the kiss, holding her just inches from my face.
“Is that a yes?,” I whispered.
Carolyn nodded her head, a smile forming on her lips. “Yes. A hundred times, yes. I’d be honored to spend my life with you Cody Derringer.”
I’m sure I was smiling like a big buffoon. “Let’s get you moved in then. Like right now.” I pulled her up from the chair and we made our way up to her room to gather her things. Damn I am happy, and I think she is too. Now we just need to find out who is harassing her and put that to an end, then maybe my lady could have a happily ever after.
