Chapter 9

**Marilyn**

I couldn't believe how crazy things had gotten. I was currently in my 'mates' bathroom showering trying to forget any of it ever happened.
I knew it was impossible, but I couldn't help but wish.
Everything was going so well with Ryland. I was happy. Now my mate found me I didn't know what to feel. I was torn between feeling guilty and furious.
I felt guilty because part of me knew this would happen. That maybe I shouldn't have let things get so far with Ryland.
Was I selfish for wanting to be happy? For not thinking of my mate?
"You're not wrong for wanting happiness. You were wrong for thinking that another could make you truly happy. Only our mate can do that," my wolf said.
I shut her out. She was wise but I needed to sort this out on my own.
I didn't even know this guy and he just took me away. I was mad at him and at the same time I hated that he found me the way he did. He probably thought I was some cheap whore.
What if he abused or punished me? What if he was cold and cruel and only wanted me to keep his wolf at bay? What if he would always hate me deep down for being with another?
These are the reasons why I didn't want to find him. I was afraid of all the possibilities. Ryland made me feel safe and loved. What if I never felt that way again?
I got dressed and slowly walked out of the bathroom. Just as he said, he was lying on the floor.
At least he wasn't forcing me to sleep in the same bed. I thought to myself.
I climbed onto the bed and got under the covers. I looked down at him and he was looking at the ceiling with his hands behind his head. He had no shirt on and as much as I hated to admit it, he was drop dead sexy.
He had jet black hair and lightly tanned skin. His arms were filled with tattoes. The black ink wrapped around his biceps like nothing I had ever seen. His chest had a defined eight pack. There was a wolf on one peck and a claw mark on the other. On his side was a long vine looking tattoo that traveled all the way down to the waist line of his boxers which was his only clothing. I could see his very delicious looking v line and I wanted to slap myself for having dirty thoughts.
"I find it ironic how you're ogling my body and getting aroused after you were just with another man. Did he not satisfy you? Are you already wet for me my little mate?" he asked not bothering to hide his amusement.
I turned redder than I ever have before. I was so embarrassed.
"I wasn't ogling you. I was just ummm thinking of Ryland. Yeah that's it. I was thinking of him," I lied.
"You're a terrible liar. But whatever helps you sleep at night. By the way you smell so much better," he said inhaling.
"Whatever just go to sleep," I said trying to keep some of my pride.
"We'll talk in the morning. Goodnight princess," he said.
I closed my eyes and I was out like a light.
The next morning I woke up to the smell of bacon and eggs. I was shocked to say the least. I normally did the cooking.
My mate came in carrying two trays. I was thankful he had on a t-shirt or I wouldn't be able to focus.
"I didn't know what you liked so I just made my favorites. I could fix you something else if you want," he said handing me a try.
"No this is fine," I told him. He had fixed all my favorites, but I wasn't going to tell him that.
We ate in silence for a while until he broke it.
"We should talk about last night," he said in a serious tone.
I sighed. I had been dreading this moment.
"Look I'm sorry about the way you found me. I know I would have been furious if the roles were reversed. But I'm not sorry for having a relationship with Ryland. I know that you have been with other women and I think it's unfair for you guys to expect us to be pure and wait while you bang whatever," I told him truthfully.
"First off you're damn right I was pissed. I'm not asking you to beg my forgiveness or tell me that your relationship was a mistake. Yes I have been with other women but I never stopped thinking of you. I have wanted my mate since I was a kid. I dreamed of what she would look like, what she'd be like and when I found you with him I wanted him dead. You're beautiful and should have only been mine. I will admit I wanted you to be pure and I don't care if it's hypocritical. Sex means more to women which means you had to care a hell of a lot about that bastard. I will always hate him for being with you, but I'll get over it. At the very least though I expected you to want me and it seemed like you wanted the exact opposite," he confessed.
I was silent trying to take in everything he said. He was right on all counts. I had treated him poorly because I cared for Ryland. However, I could feel those feelings fading the longer I was with him.
"Your right I did care for him and I'm sorry if that hurt you. I didn't mean to make you feel like I didn't want you. I was just shocked and afraid. My life was good and I didn't want it to change," I told him honestly.
"Look I don't care. If you're willing to at least try to make this work we can get past this. I just found you I don't want to loose you."
I could hear the sincerity in his voice.
"Okay. I owe it to you to at least try," I told him.
"Not just to me, to yourself as well," he said.
Again he was right. It was as much for me as it was for him. If I wanted to be happy again I had to try.
I nodded in agreement.
"We'll take it slow. I want to get to know you. You don't have to tell me anything about your past just yet and I won't ask. Let's just try to get along for the moment and spend some time together," he said.
"That sounds fair. But I have one question first," I told him.
"What's that?" he asked.
"What's your name?"
He burst out laughing and said "Daniel"
I couldn't help but laugh with him. Maybe he wouldn't be so bad after all.