My Mate's Embrace by Caryn Moya Block Page A

a piece of paper that lay beside it on the floor.
    “Looks like Illarion beat us to the cookies. But Mom usually puts a few away for the rest of us. She should be back soon to start dinner. Or we could pack a picnic if you like. We could go down by the river. There are a couple of nice spots down there.”
    Laurel smiled, feeling her heart melt a little. Anton always tried so hard to make her happy. “That sounds like fun. Let me help you get the food together. Should we leave a message for your family?”
    “I will write it on the back of this one. The bread is in that box. There should be cold meats in the refrigerator.”
    Laurel grabbed the bread and cut slices off for sandwiches. Soon they gathered all the fixings for a picnic. Anton took a large basket out of a closet and picked up a quilt that was lying over a chair in the living room. Laurel laughed as Anton threw the quilt around his shoulders like a cape. They were still laughing as they walked out the back door and took the path that led to the river.
    Anton reached for Laurel’s hand as they walked. Through the mating bond, he felt her light-heartedness, but underneath it a sense of watchful wariness. His mate didn’t trust him with her heart. She was waiting for a day when he would become angry with her, and abuse her as her stepfather had. It was ripping his heart out. Never would he hurt her in that way. She should never have suffered such an act. It stole her innocence and faith in the world. She didn’t trust herself. Some small part still thought it was all her fault. Anton felt so helpless. How was he going to prove himself to her? Prove his love was a safe place to put her trust?
    Reaching the river, he guided Laurel to a spot where there was a natural pool. Anton spread the blanket on the ground next to a large tree. Laurel plopped down and started rummaging through the basket.
    “Do you want to eat first? I’m starving. That cookie was an appetizer,” Laurel said, spreading the various dishes out on the blanket.
    “Yes, let us eat. I do not want to get between you and your food,” Anton teased as he sat down on the blanket. “Here, try a grape.” He picked one up and held it ready to plop in Laurel’s mouth.
    She hesitated a moment, but then leaning forward, she opened her mouth to accept the offering.
    “Hmmm, sweet.”
    Anton picked up another and placed it against her lips. Feeding his mate was such an intimate act, one he was enjoying immensely. Feeling a punch of lust tear through him, Anton handed her a sandwich. God, how he wanted to lay her down on the blanket and love her. His wolf rose to the surface, wanting to complete the mating bond, wanting to claim her as he should. Later , he promised his wilder side. His mate needed more time, and she would have it.
    He bit into his sandwich, wishing it was the skin of Laurel’s stepfather. Nobody should abuse a child of any age. Laurel was at a crucial time in her life, developing into a woman. She had needed her stepfather’s approval. If he ever met the man again . . .
    Alena ran up to the couple sitting so peacefully, eating.
    “Sorry to intrude. Anton you are needed at the security building. I will take Laurel back to the lodge.”
    Anton knew something was wrong, but what? And why hadn’t Alena called to him telepathically?
    “Will you be okay, Laurel?” Anton asked, getting up from the blanket.
    “Of course. I’ll see you back at the lodge,” she replied.
    Anton leaned down and caressed her cheek with his finger, needing to touch her.
    “Eat another sandwich. I will be back as soon as I can,” he said, and then he ran toward the security building.
    “He’s very bossy at times,” Laurel commented as she started putting the remainder of the food back in the basket. But he was also sweet to her. At times her eyes would well with tears at his tenderness.
    “Most male lycans are,” Alena said. “They cannot help themselves. Their job is to lead and protect the pack, so