Saving His Feral Mate
Chapter 22: Why are you n*ked?

Tatiana POV

I was about to run after Max, when Knox gently grabbed my arm and stopped me.

“Please don’t leave.” He begged and the look in his eyes practically broke my heart.

I was worried about her but at the same time, I knew she was also a lone wolf. We preferred to be on our own and right now, that’s probably what she wants.

I had an uneasy feeling in my stomach. I wish I knew more about her past. I didn’t miss the flash of fear in her eyes at the mention of Alpha Alec. The weird thing is, Betty and Tom have also mentioned that name before. I wonder if they knew each other before becoming rogues? Of course I don’t know much about any of them, since I was stuck in my wolf form and asking questions was clearly off the table.

I need to visit Betty and Tom soon, they might be able to answer some of my questions. I was brought back to the current situation, when Knox squeezed my arm gently waiting for an answer.

“I’m not leaving.” I replied and watched him sign in relief.

“Do you know anything about Max’s history?” He asked, while watching me careful. I shook my head, letting him know that I didn’t.

“I promise, we only want to help. Alpha Alec is an evil man and I want nothing more than to see him burn in hell. I just wish Max would see that.” He continued, while rubbing his hand over his face in frustration.

“I know.” I replied and his eyes darted to me.

“You believe me?” He asked, sounding shocked and I nodded.

Our conversation was interrupted, when Jo came barging in.

“What the f**k do I do? I can’t keep her safe out there.” He growled, while pacing around the office.

“Should we go after her, make her come back?” Jag ask, sounding just as concerned.

“She’s stubborn, she won’t come back.” Jo replied, while shaking his head.

“Idiots.” I mumbled under my breath without even realizing that I had said it out loud. Everyone froze and turned to look at me.

“I’m sorry?” Knox asked, with an eyebrow raised.

“She doesn’t need protection. She needs him to show her how to love and trust again.” I blurted out, while pointing at Jo. I’ve seen Max fight and she can definitely handle her own, that’s not what he should be focused on.

Everyone in the room looked at me in shock. It was probably the longest sentence I had spoken so far.

“Of course she needs my protect. She’s a she-wolf in rogue territory and I don’t even know if she has a wolf.” Jo replied, while brushing his fingers through his hair.

“She’s been survived on her own since before I met her 2 year ago.”I countered, while crossing my arms over my chest and he sighed.

“Then what do you suggest I do?” Jo asked, in a defeated tone.

“Give her space. Let her come to you. If you try to force anything on her, she’ll push you away.” I replied truthfully and Jo let out another heavy sigh. There was no denying that he truly cared for Max and I could feel his intentions were good. I secretly was rooting for him to win her over.

“It’s late, we should go to bed. We can talk about this more tomorrow.” Knox suggested and although I saw the hesitation on Jo’s face, he agreed and we made our way out of the office and towards the stairs.

Knox and I were about to continue up the stairs, away from Jo and Jag, when I heard Jo speak.

“Tatiana, thank you. I was so obsessed with protecting her, that I was blinded by it and wasn’t thinking about what she really needs.” Jo said over his should and I could hear the sincerity in his voice, but I could also hear the pain in his tone.

“She’ll be back, I have a good feeling.” I replied, with a small reassuring smile. I saw his eyes sparkle with hope, before I turned and continued to climb the stairs.

Knox and I reached the room where I was staying, before he cleared his throat to get my attention. I paused with my hand on the doorknob and turned my head to look at him.

“What you said down there, that’s what you need too, isn’t it? Someone to teach you how to love and trust against?” Knox asked in a husky voice, while moving closer to me. I swallowed the knot in my throat, feeling nervous all of a sudden.

I mean, I guess Max and I are kinda the same, but do I want to love someone again? It feels so much easier being a lone wolf, no one could ever hurt me the way Alpha Cameron did. I was brought out of my thoughts when Knox spoke again.

“Mark my words, Tatiana. I will win over your heart and Chloe’s. I’m pretty determined if you haven’t noticed.” He whispered next to my ear and I could feel his hot breath fanning over my skin. A shiver ran down my spine. He wasn’t playing fair. I’m a damn wolf for crying out loud. I literally want my mate more than I want to breath. The only thing giving me a fraction of control, is the memory of what my first mate did to us.

“I’ll let you get some sleep, if you need anything I’m right next door.” He said in a low voice, as I felt his nose brush from my collarbone all the way up to my ear. My core tightened and my mind went blank. That action alone was enough to make me temporarily forget everything. I was overwhelmed with the desire to let him mark and mate me.

f**k Chloe. I don’t know if I’m strong enough to resist the bond. I need you now, more then ever. What if I cave and she ends up hating me for it? I thought to myself. I knew Knox could feel my internal struggle, because he quickly pulled away and put some distance between us.

“I’m sorry, my wolf took control.” Knox said, while looking away sheepishly.

“It’s ok. I know he’s probably struggling too.” I replied in a shaky voice, knowing he’s likely having the same struggle that I am.

“We don’t want to make you uncomfortable. Let me know if we are.” Knox said, while looking into my eyes and I nodded unable to formulate any words.

“Goodnight, Tatiana.” He said softly, before leaning down and gently kissing my cheek. I closed my eyes and savoured the moment, while my brain once again turning to mush. All it took was that small gesture and a fire was lit within me. My skin was burning up and I wanted so much more from him.

When I opened my eyes, Knox was now standing at his own bedroom door. I saw the glint of satisfaction in his eyes at my reaction, but he quickly hid it with smiled, before entering his room and closing the door.

I let out a breath that I didn’t realize I was holding, before walking into my room. Holy s**t, that was intense. I thought to myself, as I leaned against the closed door.

I probably stayed in that position for 15 minutes before finally making my way over to the bed. The internal struggle I was having was intense. I wanted to resist my mate, but the more time I spent with him, the harder it was becoming.

The next morning, I got up and quickly took a shower. I could smell and hear Knox pacing outside my bedroom door. I knew he wanted to knock, but after being threatened by Max so many times, he was hesitant. I decided to put him out of his misery and made my way to the door, before opening it.

Knox was pacing down the hall and immediately stopped to look at me, when he heard the door open. His eyes turned pitch back and a dangerous low growl left his throat. The l**t swirling in his eyes caused goosebumps to form on my skin. I wonder where this sudden hunger came from?

“Why are you naked, Tatiana?” He growled out, his eyes unable to look away from my body.

I looked down and realized that I had forgotten to get dressed. I curse Chloe under my breath, before quickly walking into my room and closing the door. Damn it, I knew I was forgetting something. I mumbled to myself.

I quickly threw on a pair of ripped jeans and a black tank top that Knox had brought for me, before once again making my way to the door.

I took a deep breath and thought hard making sure I wasn’t forgetting anything else, before opening the door.

Knox was standing on the other side, with his face practically leaning against the door. I jumped a little not expecting him to be standing so close.

“Sorry, I haven’t had to wear clothes for so long, that I forgot.” I said sheepishly, unable to look him in the eyes.

“As long as you stay on this floor, walk around naked all you want.” He offered in a low raspy voice, causing my core to tighten and butterflies to invade my stomach.

“Let’s go eat before I lose the last bit of control I have over my wolf.” He suggested in a stained tone.

I quickly closed my bedroom door and made my way down the hall. Knox followed and I felt his hand rest on the small of my back. I didn’t push him away, I knew he was fighting hard to stay in control and a little contact would probably help calm him and his wolf down.

Luckily when we reached the main floor, Knox seemed to be back in full control, his eyes had returned to their normal colour and his breathing wasn’t so heavy.

“You sure know how to get my b***d pumping first thing in the morning.” He teased, as we walked side by side towards the dinner hall. I looked away from him trying to hide the deep blush on my face. I don’t care about nudity, but I felt a bit bad causing him and his wolf so much tension.

“Awww… There you are. I need to talk to you.” I heard a deep masculine voice and turned my head to see a man around 50 years old, walking towards us. He looked a lot like Knox and if I were to guess, I would say they were related.

“Father, can it wait?” I heard Knox ask and didn’t miss the annoyed tone in his voice.

“No it can’t.” The man Knox addressed as father, replied. I noticed while he spoke, his eyes stayed glued to me. I didn’t like the way he was looking at me. I couldn’t quite put my finger on the emotions swirling within his eyes.

“How rude of me. I’m Frederick, Knox’s father but call me Fred.” He introduced himself and extended his hand towards me. I hesitated for a second, but eventually shook it.

“Tatiana, nice to meet you.” I replied, with a slight small.

“Are you ok going in there by yourself? I’ll only be a few minutes?” Knox asked and I could see the concern and hesitation in his eyes. As much as I didn’t want to go into a room full of people alone, I also didn’t want be dependent on Knox.

“I’m fine.” I replied, before looking at his father. He wasn’t hiding his emotions as well anymore and I could see the disapproval all over his face.

“Ok, I won’t be long.” Knox said giving me a reassuring smile, before walking off with his father.

I let out an anxious sigh, before walking into the dinner all. The room was full of people and when everyone noticed me it went quickly, except for the whispers. I ignored everyone and made my way over to get a plate of food.

Once I got my food, I scanned the hall and found a women sitting alone. She looked around my age, with long brown hair in a messy bun and a burgundy dress. I probably wouldn’t of even noticed her, if it wasn’t for the sad look in her eyes. I found myself walking towards her table.

“Can I sit?” I asked, when I finally reached it. Her wide eyes looked up at me in shock and she was silent for a moment.

“Of course.” She said softly, while shaking her head and bringing herself out of the shock state.

As soon as I sat down, I unintentionally growled. I could smell that Kyle guy’s scent all over her and it agitated me. Her eyes went wide and I immediately regretted the action.

“Sorry, I’m Tatiana.” I introduced myself, with a friendly smile. I saw her relax slightly and smile back.

“Nice to meet you, I’m Sheryl.” She replied and I recognized the name. That’s when I realized that she’s Kyle’s mate. The one who lent me the clothes I was wearing.

“Thanks for the clothes.” I said, while motioning to what I was wearing.

“It’s no problem at all. If you need anymore, just ask.” She replied in a soft and sincere tone. She seemed so sweet and kind, how the hell did she end up mated to an a*****e like Kyle? I was brought out of my thoughts, when I heard a male voice behind me.

“What do we have here?” He said in a mocking tone and I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was. It was Sheryl’s mate, Kyle. I gritted my teeth at the sound of his voice.

I looked over at Sheryl and noticed her smile had dropped and several emotions were swirling in her eyes, concern, disappointment and was that a flash of fear I saw?

“I see you’ve met Knox’s little rogue friend.” He continued to mock, while sitting next to his mate. I couldn’t help but growl, everything about the man rubbed me the wrong way.

“Where’s your little friend? What’s her name again, Max?” He taunted, with a devilish smirk.

“She left.” I gritted out, unable to hide my distaste for the man.

“That’s to bad, she seemed nice.” He replied, while emphasizing the word, nice. I could tell he was trying to provoke me and I’m not going to lie, it was working.

“It was nice meeting you, Sheryl.” I gritted out with a fake smile, before standing from my chair. She smiled back, but it didn’t reach her eyes. I actually felt bad for her. Knox had told me that she was pregnant, poor girl’s stuck with that prick. I thought to myself.

“Aww, leaving so soon?” He continued to taunt and it took everything in me to ignore him and walk away.

I dumped my food in the trash and walked out of the hall. My heart was racing and I was struggling to reign in my anger.

“Sorry that took so long, are you ok?” I heard Knox’s concerned voice, when I walked out of the dinner hall. I let out a relieved breath, when I saw him and instantly felt a bit more relaxed.

“Ya, I’m fine.” I replied, with a small smile, but I could tell he didn’t believe me. Luckily he didn’t push the matter.

My dislike for Kyle was all based on a gut feeling. There’s no way Knox would understand it, so I have no plans on bringing it up.