chapter 45

Macey I awake to fingertips brushing up and down my arm. The chill in the air makes me inhale deeply as tingles spread up my skin where his fingertips caress. I pretend to remain asleep when the vibration of a phone ringing beside my head buzzes and vibrates against the wooden table it’s sitting on. My mate growls, and where I’m lying dips, so I know I’m on a bed—the jostling movement as he climbs off reinforces that. Eyes fluttering open, I squint, remembering to remain calm and keep my heart rate down as I try to take in my surroundings. Brown wall paneling covers the walls and is the first thing I notice in the dimly lit room. The old- fashioned lamp with a floral shade makes very little light in the room, and the smell of burning wood reaches my nose—it smells somewhat damp, making the scent a little too strong, reminding me of pine needles. The crackling sound reaches my ears at the same time his voice does. “What is it, Father?” Carter asks. At least I know who he’s on the phone