Chapter 4

I followed Creed’s eyes and tried to assess the situation. There are 6 guys that I can see. Three are standing by the driver’s side of his truck, and 3 are standing on the sidewalk in front of it. I scanned the parking lot again and noticed a few other people that were trying to act casual, but you can tell their nervous. 

I looked back up at Creed, “look I’m not sure what’s going on or what kind of trouble you’re in, but I’m just trying to get to college without any problems.”

“He looked down at me and smiled, “and you will. That’s why I’m leaving. I’ll apologize now for what you’re about to see, and I'll formally make it up to you when we both get to Moonlight. Please just trust me. This isn’t as bad as it looks. They have it coming. Stay in here until I drive away, and you will be safe.” He tilted his head up to scan the parking lot one more time.

“Oh, and Bella, I’m looking forward to college now more than ever,” he winked and flashed me a big smile before he turned to walk toward the door.

Oh my heart, he’s gorgeous. I watched as he stalked back toward the door with confidence radiating off him. These men are obviously here to attack him, and he’s not even the slightest bit concerned. I don’t even know him, but I’m nervous for him. 

My heart is racing, but I need to help him. I feel a connection to him that I’ve never felt before. I won’t let them hurt him.

I tried to stay still and let Creed handle them, but as soon as he walked out the door, three guys pounced on him. I flew up out of my seat and ran to the door.

Before I could even get outside, Creed had knocked out all three of them. It didn’t matter much. He is now fighting off three more. Men are closing in on him from all directions. They have him and his truck surrounded, there’s no way he can get to it.

I threw a punch at a man that was going for Creed’s back and as soon as he turned to face me, I hit him directly between the eyes.

“Bitch!” He yelled, and Creed spun around. “Bella, what the hell are you doing?”

I swiped the guy’s legs out from under him, and he fell to the ground with a large thud.

“Helping you!” I yelled.

We continued to fight off every man that came at us, as he was yelling at me.

“I can handle them. I told you to stay inside. What are you thinking?”

“Don’t tell me what to do!” I yelled back.

“I don’t want you to get hurt,” he yelled as he knocked another man out.

“I won’t. I’m stronger than you think.”

“It doesn’t matter, it just became my job to keep you safe.” 

I spun around to face Creed as I snapped the neck of the man I was fighting. “Let’s get one thing clear right now. My safety is no one’s job but mine. I can take care of myself.”

His eyes bulged out, and he gave me a nod, “I can see that.”

“They won’t stop coming. What are they after?” I yelled.

“Me, we need a distraction.”

“I’m on it,” I yelled as Creed turned to throw a guy off his back.

It’s now or never, I whispered to myself. While Creed was turned around, I took the opportunity to throw a fireball.

Oh crap! I yelled as I heard the loud boom from Creed’s truck exploding. Everyone jumped back and hit the ground. I meant to hit the bench in front of his truck, but I must have hit the truck. 

Strong arms grabbed a hold of me, and I was lifted off the ground. Creed took off running with me halfway over his shoulder.

“What are you doing? Put me down!” I yelled.

He laughed and kept running. His laugh sounds angry. I’m in so much trouble.

I don’t know how long he ran but when he finally stopped and put me down, we were in an ally. 

“I think we lost them,” Creed said as I tried to get my footing.

“OMG, that was amazing! I haven’t felt this alive in so long.”

“Excuse me,” I heard him say, and I froze. I don’t dare to look up. I can feel his piercing green eyes staring at me.

I bit my lower lip and slowly lifted my head to face him. He is standing so close to me, I can feel his breath on my face.

I started backing up, but he followed my every move until he had me backed up against the wall.

“Did you just blow up my truck?” He tilted his head, and his eyes scanned my face. Looking for the truth.

“I um, how could I have done that?” I swallowed hard as I stared in his eyes.

“You need to work on your poker face. What are you?”

“What do you mean?”

“I can sense that you’re a wolf, but you just blew up my truck. I think I deserve an explanation.”

My body is going crazy with him standing so close to me. His lips are so close to mine I can’t even think straight.

I bit my lip again. Think brain think. I don’t know anything about him. I can’t tell him.

“That’s personal information, and I don’t trust you. It’s better to lose your truck than your life. Why were those guys after you?”

“That’s personal information, and I don’t trust you either.”

“Then I guess we're done talking about it.”

“No firecracker, We’re just beginning this conversation.” He stepped back, and I let out the breath that I was holding.

“It doesn’t look like either one of us are going anywhere tonight. There’s a hotel a couple of blocks down. I can get us a place to sleep for the night.”

“Um hold up, I’m not comfortable staying in a room with you yet. I know you’re my mate, but that doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want to me. I don’t know anything about you.”

“I said a place to sleep, relax. Although, if you have other plans in mind, I’m game.” Creed raised his eyebrows and smirked. A chill ran down my spine as his eyes trailed from my head down to my toes.

I tried to hide my blushing. “Do you think it’s smart to stay in what’s probably the only hotel in town? If we can get back to my car, we can get out of this town before we find a place to sleep.”

Creed nodded, “Let me make a couple of calls. I know the Alpha here. They probably already have a clean-up crew at the diner. Before we do anything, I want to make sure we can get to your car without being followed.”

I nodded and sat down on the ground while Creed made his calls. I need to sit for a minute, my mind and emotions are all over the place.

It’s not the first fight I’ve been in, but it was definitely the most intense. My family never let me help in any of the battles they fought. They were always too concerned about protecting me. 

Now that the adrenaline rush is coming down, all I can feel is the pull to Creed. I refuse to give into the bond. It doesn’t matter how hot he is or how bad my body wants him. I just got my freedom. I won’t let anyone take it away, including my mate.

This is my time, and I need to figure out what I’m made of. I can’t do that with everyone trying to protect me all the time. I just met Creed, and he already tried to make me stay inside to stay safe. Yah, that’s not happening. I can take care of myself.