Cody POV
When my mom mentioned that some not so nice people would want to get their hands on Candi, it made me angry. I had already known that, but hearing it said out loud just drove the point home. If they wanted to get their grubby paws on my mate, it would be over my dead body. And I meant that literally. When I said as much, Candi turned and pressed her cheek against my chest, her arms wrapped around my torso. My arms were around her neck and shoulders. I kissed the top of her head, then I rested my chin on it.
"Thank you, baby," she whispered.
"For what?" I asked, glancing down at her.
"For making me feel safe," she replied. "No one's ever made me feel that way before. Ever. So, thank you."
That broke my heart. I squeezed her gently. "I'm so sorry, baby," I said sadly. "You sho
