I climbed out of the ravine and raised an eyebrow when I saw my mate sitting at the edge of the cliff, falling in and out of sleep.

"He does look cute," Aednat said, causing me to snort.

I bit my lip to keep from laughing when he jumped up in shock. "Why are you out here?" I asked when he looked at me.

Cooper blinked a couple of times, trying to wake up. He yawned and stretched before rubbing his eyes. He still looked to be half asleep, even with rubbing his eyes. "You weren't in your room," he said, his voice deep from the lack of sleep. "I came from patrol and found an empty bed."

"So, you just followed my scent here and fell asleep?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. Honestly, I thought it was kinda cute that he would come try and find me, even though I could more or less take care of myself.

Cooper nodded his head. "I tried to go down to the ravine, but I almost fell a couple of times."

"Now that would have been entertaining," Aednat said, causing me to roll my eyes. "Come on, it'd be funny to watch your mate fall, look around, and then scream like a girl."

I bit my lip to keep myself from laughing at the image Aednat showed me. A snort did escape my lips when Cooper squinted his eyes and pouted. "What?" I asked, my voice shaking a bit from laughter.

"Is Aednat talking bad about me again?" he asked, almost whining.

I shrugged my shoulder. "More or less," I replied, causing the other female to scoff and roll her eyes. "Come on, we need to get to bed."

"No, you need to take a shower," Cooper replied. "I'll change the sheets while you are in the shower."

"Then why did you lie with me when I came back?" I asked, jutting my hip out and raising an eyebrow. "I mean, from what you are saying, I smell pretty bad."

Cooper stood and strode over me. Hunger filled his eyes, causing me to stand at attention. He looked down at me, placing his lips close to mine. "You are my mate, I don't care if you are dirty or not. I just know that you like to be clean." He pecked my forehead before turning tail and running away.

"I'm going to kill you Cooper!" I yelled, chasing after the male that I called my mate. I was a bit flustered, because I really wanted him to kiss me. A part of me wanted him to mark me, but I was grateful that he didn't.

One of these days, I'll be able to bring up the courage to tell him. It just was not today.

***

I moved a towel through my hair, feeling better. My whole body was clean and relaxed, and I loved this feeling of cleanliness.

Cooper opened his eyes and stared at me. He smiled at me with love and opened his arms.

I grinned and dropped the towel into the hamper before making my way towards him. I sighed and snuggled into the warmth of my mate. "Do I smell better?" I asked, laughing when he smelled my hair.

"Yes," Cooper said. He moved a bit so both us were comfortable and looking at each other. He rubbed my cheek, leaving sparks in its place. "What is going in that mind of yours?" he asked.

I sighed and closed my eyes, leaning my cheek into his palm. "I am scared that Thaddie and Vulcan hates me," I said, my voice cracking.

"Thaddeus doesn't hate you," Cooper said, moving a strand of hair behind my ear. "He knows that you didn't have a choice."

"And Vulcan?"

He sighed and pulled me closer to him. He rubbed my skin and closed his eyes. "He is confused," he replied. "He wants to protect his sister and you. He doesn't want to lose either of you."

I nodded my head, before laying it on his chest. "I miss him," I whispered, my voice cracking. "It's funny how I miss a stalker."

Cooper chuckled, his chest moving underneath my head. "He will come back," he said. "And stalk you some more."

I smiled a little. "I just hope that he will forgive me. I have to protect others, and I need the help. I need spies."

Cooper nodded his head. "And I will help with whatever you need. For now, you need sleep."

I closed my eyes and sighed, softly. "Stay," I whispered. I could feel the exhaustion try to tatke me under, but I wanted no, I needed, to know that my mate will stay with me. I needed to know that he would be there when I woke up.

He kissed my lips and smiled. "I will, promise."