Chapter 59
Alex’s laugh was rich and genuine. “Is that supposed to be a compliment?“His voice was low, steady.“I’m not good with words, Summer. I’m just good at meaning them when it’s you.”
My body responded instantly to his words, heat blooming low in my belly. “The check would be nice,” I agreed, my voice embarrassingly breathless.
We managed to finish our dessert and coffee without further interruption, though I caught Natalia watching us from across the restaurant more than once. Each time, Alex would touch me–brushing hair from my face, taking my hand, or leaning in to whisper something that made me laugh–clearly staking
his claim.
By the time we left the restaurant, the night air had cooled considerably. Alex wrapped his jacket around my shoulders, the fabric carrying his woodsy scent.
“Thank you for today,” I said as we drove back toward the compound, the stars twinkling above us in the open convertible. “I can’t remember the last time I just… enjoyed myself like this.”
“It’s just the beginning,” he promised, reaching over to place a hand on my thigh. “I have years of courting
to make up for.”
The pack house was quiet when we returned, most pack members having retired for the evening.
We stopped at the landing, where the hallway split–his room in one direction, mine in the other.
I turned to him with a small smile. “Goodnight, Alex.”
Alexander caught my hand gently,turning me to face him, his hands settling on my hips. “Stay with me
tonight?”
The temptation to say yes was overwhelming. But I shook my head reluctantly. “I should be there when Felix wakes up. He’s still adjusting to everything.”
Though disappointment flickered in his eyes, Alex nodded. “I understand.” He pressed his lips to my forehead. “Can I at least walk you to your room?”
“Always the gentleman,” I teased.
“Only in public,” he growled against my ear. “Nothing gentlemanly about what I want to do to you right
now.”
His lips claimed mine then, hungry and demanding. I melted against him, my body responding instantly to his touch as he backed me against the wall. His hands slid beneath my shirt, fingers skimming over my ribs to cup my breast, thumb brushing across my nipple through the thin lace of my bra.
A soft moan escaped me, encouraging him further. His kiss deepened, tongue tangling with mine as his
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Chapter 59
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free hand gripped my thigh, lifting it to wrap around his waist. I could feel his hardness pressing against me, the evidence of his desire making my own intensify.
It would be so easy to surrender, to let him carry me to bed and lose myself in his touch. But the rational part of my brain–the small portion not clouded by lust–reminded me of Felix waiting in my room.
With enormous effort, I pressed my hands against Alex’s chest, breaking the kiss. “Alex,” I gasped. “We have to stop.”
His eyes were almost black with desire, pupils blown wide. For a moment, I thought he might argue, but then he exhaled slowly and stepped back, running a hand through his tousled hair.
“You’re right,” he said hoarsely. “I just… find it hard to control myself around you.”
The admission sent another wave of heat through me. “Alex…”
His smile was wolfish. “You really shouldn’t tempt me right now.” He pressed one last, gentle kiss to my lips. “Sweet dreams, little wolf.”
“Goodnight.”
Inside, I found Felix curled up in the center of my bed, looking small and vulnerable without his eye patch. I changed quietly into pajamas and slipped in beside him, careful not to wake him.
I settled under the covers, the steady rhythm of Felix’s breathing a small comfort in the quiet.
I lay awake much longer, my mind replaying the evening’s events and the casual way Alexander had claimed me as his mate in front of Natalia. It should have frightened me, this rapid progression, but instead it felt right–like things were finally falling into place after years of being broken.
