The Faltered Bond | Book #1 [Werewolf]

Chapter 2 | The Heir

JACE W.

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I let out a hungry sigh, my fingers gliding along the curve of her shoulder. Her body shudders in response, a quiet moan slipping past her lips as shivers ripple through her silky skin. Desire flickers in her eyes as she straddles my waist, her hands exploring every inch of my bare chest with deliberate slowness. A groan rumbles in my throat, reveling in the warmth of her skin pressed against mine.

Then, a rebellious hand ventures lower, tracing a scorching path down my torso. The second I register where she's headed, I grab her wrist, halting her movements.

"Don't—"

A teasing chuckle leaves her lips, her grin widening as she interrupts, "No one has to know."

"You know I can't, Selena."

Her pout is perfectly practiced, a silent plea wrapped in feigned innocence, but it does little to sway me. She must realize it too, because she sighs, withdrawing her hand with an air of reluctant surrender. And yet, the expression lingers—a flicker of hope still dancing in her pearly eyes, as if willing me to cave, to give her what she wants.

Most might be put off by such a girlish attempt at manipulation. Me? I welcome it.

Anything to make this fleeting moment of freedom last just a little longer.

"Anything else for you, Alpha?" she murmurs, a playful lilt in her voice.

I smirk, my grip tightening as I effortlessly flip her onto her back, pressing her delicate frame beneath me. Her breath hitches, eyes shimmering with unrestrained excitement as my lips trail along the curve of her neck, savoring the heat of her skin.

 "Keep talking to me, baby," I growl, pressing closer, allowing myself just a bit more freedom.

She gasps, then lets out a soft moan, feigning a struggle as heat radiates between us. Her intoxicating scent fills my lungs—sweet, heady, unmistakable. She's a real pearl too. Golden locks, ocean-blue eyes, a body that could drive any wolf insane. And yet, a gnawing pit lingers in my stomach, refusing to be ignored. It festers, growing with every reckless second I push my limits—driven by the insatiable urge to see just how far I can go before it all comes crashing down.

Ignore it, Jace. Let go. Just enjoy.

A sharp knock snaps me out of my thoughts. Before I can react, the door swings open, hinges screaming in protest. My father stands in the doorway, arms crossed, his scowl burning into me like a brand.

Shit.

The room turns pin-drop silent. The tension is palpable, thick enough to cut with a knife. Seizing the moment, Selena swiftly flips me onto my side, her victory marked by a smug, teasing smile. If not for my father's crushing glare boring into me, I might've pushed the game even further—just to see how far I could take it.

Instead, I exhale sharply, running a hand through my hair.

"Get ready for the ceremony."

Selena scrambles off me, her movements hurried but unbothered. She slips on her jeans over midnight-black lingerie, winks at me, and gathers the rest of her clothes from the floor. As she reaches the door, she bows respectfully to my father before slipping past him with a giggle barely concealed beneath her blouse. He barely spares her a glance, his piercing black gaze drilling into me, unaffected by the scene he just walked in on.

His lips curl into a slow, simmering snarl.

"You're seriously testing my patience, Jace," he growls, his brow arching. "The entire pack has gathered outside for you, and yet here you are, hooking up with some girl? Have I not warned you already about this behavior?"