Shifters - The King of Wolves - Book 1

CHAPTER 48 - JUSTICE AND COMPASSION

Gentle rays of sunlight streamed through the window, dancing upon my skin as I lay wrapped in Egon's arms. His fingers traced softly over my arm, a tender caress that ignited a warmth within me. I had never imagined feeling more connected to him than I already did, yet every little moment we shared and every glance he sent my way seemed to deepen that intensity.

The peaceful silence that enveloped us was abruptly broken by Egon's voice. "Is what you just did inspired by that book you received from Karina?"

A flush of embarrassment crept over me, and I immediately sat upright to face him, repositioning the strap of my dress over my shoulder to cover myself up. "How do you know that?" I asked, surprised.

He regarded me with a teasing glint in his eyes as he chuckled. "I have good hearing, remember?"

My face burned brighter as I realised he must have overheard my conversation with Karina during our carriage ride to Amsellhein. I couldn't believe how ridiculous it was that I kept forgetting things like that. Did he also know I had been reading that very book while lying in bed?

Panic washed over me, and my eyes widened as I considered the possibility that more shifters around us that day had picked up on our conversation too. Karina and I had spent nearly an hour giggling about everything we'd read.

Sensing my unease, Egon sat up straight, grasping my hand gently. "No one but me picked up on that. They know I'd rip their ears off if they ever caught you discussing such things."

I looked at him, puzzled. "But how could you hear it and no one else did? You all have this ridiculously enhanced hearing."

"Shifters can tune out certain sounds when they focus intently on something else," he explained. "It's possible for one to be completely deaf to nearby noises while tuning in to a sound miles away."

He sighed, his gaze softening as he continued, "I'm sorry. I try not to listen in on your private conversations, but it seems that my entire being is attuned to you. Even in crowded places or when I'm far from you, my senses are always searching for you. I'll do my best to improve."

"It's alright," I reassured him. "It's not like I was trying to keep it a secret from you."

"For what it's worth," he added, a playful glint returning to his eyes, "I've read enough of those kinds of books myself."

"Really?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

Leaning closer, he flashed me a teasing smirk. "Hmm. But I fear I still have much to practice to master my skills."

His gaze darkened with a renewed desire, and I couldn't help but giggle as he loomed over me like a hunter eyeing his prey. "Oh really?" I teased back.

"Yes, a great deal of practice indeed," he said, his voice low and alluring.

I slowly began to slide backwards from his arms, inching towards the edge of the bed, but he shadowed my every move.

"I have to agree with you. You could certainly do with a bit more practice," I teased, my voice light.

Egon arched an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Oh?"

Nodding, I carefully stepped off the bed, his watchful gaze tracking me as if calculating my next move.

I shrugged dramatically, saying, "Yes, it didn't quite measure up to what the book described."

Egon began to sit up as well, his expression playful yet challenging. "Hmm, then I'm unsure which goddess I had in my bed earlier, for she cried out in ecstasy while she came on my tongue."