The Shadow Alpha

Chapter 8: Going Through the Motions

Chapter 8: Going Through the Motions

Holly

            My eyes blink open slowly, adjusting to my dark surroundings. I'm warm and basking in the groggy bliss of having slept so well—at least when River came and woke me, that is.

            I can't believe that really happened..The nightmare was oddly worse than the reality had been. I was witnessing the attack over and over, on some never ending torture-loop, finding Garret and Carmen dead over and over.

            I register the sound of the shower running; River must be up already.

           I look from the bathroom door to the empty bed next to me. It's still wrinkled and creased from him laying next to me.

         A ripple of longing passes through my wolf and into me. I miss the feel of his chest against my cheek, the sound of his breathing.

            I begin let myself drift off a bit, not wishing to start my day just yet.

           I comfortably imagine he's still with me in bed, his arm wrapped round my shoulders, flexing me closer in that intimate and instinctive way.

          The sound of the shower's soothing lullaby comes to a sudden stop, my ears picking up on River stepping out from the shower. I sigh deeply before I start to slowly open my eyes again.

            My vision is fuzzy and my eyes feel dry and a bit puffy. No doubt from my midnight sobfest.

         I hear the bathroom door open, and River steps got nothing but a towel around his waist. Wisps of steam are rolling off of his body rolling off his body.

         Jesus, he really is the most gorgeous man I have ever laid eyes on.

            Without glancing my way, he goes to the closet and I can hear him sliding hangers looking for clothes. I can smell his cologne or shampoo...I smile as my wolf hums in appreciation.

            He smells so good.

            My eyes open a bit more at the sound of his feet padding back into the room, and I look up to see him pulling a forest green shirt over his head, concealing his toned mid-section, much to my disappointment.

            Then he's walking towards me, and I see his eyes fixed on my curled-up position. He bends down next to the bed, and his clean, enticing River-smell wafts around me.

            "Hey," he whispers, his voice as smooth as honey. I look him over once more. He's completely dressed for the day, yet it's so early the sun hasn't even made an appearance yet.

            "Hi." I reply, in a much less attractive way, my throat dry and constricted.

            "Go back to sleep; it's early." He says to me, his fingers trailing up my arm and giving me delightful shivers.

            "Where are you going?" I ignore his suggestion and he rolls his eyes.

            "Just have to do some boring pack stuff...Nothing big." He says easily, and I search his face for any sign of dishonesty.

          I don't want to be kept in the dark if it's got something to do with the pack. If I'm going to be the Luna here, I should start knowing how they operate. 

            "When will you be back?" I ask, feeling his thumb rubbing my shoulder softly. I close my eyes momentarily at his touch; the rhythmic sweeping motion is so subtle yet so tender.