I turned to reach his left ear, grazing his jaw with the tip of my nose.
"Be careful what you wish for, Mate." I kissed him under his earlobe, my lips hot on his already scorching skin. He growled, low and deep, the sound reverberating through his...
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An aery mist was settled upon the woods, hiding the tallest trees under a blanket of clouds.
I tightened the hold on the collar of my rain jacket, counting down the minutes until I could shed my skin for my fur. The male next to me stood tall and impassive, but I could see the same want in the stiff posture of his shoulders. Long, dark hair was braided on his back, its texture appearing like silk under the light rain. My guide for the next few days. Alpha Thaddeus had warned me about his Gamma: a man of few words who preferred fur to skin. A man who had spent so much time as a wolf that even his human side was lupine. I was fine with that.
We were to leave soon.
The two Alphas were with us, Alpha Thaddeus now whispering some parting words to his Gamma. Robert was at the pack house, waiting for his Alpha to return in order for them to leave for the Silverblood's grounds. Hercules was on my side, his eyes on the woods ahead. Droplets were trapped in the thickness of his dark strands, glinting like tiny diamonds. I traced his profile with my eyes, marveling at the sharp beauty of his features. As he could feel my gaze on him, he turned to look at me. We stared at each other, neither of us willing to look away. Hercules nodded, a droplet following the lines of his cheek, and I understood what he meant, even if words were not used. I nodded back. I shifted my attention on the Red Claw's males and noticed that they had stopped talking.
"A car will be waiting for you at your return Lara," Alpha Thaddeus said, " to escort you back to the Silverblood pack."
"Thank you."
It was time to go. The sooner we left, the sooner we would come back.
The Gamma began walking towards the trees, his braid swinging with the momentum, while taking off his clothes. I did the same, starting with unzipping my jacket. My actions, however, were halted by a strong hand gripping my forearm. I was spun around and clashed against the warmth of a hard chest. I held his forearm in response, enjoying the steely firmness of it under my fingers. Hercules pressed his cheek against mine, his stubble gently scratching my skin. I marveled at the sensation, at the intimacy of his gesture, and then inhaled the scent that was now dominating each of my senses.
A sign of respect and affection.
Cheek to cheek.
"Be careful, ànthos mou."
His lips brushed against my earlobe and I tightened the hold I had on his arm, goosebumps raising wherever his breath fanned my skin.
"I will."
Eyes closed, I inhaled one last time, willing for that scent of chocolate and spices to implant itself in my brain. Calming. Soothing. Comforting.
"I will," I repeated.
Hercules slowly pulled away, releasing the grip he had on my arm. I did the same, our eyes meeting on their own volition. In their depths, I could read the words he didn't dare utter.
