Page 39 of Alpha Hunt

I look at her, curiosity piqued by her sudden suggestion. “Okay,” I say cautiously, waiting to see how this will play out.

She quickly explains, “Just so we’ll carry each other’s scent when we see the others.”

“Of course.” I say nothing further.

She’s twisting her hands, uncomfortable. “I mean…it’s not… It’s not likethat. You understand?”

“I do.” I watch her as she battles the jumble of thoughts filling her head. I can’t make sense of them either. So, I stay out of her mind and leave her to try to explain things to me. And to herself.

“We’ll figure this out, okay? I just need to…um…come to terms with everything.”

“Sure.” I keep watching her.

“You’re fine with that?”

“Casey, I’m fine with all of this. We’ll take it a step at a time.”

“Okay…good.” She nods a little too vigorously. “Thanks.” The last word is clipped. “I’m glad you don’t mind.”

I smile in response. I don’t mind at all.

My wolf gets to lie with his mate tonight.

Chapter 15

Casey

I’m warm. Cocooned in a blanket of clouds.

Slowly, softly, I drift into consciousness, savoring the delicious sensation of safety and comfort. My body feels heavy, languid, as if I’m floating on a sea of contentment. I nuzzle deeper into the warmth, a soft sigh escaping my lips.

And then it hits me.

Fuck!

My eyes snap open, the haze of sleep evaporating in an instant. I’m not alone.

Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!

I’m draped over Edirn, my body molded against his, my arm slung across his chest, my thigh hitched over his. The light covering of hair there is rough, tingling against my sensitive skin. His arms are wrapped around me, cradling me close, and I can feel the steady rise and fall of his chest beneath my cheek.

Oh, my God, what am I doing?

Mortification crashes over me like a tidal wave. It had taken me ages to fall asleep last night. I’d lain there stiff as a statue, excruciatingly aware of every movement he made beside me, every breath he inhaled and exhaled. Now, I’m the one who’s draped over him, not the other way around.

I must have moved close during the night, seeking his warmth, his presence. And I stayed that way, clinging to him like a goddamned giddy girl.

Dear Lord, I could just die!

I lie there, unmoving, as I try to understand it. I’m no blushing virgin. I’ve shared a bed with men before, but I always needed my space. I never wanted this kind of closeness, this intimacy. And yet here I am, practically on top of him, as if I can’t bear to be parted from his touch.

Maybe I can untangle myself and ease back to my side of the bed. Maybe…maybe….

I risk a glance upward and find his eyes open, watching me.

Crap!

His gaze is intense, unreadable, and I feel a flush creeping up my neck. I fumble for words, trying to apologize, to explain, but embarrassment ties my tongue in knots.

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