Page 34 of Alpha Hunt

“I…I don’t know. Just you know…ideas.” My back is against the wall when he stops in front of me. “Don’t touch me,” I add. I’m not sure if I say it because I’m afraid of what he’ll do…or what I’ll do.

“I’m not in the business of forcing myself on women, Casey.” His eyes move over my face as if he’s looking for some sort of answer to a question he hasn’t asked. I swallow hard and stare back up at him, waiting for him to do something. When he raises his hand and cups my cheek in his palm, I jump, startled. I don’t push him away, though, even though I should. What I want, for some inexplicable reason is…is…for him to kiss me.

We stare at each other for an eternity, and then he drops his hand.

“Not yet,” he says, surprising me.

What does he mean?

I’m still staring when he turns away and starts walking. My eyes stay fixed on his broad back, his lean hips, his long muscular legs encased in khaki twill.

Stop it, Casey!

“Where are you going?” I call after him.

“Out for a walk. I’ve got a lot on my mind. I think you do, too.”

“Ya think?” I choke. I want to follow him, to stop him.

No, I don’t!

The door shuts. He doesn’t slam it…or tiptoe out, either. Simply moves with calm purpose, the way he does everything.

I can’t figure this man out.

I head into the spacious sitting room and slump onto a sofa, dropping my head into my hands.

Jesus, Casey…you really messed up this time.

I sink back into the plush sofa, the weight of my decision settling over me like a heavy blanket. What was I thinking? Invoking the mate hunt, letting my wolf take control…I should have known better. I should have considered the consequences.

But if I’m honest with myself, would things really be that different if someone else had caught me? What if it had been Tarkin or Grier who’d outrun the others and claimed me as their mate?

I scoff at the thought. I could never have accepted either of them. I’ve bested both Tarkin and Grier in combat more times than I can count. They’re skilled fighters, sure, but they’ve never been able to match me.

Not like…

Him.

My thoughts drift to Edirn. He’s proven himself to be an exceptional fighter, maybe even a better leader than I am.

Bullshit!

But during the hunt, I didn’t stand a chance against him. He tracked me down like it was nothing, anticipating my every move.

Does that make him worthy of being my mate? The idea sends a shiver through me, equal parts unsettling and intriguing.

I let my gaze wander around the apartment, taking in the comfortable furnishings and tasteful decor. The family units are always well-prepared for their occupants – the couples and offspring our pack celebrates. It’s a far cry from my spartan quarters back at the security barracks. I’ve always told myself I preferred the simplicity, but looking at this place now…I can almost picture myself living here.

But with Edirn?

That’s a whole other question. One I’m not sure I’m ready to answer.

I sit in silence for a moment, considering my options. Countless hours have passed since the excitement of the hunt, and I’m feeling a little deflated after all that’s happened. If this had been a regular day, I’d already be asleep. Early to bed and early to rise has always been my motto. But now I keep staring at the door, waiting for it to fly open.

It doesn’t.

I stand and make my way down the hallway, peeking into each door that opens into it. I find an airy bedroom that seems like it’s meant to be a guestroom. Or a child’s room… Beyond it is a room that could only be a nursery. There’s already a crib against the wall. I swallow hard as I back out and close the door before glancing into a gleaming bathroom and then stopping at the threshold of the master bedroom.

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