Page 49 of Alpha Hunt

Why did I think this wouldn’t work? Why did I doubt him?

Reaching out with both hands, I cup his face in them, his stubble rough against my skin. He turns his head to press his lips into my palm before looking back at me, our eyes locking. If I’d thought things couldn’t get more intimate than having him inside of me…they suddenly did.

“Did you feel it?” I say, knowing that he’ll understand. The moment our wolves saw each other…accepted this…

What am I thinking? My wolf knew all along. I was the one resisting it. She recognized her mate months ago…the day he walked into a crowd of people, and I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. Each time I’d felt a crackle between us and thought it was anger. Who could blame me for not recognizing the call of my fated mate? I’ve never looked for it before.

Now that it’s here, it’s unmistakable.

When he slides out of me, and I feel the warm trickle of seed flood from within, I want to growl an objection. But he presses a kiss to my lips before turning and striding across the room. My eyes fix to the perfect globes of his muscular ass as he retrieves my clothes and returns with them.

He sets the bundle on the counter beside me. “Let’s go home,” he says, brushing his lips over mine.

Home.

I smile. Then I dress…knowing this night has only just begun.

Chapter 19

Edirn

I gaze at Casey, her head resting on my chest, fingers tracing delicate patterns on my skin. The morning light filters through the window, bathing us in a soft golden glow. I should feel exhausted after an entire night without sleep, but instead, I feel…alive.

I’ve been with women before, but never like this. Never with this depth of connection, this sense of rightness. It’s partially because I never stuck around anywhere long enough to form more than fleeting contact. But this is completely different. I know it’s because she’s my mate, the one I’m meant to be with. My wolf has known it from the very first moment. Maybe it’s part of the reason I’ve been so compelled to stay here.

It’s where she is.

The sun’s rays dance across her hair, catching the rich red tones until they blaze like fire. I can’t resist reaching out to touch a silken curl, marveling at its softness. She’s breathtaking, her beauty almost ethereal in the dawn light.

“I love your hair,” I murmur, twining a lock around my finger. “I’ve dreamed of seeing it like this, spread out over your skin.”

She lifts her eyes to me, smiling. “Is that so? Maybe I should wear it loose more often.”

I shake my head, tucking the curl behind her ear. “I don’t mind when you tie it up. It’s like you’re saving this just for me.”

She laughs, a low, husky sound that makes me happy in a way I can’t explain. “Maybe I am.”

I pull her closer, savoring the feel of her body against mine. In this moment, everything feels perfect. The worries of the world fade away, and all that matters is the woman in my arms.

Casey exhales a contented sigh. “I think this is the first time I can ever remember not wanting to head in to work.”

“Who says we have to?”

She chuckles. “Can you imagine? Jagger would be banging on the door, demanding our heads. He already told me he’s worried that our ‘romantic feelings’ might interfere with us doing our duties.”

“Romantic feelings, huh?” I laugh lightly. “Is that what you’d call this?”

Casey tilts her head up. “What would you call it?”

“I would call it the way things should be. I would call itright.”

She nods her head. “Yes. Me too. This feels right.” She presses closer, her lips curling into a happy little smile. Her contentment radiates into me like a warm ray of light.

We lie like that for a while. Breathing each other in. Soaking in the moment. It’s a feeling I could get used to. The way things should be. I heave a deep breath, letting myself relax into it.

“Edirn?” Casey’s fingertips graze the scar encircling my throat, her touch feather-light yet electric. She lifts her cheek from my chest, resting her chin below my collarbone, her eyes meeting mine with a curious intensity. “Tell me about this,” she murmurs, tracing the jagged line.

I hesitate, not sure if I want to delve into the darkness of my past right now. The demons that haunt me are not something I want to bring into this perfect moment with her. I want to keep the mood light, to bask in the warmth of our connection without the shadows of my history creeping in.

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