Page 58 of Pack Fever

My heart hits my ribcage harder. Does that make me a monster for not being more frightened of what Jasper did?

“Let’s get you away from here,” he suggests softly. “You’ve had enough drama for one night.”

The party fades into the background as we walk quickly, his fingers playing across my waist, where he holds me tight. That small gesture ignites the flames inside me so fast, I trip over my own feet.

“Careful,” he says, practically carrying me now.

“I’m fine,” I murmur. Enveloped in his embrace, I can’t calm my heart or my racing thoughts.

As we stroll off the rooftop, I keep glancing at Jasper, at the way he smiles at me, at how he walks with such confidence, as though nothing scares him.

“You’re staring at me like I’m a monster for what I did back there,” he observes, his voice deeper than usual.

Is he worried about what I think of him? That I’ll run screaming?

I let out a laugh, but it sounds hollow, even to me. We reach the elevator, and as we step inside the empty space, I can’t help but say, “Come on, even you’ve got to admit you looked a bit like a psychopath back there.” The doors shut, closing us in there, and part of me makes me wonder if it’s such a great idea to call him that and be trapped with him after discovering a new side to him.

Jasper doesn’t react, but gently reaches over and hits the stop button, pausing the elevator from going anywhere.

My heart skips a beat.

“Wh-What’s going on?” I ask, glancing at the glowing stop button.

His presence fills the small space, and it makes me catch my breath. His scent overwhelms me, as though I can taste the chocolate and blueberries. Trembling from how weak he makes my body, I lean against the elevator wall. The headiness of his scent has me forgetting everything. It’s dangerous for us to be together in enclosed spaces. That much is obvious.

Tenderly, he cups the side of my face, electricity racing through me from his touch, his warmth.

“What you saw back there…” he begins, his voice low.

I butt in, mostly out of nerves, the words tumbling from my lips.

“I get it.” I’m breathless as I stare at those pale eyes, at the lock of dark hair hanging over one of his eyes, at how incredibly beautiful this man is with a rough edge to his appearance. “I know you did it to protect me, and I’m grateful, really. It’s just… a lot to take in.”

He towers over me, his expression softening. I lean the side of my face into his large palm, desperate for more of him.

“I know, and I’ve been told sometimes I can be too much. But I would do it again in a heartbeat if it meant keeping you safe and making anyone who hurt you pay.”

“I mean, sure, that guy deserved it, but I don’t want you behind bars for me.”

He frowns, as though he doesn’t understand my words.

“You’re mine, Danica. My Omega. Our connection is off the charts, and you must feel it, too. I want to be very clear… I won’t allow anything to endanger what we have.”

I smirk at his words, yet know it’s obsessive. “You’re sounding a bit crazy again.” I nudge him on the arm, but he snatches my wrist and kisses my palm. My toes curl in my shoes at how gentle he is with me, at the heat from his mouth, the soft cushioning of his lips.

“If that means keeping you safe, then I’ll be the fucking craziest man you’ll ever meet.” He gives me a wicked grin, and it’s hard not to smile when he stares at me like I’m his world. I’ve never experienced such devotion.

I laugh louder, mostly out of nerves, but the moment his tongue runs the length of my fingers, I tremble. There go my knees, and I’m clenching my thighs as the flatness of his tongue drags over my hand. It’s smooth and firm at the same time, and suddenly, I want that tongue all over me.

Electricity zaps down my spine, leaving me tingling.

He leans in closer, our foreheads touching, our breaths tangled.

“I’ll make you a deal. Every time I frighten you, I’ll kiss every inch of you until you forgive me.”

His promise sends my heart into a wild spin. I’m swooning because I want this promise so incredibly bad.

“Is that a yes, little mouse?” One of his eyebrows quirks up.

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