Page 12 of Into the Night

I’m not afraid of him. In fact, I feel surprisingly exposed. He’s captivated my beast, and she wants him to stick around.

He can tell his presence puts me on edge, although he doesn’t realise it’s in a good way.

“Can you tell me how to get back to town? I got a bit turned around.” He clears his throat to hide his embarrassment. Getting lost isn’t something beasts do. He’s obviously not from around here, and I dread to think what happened that has him so scattered.

“If you follow me to the road, I’ll point you in the right direction, or I can give you a lift.”

Nodding, he looks up at the dark, heavy skies above us, but I just stare straight at him, soaking in his alluring scent, admiring his strong jaw that’s covered in dark stubble. Sensing he’s not going to say anymore, I back away and retrace my steps to the cabin, feeling the weight of his gaze on my back, as I slip through the trees.

“So where did you say your car is?” I glance back, needing to get another look at this mysterious man who’s causing every nerve in my body to light up.

“Gas station.” He grunts before his tone softens, and he adds, “It was a long drive. I went for a walk to clear my head and got a bit lost.”

“The gas station? I’m definitely going to drive you.” I don’t challenge him on his story, even though I know it’s complete bullshit. With the way his beast is pushing forward right now, something must have happened there to set him off, although that’s none of my business.

Back at the cabin, I climb the porch steps and open the door, keen to get out of the damp weather.

“Come in for a minute and let me change, first.” I take off my shoes and leave them on the wooden deck, walking inside barefoot, and leaving the door open for him to come inside, if he wants.

I hope he does. My beast is intrigued by him.

He stands in the doorway, looking stiff and awkward, as he scans my small home.

I disappear into the back, taking a quick look in the tiny mirror on my bedroom wall. After stripping off my hoodie, I pull on something softer and a little more fitted, before re-braiding my blonde hair.

It’s hot in here with the stove going. I’m doing it for me, not for him. At least, that’s what I tell myself.

When I walk back into the living room, he’s standing in the middle, eyes closed, drawing in a deep breath with a look of bliss on his face.

Without the wind and the rain to block it, his scent is stronger here.

Butterflies flutter in my stomach as it hits me. Clean but manly, and too intoxicating to let me think clearly. I blame my next words on him getting me lust drunk on his scent…

“You could stay. And go for your car at first light.”

His eyes fly open and meet mine with a burning intensity that takes my breath away. Jaw clenched and nostrils flaring, he holds my gaze, and for a moment, I think that I’ve made a fool of myself. That I’ve misinterpreted the chemistry between us.

That is, until he steps forward and extends a hand to me.

“I’m Griffin. It seems only right you should know my name if I’m sleeping over.” His gaze burns into me as he speaks, and I blink, momentarily startled. Heat spirals through my belly, and my core clenches in anticipation.

“Kali,” I say, barely able to force my name out in a normal tone.

Am I really going to do this? With a man I’ve never met before, who I found naked in the woods?

I take Griffin’s hand, and he shakes mine gently, stroking his thumb over my skin in the barest of movements. But it’s enough to have my skin heating, and my insides tingling.

Our eyes lock again, and this time, neither of us looks away. His beast flashes in his eyes, bright amber and wild, as he smothers a low growl. Griffin tries to hide it with a cough, but it’s unmistakable.

He feels this, too.

I smirk a little as he pulls his hand away, looking ashamed of his reaction to me. It’s not what I expected from a man as good-looking as this, with a beast so dominant.

“Anyone else living here with you that would mind me sleeping on the couch?”

Evan would kill me for being so reckless, but there’s no point in lying. I shake my head.

Griffin must know the answer already. He’d have scented them if there was anyone else staying with me. When a satisfied rumble comes from deep inside his chest, I feel myself get wet, my eager pussy getting slick and ready for him.

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