Page 14 of Cursed Wolf

“It’s almost like I’m floating,” she says, her voice soft, already drifting away to sleep.

Nikos is on his feet, growling like a damn bear, ripping his gag off, and turns toward the bed in the back corner of the large room.

“That was a dick move,” he scolds in a low voice. “A fucking great show, but you’re still an asshole.” Cracking his neck, he strolls toward us.

Narah’s breathing is labored, her body slumped against me, and she’s out like a light.

“You’ve exhausted her,” he says softly as if worried he’ll wake her.

“What other way would you have it? Now, you’re gonna join us or gawk? Whatever you decide, blow out the candles.”

Needing to go outside to pee first, I grab my boots and put them on. Lacing them, I turn my attention back to Narah. How beautiful she felt in my arms. I don’t remember the last time I let such happiness into my life.

I’d never thought I was capable of love, never thought it was a possibility. My past is a horrific mess, something I couldn’t live with for a long time, and it has broken me. Something I wanted never to remember, and there was only one way out.

Using the one ability I have meant if I used it in battle, I’d go out as a warrior in a final explosive end—something Ragnar opposed. I’ve known it from the beginning, yet I still came on this mission with him. Maybe a part of me had desperately wanted his help… I don’t fucking know.

Now, look at me. I’m smitten and completely ready to give my heart away. Hell, I’m still broken, but those rough edges don’t feel so sharp anymore. I don’t even recognize myself.

“I think I’m falling in love with you,” slips past my lips and floats to Narah.

Narah

Waking up to the soft murmur of words, I open one eye, not ready to move from under the blanket’s embrace or get out of bed.

The voices grow heated, and I’m intrigued, so I open the other eye. Crius and Nikos stand across the room, talking in what they must think are hushed whispers, but with all the growling, it sounds more like two dogs about to break into battle.

Of course, my thoughts fly to us being trapped by zombies, Lyra finding us, or a dozen other scenarios. I seem to have enough enemies now that my fear is warranted.

“Are we in danger?” I croak, the bedsprings squeaking as I push to sit up.

Both men twist to face me, the darkness on their faces fading, replaced by smiles. I blink at them, unsure what’s going on.

“You’re awake, good,” Nikos says, strutting across the room. He’s dressed in jeans and a loose Henley top, looking as sexy as ever. Sitting next to me, he pushes loose strands of hair behind my ear. “There’s no danger. How did you sleep?”

“Like a log. I didn’t know how tired I was.”

“We had a big day yesterday, and you experienced two heat episodes. Those will wear you out quickly.”

My cheeks burn at the mention of heat, even after everything I’ve done with the guys. I can’t explain how intense being in heat feels, except that my body completely rules me, and it just wants these men—their cocks—and it startles me how starved I am.

“It’s just so new to me. The sensation is overwhelming.”

“Someone as vulnerable and gorgeous as you shouldn’t be in a place like this while in heat. Last night, when you were sleeping, I couldn’t help but think such beauty and perfection mingled in a dark and filthy place was wrong. We’ll fix this, you’ll see.”

My heart thumps harder with his sweet words. This powerful man, who’s always been standoffish and broody, stares at me with a flare of fire in his eyes–completely opposite of the harsh, cold gaze when we first met. He no longer locks down his emotions, and he’s grown on me to where I doubt I could bear to lose him.

“Bruh, you were watching us sleeping? Creepy,” Crius blurts, stealing the moment as he joins from across the room.

“I watched Narah, not you. Never you,” he throws back, grinning and coaxing a giggle from me.

They’re adorable when they quip, but I’m left curious what they were chatting about when I woke up. Catching Nikos staring at my mouth, my heart skips a beat. I hold the blanket tighter to my chest, not out of cold, but worry the smallest thing will trigger my heat. I love all the sex, but there’s only so much a girl can take in such a short time.

Besides, my mind is thumping with so much worry for Kaira, who’s possessed, and for Jae, who has no idea what’s going on but is on the run with Stone and Ragnar. I can’t wait to speak with her and put her out of her worry, knowing she’ll be scared out of her mind.

Crius flops down on the bed, making the bedsprings creak again. His lips press against my shoulder, so warm, so inviting, as his hand slides around my bare waist. “You fell asleep quickly last night,” he murmurs, cradling me. “It was beautiful, but we’re going to need to leave soon.”

I nod, watching the intensity on his face. “Are you sure everything’s okay?”

---