Page 46 of These Dangerous Fates

“Is there something you want, Ellis?” His low voice slides over my skin and makes me shiver.

I bite my lip and notice his gaze zero in on the movement. “Can I have a bite?”

“You’re going to take food away from the wolf?” Cade cries. “Are you crazy?” He shakes his head in mock dismay and runs his hand down his face.

Sterling makes his way around the table and sits next to me. It’s the first time we’ve sat near each other, and he keeps his distance, making sure our legs or arms don’t touch. He holds out his sandwich and I lean in to take a bite. As he watches my mouth, I know I don’t imagine the desire burning in his icy eyes.

“Damn, Cade.” I say around my bite of food. “You should be a cook instead of a healer.”

He chuckles. “I’m glad you like my cooking. I enjoy taking care of people anyway I can.”

We all finish our food in silence, savoring the yummy goodness too much to talk. When I’m done, I stand and walk around the library, taking in everything with new eyes. Now that I feel like I understand the guys better, I notice little things that make me smile.

On the mini fridge by the bar, a stick figure drawing of Malakai is proudly displayed. I know it’s Malakai because of the fangs and detailed drawing of a pierced dick. If I had to guess, I’d say he drew it himself.

There is a little stuffed wolf on one of the leather chairs, and I don’t fail to notice the glass eyes have been painted ice blue. There is also a collar around the wolf's neck. I can’t read the name on the tag, but knowing these guys, I’m guessing it’s not complimentary.

I look around for something that reminds me of Cade, and I actually laugh out loud when I see it. Hanging on the wall above the pool cues is a picture of Cade without his clothes. The picture is positioned perfectly, so it looks like a pool cue has replaced his cock.

“You guys really are like a family,” I say quietly, not able to hide the longing in my voice.

Cade stands with a smile and walks to the pool cue in question. He runs his hand down it suggestively and winks at me. “They’re assholes most of the time, but they’re my pack. I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”

“That’s how I feel about Allie,” I say, leaning against the table. “She has been there for me through all the worst moments of my life. Starting when I lost my mom and sister.”

A loud thump makes me jump, and I turn to see Sterling bending down to pick up a book he appeared to have dropped. He won’t look at me but his cheeks are stained red and his movements are jerky. Nothing like the smooth animal prowess he typically exudes.

“Are you okay, Sterling?” I ask.

“Fine,” he bites out before storming from the library without another word.

I turn to Cade, chewing on my bottom lip. “What was that about?”

He shrugs, brows drawn down and looking just as bewildered as I feel. “I have no idea.” He stares at the door Sterling left through for a moment more before shaking his head. “Wanna play a round of pool?”

I glance at the cues hanging on the wall and green felt covered table. “I’ve never played before.”

“Oh, well then,” Cade says with an evil grin as he rubs his hands together eagerly. “This is every guy’s dream come true. Teaching a beautiful woman how to play pool. It’s the perfect excuse for getting up close and personal.”

I laugh softly at his antics. It feels good to laugh. “Isn’t it a little late for that? You’ve been plenty close to me.”

“Never close enough,” he says.

My stomach flip-flops. The way he said that, the way his eyes seem to pierce straight into my soul. I have a hard time drawing in a full breath as butterflies take flight in my stomach.

He grabs my arm and pulls me in front of him. Positioning me so I’m facing the pool table, he puts the cue in my hands. He goes over techniques, and moves my hands and hips so I’m positioned correctly. I’d like to say I was paying attention, but his hips pressed against my ass, his arms around me, and the heat his body is putting off are the only things I can focus on.

“I didn’t hear a single word you just said,” I admit. “I’m a little distracted at the moment.” I emphasize my point by rubbing my ass against his hips. A thrill goes through me as he groans and his cock thickens behind his jeans.

“That is highly inappropriate behavior,” he whispers in my ear while keeping his growing erection pressed against my ass. “I’m trying to be a good teacher.”

“Maybe I don’t want you to be a good teacher …” I trail off suggestively.

Cade curses and spins me around. The pool cue falls from his hands and he presses my hips against the table, leaning me backward with a gentle hand on my chest. The edge of the table digs into my hip bones, but I barely notice it as his lips trail up my neck. He leaves little kisses over my jaw and the corners of my mouth. It’s addicting. There is no such thing as too much Cade. I let my hands slide up his chest. His t-shirt is strained across his muscles and I love the softness of the fabric over the planes of his body.

His mouth is inches from mine, and I can already taste him on my tongue and feel his breath fanning across my lips. Right before his mouth meets mine, a loud screeching beep sounds from somewhere in the library. I jump at the sudden noise and look around. Cade curses and steps away.

“What is that?” I ask loudly over the noise.

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