Page 16 of Make Me

“Why?” Zack stepped closer, his eyes studying Cody’s face. “Your wolf should…”

“He likes you too.” Cody stared at the ground, his cheeks on fire. “That’s why he didn’t mind. He likes you too.”

Zack took another step, so his feet touched Cody’s, and Cody looked up from the ground.

“Just your wolf?” Zack asked softly.

Speechless, Cody shook his head. This close, he could smell the musky wildflower scent his wolf associated with Zack. The wizard crowded closer. He was almost as tall as Cody, but with Cody leaning against the wall, Zack’s face was a few inches taller than Cody’s as he crowded him.

As Alpha Heir, Cody had never felt delicate until that moment. Zack placed a hand on Cody’s shoulder, and his wolf practically purred. He traced the line of the muscles up to Cody’s neck, cupping the side of his neck in a way that had Cody leaning into him. The wizard brought their lips together slowly, giving Cody plenty of time to pull away, but he didn’t want to. The first brush of their lips together had an almost embarrassing whine slipping through his teeth. Zack smirked and brushed their lips together again.

His lips were warm and smooth against Cody’s. They pressed harder with each brush of Zack’s lips against his, and when he drew away again, Cody growled and tugged him closer by his hips. Zack laughed against his lips but deepened the kiss, tilting his head and running the tip of his tongue along Cody’s lips. Cody opened to him, sagging back against the stone even more as Zack took control of the kiss.

It felt like an eternity had passed, or maybe just a few moments, Cody wasn’t sure. He was lost in his first kiss. He hadn’t wanted anyone but Bethany growing up, but he could never have her. After a few more moments, they broke away, both men breathing heavily.

As the glow from the kiss faded, a wave of guilt rose in Cody. What was he doing? He couldn’t have Bethany, but he couldn’t have Zack, either. His pack would never accept it. His father would never give his blessing to an intermixed mating, regardless if it was with a lioness or with a wizard.

“I…” he started. “I don’t want to lead you on when I’m the Alpha Heir,” he rushed out.

Zack laid a finger over his lips.

“Hey,” Zack soothed. “I knew who you were when I kissed you. I understand.”

Cody nodded, closing his eyes and groaning. “I ruined the afterglow, didn’t I?”

Zack laughed. “We’ll work on it.”

“What about Bethany?” Cody asked. He wanted her, but he wanted Zack too.

Zack smiled gently, as if knowing where his thoughts went. “I like her too. But I’m not sure if she’s ready for us. She tends to shy away from feeling anything.”

Cody groaned. “Her fucking mom.”

Zack arched an eyebrow at him.

“Her mom’s a… tightass is a word that comes to mind. She lost her partner when Bethany was young and turned off all feelings almost overnight, according to my father. She had to continue leading the pride, but she… Bethany’s never really been raised with any kind of warmth. Her mom views emotions as a vulnerability that she’s determined her daughter won’t succumb to.”

Zack nodded. “That makes sense.”

Cody rubbed a hand over his face. “It’s a lost cause. I know it’ll never happen. We’ll never happen, I mean. She’s the Pride Heir and I’m the Alpha Heir and…”

“It can happen,” Zack said firmly.

Cody’s brow furrowed. Did Zack mean that he and Bethany could be together? Or the three of them could be together? That could never happen. The pack and pride wouldn’t allow it.

“I thought you understood about the pack…” he started.

“I said I understood, not that I wouldn’t fight for you. I’ll fight for both of you.”

CHAPTER NINE

BETHANY

Age 20

Beginning of second year at the Academy.

She was so thankful to be back at the Academy. Even if Cody was currently being a pain in the ass.

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