Page 13 of Hunted

Tucking myself back into my pants, I clean my cum off the floor and wall and then look at myself in the mirror.

"Get it together, Aksel," I coach.

The storm has passed, but I didn't allow Zara to go out today. She won't like it, but after she almost got torn apart by a wolf today, there's no way she's doing any of her research alone. I'll be with her every step of the way.

Convinced I can handle myself tonight and the incessant need satiated, I return to the living room to the delicious scent of food cooking.

Zara is a wonderful cook, as the delicious quiche she made showed. When I get to the kitchen, she's wearing a longer maxi dress that's not so revealing and an apron on, prancing happily around like she belongs here. It's so odd seeing her in my space and not hating it.

I lean against the doorframe, arms folded across my chest, watching. The sway of her hips and the contented smile on her face as she cooks are so domestic—cozy, even. It's a strange sight to behold in my isolated little realm.

"Smells good, littlefugl," I rumble, calling her by my new nickname for her. Little bird in Norwegian.

Zara startles, nearly dropping the spatula in her hand. "Oh! Aksel, you scared me." She presses a hand to her chest, those full lips curving into an embarrassed smile. "I'm just making us some pasta for dinner. I hope you don't mind that I raided your cupboards."

My eyes rake over her appreciatively. "You're welcome to raid anything of mine you'd like."

A delicious blush stains her cheeks at my blatant innuendo. Zara focuses intently on the simmering pot before her. I push off from the doorframe, drawn to her like a fucking magnet.

Prowling up behind her, I let my body heat scorch her back as I crowd her against the counter. A tremor runs through her slight frame when my hands bracket her hips, caging her in.

"You seem right at home here," I murmur, lips brushing the delicate shell of her ear. Zara inhales a shuddering breath, her pulse fluttering.

“A-Aksel...I was just?—"

"Shh." I silence her with a firm squeeze of her hips.

Turning her in my arms, I savor her flushed cheeks and full lips. Those green eyes are wide and shining with a heady mix of fear and desire. So beautiful. So tempting.

Reaching up, I brush away a stray lock of golden hair from her face. Zara leans into my touch like a flower seeking the sun, her lush lashes fluttering closed.

"You're playing a dangerous game, little bird," I warn in a low rumble. “Are you sure you want to wake the beast?"

Those emerald eyes open, gleaming with a flash of defiance that has me clenching my jaw. Slowly, deliberately, Zara trails her hands up my chest until they're splayed over my thundering heart.

“And if I do?" she breathes, holding my heated stare. "What then, Mr. Wolf?"

A feral growl rumbles up from my chest as I yank her flush against me. She gasps at the undeniable evidence of my arousal grinding against her belly.

"Then you'll get more than you bargained for, baby girl."

The alarm's shrill beeping slices through the thick tension, jarring us both from the heated moment. Zara jumps away, cheeks flushed and eyes wide like a startled deer. She hurries to remove the steaming pot from the burner with a trembling hand.

I remain rooted in place, chest heaving while I struggle to rein in the raging beast she's awoken. My cock strains painfully against the confines of my jeans.

How is it possible that this slight creature holds such power over me? I had prepared for every eventuality, every twist and turn. Yet, her mere presence derails me in ways I cannot comprehend.

Gritting my teeth, I look away while she busies herself with serving the pasta. I won't be undone by a pair of wide, innocent eyes and a coy smile.

And yet...my body refuses to obey, my cock throbbing insistently. How is it possible to be this ravenous after having just jerked off to climax mere moments ago?

The beast within me snarls, pacing the confines of its cage as I wrestle for control. I had planned to hunt her, to take my time and savor the thrill of the chase. But now? Now, I find myself being pursued, tormented by her every movement.

Zara turns to face me, a hesitant smile curving those full lips. "Dinner's ready," she says softly.

Goddamn it. So tempting, so ripe for the taking.

Slowly, deliberately, I relax my clenched fists and attempt to uncoil the taut muscles that strain for release. I’m the master of my fate, the captain of this storm, and I’ll weather it on my own terms.