Page 30 of The Wolf Prince's Fated Heart

"I think that's it for today," Alyssa says after we do another pointless circle around the same subject.

By now, the light coming through the windows has changed, from morning to mid-afternoon. We've spent almost an entire day stuck in this room when there are so many other places, things, and people that deserve our attention.

"Alyssa is right," Garren says, predictably agreeing with his wife. "We all know our assignments and the importance of the regular updates."

He even makes an attempt at a smile at the last remark. What a giver.

"You're welcome to stay for dinner, Cassidy," he offers.

"We're leaving," I say before she can reply. "We have plans."

I can't be sure if she's pretending, but I'd swear that disappointment flashes in her eyes. Is it because my family likes her, or is it because she wants to spend more time around me? If it's the latter, she doesn't need to worry because I don't intend to let her out of my sight. Until I can prove her to be either an innocent or a traitor, I'm keeping her by my side.

My lips twitch in a repressed smile. The thought pleases me so much I have to quickly wipe it away, which I do with great success.

You are sadistic, my wolf comments. It takes years to perfect the art of emotionless poker faces.

How long does it take to perfect the art of seduction then? I inquire.

My wolf chuckles. Oh, it's on.

I stand up, ready to be done with all the chitchatting.

"It was nice to meet you, Cassidy," Alyssa says with an inviting grin. "I hope we'll get a chance to hang out and have coffee one of these days."

"That sounds lovely," Cassidy replies with a bright smile that seems to light up the room. She seems to be quite at ease around wolves now. "I'm always free for a ladies’ night out."

"It's a promise then," Alyssa agrees, winking at her.

"It was nice seeing you all," I say to everyone. "If only the circumstances were different..."

"Agreed," Gavin replies. "In happier times."

The chorus of farewells echoes through the house as we leave. Finally, Cassidy and I are alone, still standing outside The Grey Manor.

I start making my way to the SUV. Cassidy follows me, keeping a slow pace. Her steps are lighter today than before.

"You okay?" I ask her. I feel the strong need to protect her, shield her from all that wants to do her harm.

"A little bit confused," Cassidy admits, blinking in surprise at me.

The sun hits her silky auburn hair, making the red tones glimmer. Without even realizing it, I've stopped moving, and so has she. We stare at each other, neither of us blinking. Though it's irrational, I feel like some invisible thread keeps us tethered to each other, refusing to let us go.

It's interesting, my wolf comments. The more time we spend around her, the closer she feels to me.

"I was wondering if you're free for dinner tonight," I say before I can change my mind. Her eyelashes flutter, black against her rosy skin, and her nose twitches just the slightest bit as a tentative smile grows on her lips.

Her breathing turns to the deepest of exhales, but all my eyes and mind see is the sweet swell of her breasts.

You seriously need to get laid, my wolf teases.

Maybe, and I know just the girl who can help me with that while I try to figure her out, I answer cockily.

You flatter yourself, my wolf says. You still have no idea if she's into you or not.

She's a woman. Who in their right mind would say no to me? I reply with faux confidence. Besides, don't tell me you haven't caught her scent. She's desperate for a man's touch. I'd only be polite when offering her mine.

That was way too detailed, my wolf replies.

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