Page 16 of Feuding with My Shifter Werewolf

Too quiet.

My senses are filled with her - the thrum of her heartbeat, the warmth of her skin, the subtle scent that's uniquely hers. It's unsettling, having someone else in my space. My sanctuary. My solitude.

I set her down on the couch, more gently than I intend. She looks up at me, her green eyes wide and trusting. It stirs something in me, a feeling I don't want to name.

"Stay here," I grunt, my voice rough. "Don't touch anything."

She nods, but her gaze is already wandering, taking in the rustic interior of the cabin. The rough-hewn walls, the hand-carved furniture. The bits and pieces of my life, scattered around like clues to a mystery.

I watch her, torn between irritation and a strange sort of fascination. She doesn't belong here, in this world of mine. But at the same time, it feels right, having her here. Like a missing piece slotting into place.

She's your mate,my wolf whispers again.Claim her. Make her yours.

I shake my head, trying to clear it. I can't think like that. Can't let myself want what I can't have.

But as I move around the cabin, gathering blankets and dry clothes, I can't help but be aware of her. The way she curls up on the couch, hugging her knees to her chest. The way her eyes follow me, curious and assessing.

It's like a dance, the way we move around each other. Me, the wary predator. Her, the wide-eyed prey.

But there's something else there too, a current of electricity waiting to be released.

I try to ignore it, focusing on the task at hand. But every accidental touch sends a jolt through me. It's maddening, the effect she has on me.

You need her,my wolf insists.Her joy, her spirit. She's the light to your darkness.

I want to argue, to deny it. But deep down, I know it's true. Kristen is everything I'm not - bright, curious, unafraid. She makes me want things I haven't allowed myself to want in a long, long time.

I lead her to the spare bedroom, handing her a pile of clothes. "These work for tonight and we can get you more from town in the morning," I mutter. "Bathroom's down the hall."

She takes the clothes, her fingers brushing against mine.

It's like a shock, the contact. I snatch my hand back, trying to ignore the way my body reacts.

"Thank you," she says softly. "For everything."

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. I turn to go, but her voice stops me.

"Zakir?"

I pause, looking back at her. She's holding a bar of my soap, breathing in the scent. It's such a simple thing, but the sight of her, nose buried in my soap, eyes fluttering closed...it's the most erotic thing I've ever seen.

My body reacts instantly, hardening, pulsing with need. I see her eyes widen, her gaze dropping to my groin. She blushes, but doesn't look away. The air between us is charged, heavy withlust.

"Good night," I manage, my voice strained. I practically flee to my room, slamming the door behind me.

I lean against it, my heart pounding.

Fuck.This is bad. Very bad.

I can't let myself get close to her. Can't let her get tangled up in my world, my secrets. It's too dangerous. For both of us.

But even as I think it, I know it's futile. Because she's already under my skin, in my blood. My mate. My destiny.

I pace the room, restless energy thrumming through me. The wolf is close to the surface, urging me to go to her, to claim what's mine.

Not yet,I tell him.It's too soon. She's not ready.

But will she ever be? And more importantly...will I?

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