Page 59 of Unexpected Alpha's Claim

“Monica,” he said my name in a long exhale and his eyes glistened. “I already have.” I almost stumbled forward as relief flooded me in the wake of his forgiveness. “I know my world is a lot, especially for a human. I get it because, hell, I don’t understand the world of humans either. It’s so much…”

“Dirtier? Uglier?” I ventured two guesses, as tears streamed down my cheeks.

“I was going to say, ‘more complicated,’ but I’ll take what you said as well,” he said. “I wanted to get to know it better with you, but you left, so…” he drew in a sharp breath. “I guess I won’t be doing that after all.”

“Yes, you will,” I assured him, gazing deep up into his eyes. “Of course,you will. I’m not leaving you again.” I hesitated, realizing I was assuming and insisting, not asking and that wasn’t fair of me either. “That’s if…you’ll have me back.”

“Back?” he barked with anticipation sparkling in his eyes.

I nodded because I wasn’t able to utter another word. A big smile spread across his face and in the blink of an eye his strong hands were on my hips, lifting me. When I was level with his eyes, I wrapped my arms around his neck and leaned in.

The passion in his kiss spoke volumes, so much louder than anything he could ever say. It rushed into my heart, ripping doubt and fear out by their roots. He hadn’t disappointed me. I might have hurt him deeply, but his feelings for me were still there. Grudges? No. Not for Raul Crawford. They had no place in his kind heart. I eased back, tasting the saltiness of my tears.

“I love you,” he confessed with a whisper, the dampness in his eyes filling my gaze. “And I don’t care if losing you will kill me someday. It will have been a life worth living.”

“You’re too sweet for words,” I praised, shaking my head lightly. “I love you so much.”

“Let’s get you someplace warm,” he suggested, and putting me back down on the ground.

Warm? It wasn’t necessary. My body and my insides were on fire. Not the sort of fire that could reduce someone to ashes, though. This sort of heat offered me a warm feeling, a feeling that surrounded my existence with affection. I could stay out all night, and I would have no problem with that whatsoever. I had my man back. We were out here together. He would protect me and keep me warm for as long as I could ever want.

37

RAUL

Awar of emotions had broken out within me. It wasn’t the regular type of war. Nobody would be killed or wounded fighting it. Joy, relief and happiness had come together, and they struggled for which one would prevail in this strange battle.

To be honest, I couldn’t care less about who the winner would be. My healer had returned, and I had another chance. Why should I wonder about all these enormous feelings in my heart? They were mine and they had kicked out fear and uncertainty alike. If they fought each other all night long, it was fine by me.

We kissed for a long time. Kissed as the dusk fell darker around us. The sounds of the mountain and the forest a background chorus for our celebration of us. Her lips were so soft and sweet, I could have stayed there all night, doing nothing more than tasting her. Filling my nose with the delicious scent of her. But time waited for no man and no shifter. The night was cool, and she shivered in my arms.

“We should go,” I murmured, between soft kisses.

“Hmm,” she hummed into my mouth, not stopping.

That was the moment I knew I had to be in control. It was clear she didn’t want this to end any more than I did, but for her own good we should get inside. She was not dressed to be out in the chilly air, and it was only going to get colder as the night deepened.

“Okay, we’re going,” I said at last, breaking the kiss at last.

“If you insist…” she said, trailing off and leaving no doubt where her thoughts were at.

A grin spread over my face, and I couldn’t keep a growl out of my mouth.

“There’s a fireplace and a really nice rug…” I said letting the rest of my thought hang in the night air.

“Oh,” she said, flashing a coy smile. “Mr. Crawford, are you suggesting…”

“An offer,” I said. “Only an offer.”

She batted her eyes in a playful manner then we both broke into laughter, neither of us able to keep the ruse up any longer. I took her hand and led her back to my bike. I took it easy going down the mountain. Not for any fear of safety, the bike and the road were both second nature to me and I could have navigated it blindfolded, but because I was simply enjoying the ride. Enjoying the feel of her pressed against my back, her arms around my waist, the quick hints of her scent. It was simple, pure, and exhilarating and I could be just as happy if it never ended.

As we roared back into my neighborhood there was another surprise waiting.

Not really surprising, is it?I thought to myself.

Helena’s shadow spread across the concrete of my front yard as its owner sauntered past Sam’s cabin. She had her eyes glued to us as I pulled up and parked the bike.

“Let me guess,” I said, the buzzing of the thunder headers still in my ears. “You knew Monica would come back.”

---