Page 19 of Alpha's Promise

Confusion clouded her expression, but she nodded, the weight of his words sinking deep into her heart. “Okay, Granddad. I’ll go east to the wolves. I promise.”

His gaze softened, and the corners of his mouth twitched as though he wanted to say more. But the strength he’d mustered began to ebb, his body relaxing as if the burden he’d carried had finally been passed on. His breath slowed, each one shallower than the last, until the room fell silent save for the soft ticking of the clock.

“Granddad?” she choked out, leaning closer, her voice breaking. But there was no response, only the serene stillness of a man at peace.

Tears streamed down her face as she pressed his hand to her cheek, her shoulders shaking with quiet sobs. The grief was a tidal wave, crashing over her and leaving her raw and aching. She felt lost, untethered, as though the compass that had always guided her had vanished.

Yet his final words echoed in her mind. Go east to the wolves. She didn’t understand them, not yet, but she clung to them like a lifeline, knowing they held a purpose she would one day uncover. For now, though, she allowed herself the space to mourn, to grieve the man who had been her anchor, her teacher, her family.

As the first rays of dawn crept through the window, painting the room in hues of gold and pink, Dakota sat by his side, her hand still holding his, promising herself she would honor his final wish—no matter where it led her.

Landon listened, the set of his jaw and the furrow of his brow conveying an empathy that went beyond mere politeness. Hewas a statue carved from understanding, a silent sentinel in her confession.

She hesitated before speaking of darker times; the man who had once promised her the world only to show her the inferno beneath his touch, the scars—that were more than skin-deep—from an abusive ex, and the sting of infidelity that followed like salt in an open wound.

"Enough," Landon said firmly, stepping closer, his hand brushing against hers, his strong voice halting the memories that threatened to pull her under. "You're safe now, Dakota. With me, you're safe."

The words were simple, but they resonated within her like a struck chord, vibrant and sonorous. His promise wrapped around her, seductive and warm, dispelling the ghosts that clung to her spirit. Trust bloomed, delicate and new, unfurling its petals within his vow.

"Can I—" Her words faltered, her throat constricting with the enormity of what she was about to surrender.

"Anything," he answered, his voice a low rumble that vibrated through her bones.

"Can I trust you?" It was both a question and a plea, the final barrier between her guarded heart and the vulnerability of desire.

"Always," Landon assured her, his hands framing her face, his thumbs tracing the high planes of her cheekbones with a tenderness that felt like reverence.

That single word was the flint that sparked the tinder of her restraint. Desire, coiled tightly within her, ignited, and she found herself leaning into him, her lips finding his with an urgency that left no room for doubt. Their kiss was a conflagration that consumed all reason, leaving only primal need in its wake.

Landon removed his shirt and laid it on the ground beneath the trees; then, after removing her clothes, he laid her down. Dakota knew she should say no or in some way resist the urge to give in, but she couldn’t—she didn’t want to. There was something about this that was as inevitable as the sun rising in the east and setting in the west.

Strong, firm hands massaged her legs. His fingers teased her with each stroke. “Relax, Dakota. No one can see us.” The sound of her name coming from his lips solidified what she was feeling.

She let the sweet sensation of his touch take her out of her comfort zone. She melted like putty in his hands, and she heard him exhale as if he liked it just as much as she did.

He moved his hands upward slowly on her thighs, kneading his thumbs ever so gently, teasing her with those same skilled hands. Dakota closed her eyes and soaked up the sensations. Landon grasped her hips and pulled her to him in one swift motion.

She gasped and opened her eyes. Landon slid his hands up higher on her thighs. He moved his thumbs up and down, stroking close enough to feel the evidence of what his touch was doing to her.

He looked into her eyes, then pulled her in for a kiss. Not just any kiss. His lips covered hers. Instinctively, her tongue met his. His passionate caresses moved down her back. He kneaded and massaged, relaxing all of the tension her body had been holding for so long.

He lifted her off the ground, his hands cupping her ass. He angled her into a better position and leaned his rock-hard bulge against her sex.

“What are you doing to me, Dakota?” A low guttural moan escaped his throat.

She knew he meant what he said. She could feel it. Hear it. The way he looked at her and her body confirmed it. Thisgorgeous man wanted her, and she was no longer willing to deny how much she wanted him. He treated her neck with hot kisses, while his hands toured the contours of her body.

Dakota arched her back with every caress and allowed him to explore all of her. He slid his lips down her chest. He kissed her breasts; her nipples hardening as he sucked them into his mouth. The space between her legs throbbed. She feared she’d explode before he even had a chance to thrust into her.

With knowing hands, he cupped her breasts and teased her nipples between his fingertips. Arousal surged through her veins. She bit her lip to prevent a scream from escaping her lips. He teased the other nipple by tugging, pulling, and rotating his fingers around the sensitive tip.

Her hips swayed underneath him. Dakota could feel his enormous cock pulsate through his jeans.

His lips moved from her breasts and followed a trail of wanton desire to her navel where he swirled his tongue. The anticipation of having his soft lips tease her in ways she could never have imagined caused her to quiver with excitement. She was ready. She tried to reach up to unfasten his jeans, but he stopped her. He pinned her arms to her sides, using his lips, tongue and the edge of his teeth to kiss, lick, and nibble on her tender flesh.

“Nice,” he moaned. He let go of her arms and rubbed his full cock against her. “I can’t wait to have you.”

“Take me,” she begged. She’d never begged any man in her life, but this felt necessary. This was right.

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