"Little omega," he breathes.
There's a weight to the way he says his pet name for me, like there's so much more he wants to say. I watch the conflict play out in his eyes, the way his throat works as he swallows hard.
He doesn't need to say anything. We've always been on the same page in a fucked up way. Maybe it's because he's feral, too.Maybe not in the same literal sense Wraith and I are, but he still has the eyes of a wild beast.
He certainly has the grin of one.
A wolf, to be specific.
And I think I know what he's about to say. Those three little words that have been hanging unspoken. The ones I've felt in every touch, every glance, even when they haven't been said out loud.
Fuck. I'm scared, too.
Why? Why saying it so much scarier than feeling it?
Valek's eyes search mine, and I see the struggle there. The words are on the tip of his tongue, I can feel it. But then something shifts in his gaze. A flicker of understanding, as if he can read my mind.
A hoarse laugh escapes him, breaking the tension. "It's not the right moment," he says, his voice rough. "You still haven't forgiven me."
My heart skips a beat at his words.
He's wrong.
I have forgiven him.
And I'm not sure I fully realized that until just now.
But I can see the resignation in those sharp eyes, the acceptance of what he thinks is the truth. What he thinks he deserves.
I shake my head slowly, a small smile playing at my lips. "Maybe it is the right moment for something else," I murmur, watching confusion flicker across his face.
Valek's brow furrows, his hands still resting lightly on my hips. "What do you mean, little omega?" he asks in that velvet voice.
"For me to show you that you're wrong," I say, my voice stronger now. "Ihaveforgiven you, Valek."
His eyes widen, disbelief warring with hope in his gaze. Before he can respond, I press myself closer, eliminating what little space remained between us. My hands slide up beneath the open front of his coat. Even through his shirt, I can feel the rapid beat of his heart beneath my palms.
"Ivy," he breathes, his voice strained. "What are you doing?"
I lean in, my lips brushing against his ear as I whisper, "What does it look like I'm doing?"
A shudder runs through him, his hands tightening on my hips. I can feel the heat of his body through our clothes, smell the smoky, metallic scent that's uniquely him.
"This is a good spot, isn't it?" I ask, pulling back just enough to meet his gaze. "It's secluded up here. Safe."
"Yes," Valek says huskily, his eyes darkening with hunger. But then he catches himself, shaking his head as if to clear it. "Wait… no. No, it's not safe." He gives a hoarse, low chuckle. "It's been too long. I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to resist knotting you. If we were discovered…"
"There are other things we can do," I offer, sliding one hand lower, palming the obvious bulge in his pants. Valek hisses, his hips jerking forward involuntarily. "I could take care of this for you."
A low purr rumbles in his chest. "I certainly wouldn't turn that down," he says, his voice strained. "But… are you sure, little omega?"
The concern in his voice, even as he's clearly fighting for control, is why I've forgiven him. Because beneath all his sharp edges and dangerous smiles, he cares.
He's always cared.
"I'm sure," I say firmly, already working at his belt. "I want this. I want you."
Valek's breath catches as I free him from the confines of his pants. He's hard and hot in my hand, precome already beadingat the pierced tip. I forgot how much I like his cock piercings. I run my thumb over the head, spreading the moisture around the metal studs, and he groans.