Page 6 of Sweet on the Alpha

I rise up on my toes, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to his lips. “Thank you,” I murmur against his mouth. “But, Aiden, I don’t need time. I know what I want. I want this… you.”

He makes a low, desperate sound in the back of his throat, his hand tightening reflexively on mine. “Grace,” he breathes, my name a prayer and a plea. “You’re killing me here, sunshine.”

I can’t help but grin at that, giddy with the knowledge of my power over him. “Sorry, wolf boy. I promise I’ll make it up to you… soon.”

His eyes flash at my teasing tone, a hint of the wolf peeking through. “Careful, little mate,” he growls playfully. “Keep pushing me and I might just throw you over my shoulder and carry you back to my den.”

A shiver of anticipation runs through me at the thought, but I force myself to step back, putting some much-needed distance between us. “Down, boy,” I admonish, though I can’t quite keep the breathless quality from my voice.

Aiden chuckles, shaking his head ruefully. He walks me to my door behind the bakery, ever the gentleman despite the simmering heat in his gaze. On the steps, we pause, neither of us quite ready to let this magical night end.

“Thank you,” I say softly, squeezing his hand. “For tonight, for telling me the truth, for… everything.”

“Thank you for listening, for accepting me—all of me,” he murmurs, his breath mingling with mine.

We stay like that for a long moment, just breathing each other in and savoring the rightness of it. Eventually, reluctantly, I pull back.

“I should go upstairs,” I whisper, though it takes an almost physical effort to step away from him. “Early morning at the bakery tomorrow.”

Aiden nods, his jaw tight with the same reluctance I feel. “Sleep well, sunshine,” he says, his voice a warm caress. “Dream of me.”

“Always,” I promise, meaning it with every fiber of my being.

With one last lingering look, I turn and head inside, the jingle of the bakery bell sounding unnaturally loud in the charged silence. I lean against the closed door, my heart racing and my skin tingling with the phantom heat of Aiden’s touch.

I fall asleep that night with a smile on my face, Aiden’s woodsy scent still clinging to my skin and his promise echoing in my dreams.

Soon.

Chapter 4

Aiden

I wake with a smile on my face, the memory of Grace’s soft lips and sweet scent lingering like a pleasant dream. For the first time in longer than I can remember, my wolf is quiet, content. Peace settles over me like a warm blanket. Oh, it still craves Grace—wants her to belong to us—but her easy acceptance has gone a long way to settle the beast.

The past week has been nothing short of perfect. Long walks in the woods, lazy afternoons in the sun, evenings cuddled on the couch watching movies. With each passing day, I feel thebond between us growing stronger, the pull of our connection becoming more irresistible.

But even as I bask in this newfound happiness, a nagging sense of unease prickles at the back of my mind. Like a shadow lurking just out of sight, waiting to eclipse the light.

I push the feeling aside as I head across the way, eager to see my mate. I find her at the bakery, humming to herself as she puts away a batch of cupcakes. The sight of her, curves hugged by a pretty sundress, hair piled atop her head in a messy bun, makes my heart trip in my chest.

“Hey there, sunshine,” I murmur, coming around the counter and up behind her to nuzzle her neck. “Fancy meeting you here.”

Grace leans back into my embrace, tilting her head to grant me better access. “Well, well, if it isn’t my favorite customer. What can I get for you today, handsome? A ‘Beefcake Brownie’ perhaps? Or maybe a ‘Studmuffin’?”

I chuckle, nipping playfully at her earlobe. “Tempting. But I was thinking maybe we could go for a run later? The moon will be full tonight, and my wolf is itching to stretch his legs with his mate by his side.”

Grace turns in my arms, looping her own around my neck. “A romantic moonlit run through the woods? Be still my heart. You sure do know how to show a girl a good time, Donahue.”

I’m about to show her just how good a time I can offer when the bell over the shop door jingles. A scent hits my nostrils, familiar and unwelcome, and my hackles rise on instinct.

“Well, well, Aiden Donahue. I heard rumors you were in town.”

I turn slowly, careful to slide Grace behind me as I face the man I’d hoped never to see again. Victor Williams stands in the doorway, dressed in a crisp suit, his dark hair slicked back. He surveys the bakery with a smirk, his gaze coming to rest on Grace where she peeks from behind me.

“And who’s this lovely creature?” he purrs as he steps forward—deeper into the bakery.

I fight back a growl, my wolf snarling at the threat to our mate. Since he’s forcing introductions, I step aside slightly so more of Grace is visible, but she’s still partially behind me. “Victor, this is Grace Carter. My girlfriend. Grace, Victor is an… old acquaintance.”

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