Page 68 of Forever Mine

Kyle mussed the kid's hair before taking off to join Kelsey and start their run.

“Whoa, you really do know Kyle?” one of the other boys asked.

“Hey Oscar,” I said, not even giving the kids time to recover. “You okay for tonight?”

I could see worry in his eyes. “I'm a little worried about Mommy,” he said quietly.

“I know kid, me too, but she is already sound asleep. I won't be out long.”

“So you'll keep an eye on her?”

“You know I will. And if you want to come home early, just call me, and I'll come get you, okay?” He nodded, gratitude written all over his face.

I pulled him aside and whispered, even knowing the other boys were listening in to every word. I said, “Don't let the other kids give you too hard of a time. You may be the new kid, but remember, you're a Westin now.” He nodded like he even understood a little about what that meant. “Now,” I said louder for all the boys, “you were asking why we don't wear clothes when we shift. Ready to see for yourself?”

Oscar grinned excitedly. “You're going Hulk?”

“I'm going Hulk. You ready?”

“Yes!” he exclaimed.

I clapped my hands dramatically, then shifted right on the spot. My old sweats went flying in every direction, shredded, as I knew they would.

“Cool!” Oscar yelled as the other boys agreed and cheered. “Thanks, Liam,” he said, giving my head a little pat. I nodded and headed off into the woods.

Normally my wolf and I were at peace on a run, but both of us were too worried about Maddie to enjoy it. I only lasted an hour before I headed back. I shifted at the back door of the house and headed straight for my bedroom. Oscar was gone for the night, so I didn't even bother putting on clothes, though I did lock the door, just in case, before climbing into bed next to Maddie.

She shifted, then rolled into me like she was seeking my warmth. A peace washed over me as I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her closer to me. I didn't fall asleep right away, but as the other wolves headed for home, or moved deeper into the forest, my wolf finally relaxed and I drifted off into a contented sleep.

Having forgotten to turn off my alarm, it sounded much too early. I reached over and hit it until it silenced. Too late, though; Maddie was already stirring. As she stretched up against me, my body responded quickly.

I knew she wasn't fully coherent yet even as her hand glided gently across my abs before heading lower and exploring my body.

“Mmmm,” she moaned, the sexiest sound I'd ever heard as she wrapped her hand around me.

I couldn't take it any longer. My mouth sought out hers as my hands cupped her breasts. I gently removed her clothes before her eyes even opened. I expected to see a startled look, knowing she was still in that in-between of dreaming and reality, but she smiled like she knew exactly what she was doing to me and I was lost in her.

As she continued to explore my body, I began worshiping hers. No part was left unattended until we were panting with the need for release. “Mine,” I growled as I positioned myself over her. As I started to let my weight sink onto her, I felt an immediate shift between us.

I looked down to meet large eyes filled with fear. It was like a knife slicing my chest open. She was afraid. She was afraid of me. The thought gutted me as she gasped for breath and fought against the rising panic. Our bond was strengthening and I could feel her emotions as if they were my own.

She pushed at me and I quickly rolled off her.

“Maddie? Sweetheart, it's okay. It's okay. We don't have to do anything. I'm so sorry.” I just kept talking, not really knowing what to say. How could she think I'd ever hurt her like that?

“I'm sorry,” she said, jumping up from the bed and running for the bathroom. I tried to follow, but she slammed the door in my face. I stood there staring at it, unsure of what to do. When I heard the shower come on, I went back to sit on the bed and wait.

She came out wrapped in a towel, hugging it close to her. Her skin was pinked from the heat of the water, and her smell quickly filled the room. Despite what had happened, I still wanted her in every way possible.

She sat down beside me, her shoulders slumped.

“Will it always be like this?” she asked quietly. “Will I always remember whenever we try to get close?” She turned teary eyes my way.

“I don't know. You have to know I'd never hurt you. I'll wait as long as it takes, for whatever you can handle.” Anger flared in me over what they'd done to her. They'd taken something that should have been beautiful between just the two of us, and turned it ugly. I needed to get up and move. I had to be in the office later and thought maybe I should just head in early. My head was all screwed up. I didn't know what to think or how to feel.

One more look at Maddie, and all that changed again. It was like being on an emotional roller-coaster. I was dealing with my own feelings, but I could also feel hers so strongly. She was embarrassed, upset, and frustrated.

“You deserve so much more than me. So much more than I can offer, Liam.”

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