Page 56 of Reclaiming Home

I felt his arm try to jerk back from my grasp, from the pain, and I tasted his blood as it filled my mouth. My wolf howled inside me, the connection between us becoming firmer, almost like a spiritual touch between us as it flared, held, and settled. Holding his arm, I let go with one hand and grabbed the bandage, then quickly replaced my mouth with it.

I panted for breath, putting pressure on the wound, and felt his gaze on me.

“What?”

He looked—turned on?

“My blood on your lips. I didn’t know it would be hot?”

I laughed, then leaned closer so he could kiss me. I could admit there was something erotic in kissing him with his blood mingling between us.

After I finished wrapping his wrist, he pulled his sleeves down and put the jacket back on, then shivered. The evening was going to be cold. I wished the fireplaces were in working order already, but at least the central heating worked most of the time, even if not in all the rooms.

I jumped down and held my arm for him so he could grab it as he clambered down to me with the first aid kit. I pulled the blanket and folded it under my arm.

“I can’t wait to come here in the summer,” he said thoughtfully as he gave my favorite spot one last glance before we started to walk home.

I took his right hand and kissed the back of it. He looked at me questioningly, but I suppose he read the gratitude and awe in my gaze, because he ducked his head and blushed.

“Come on, we have your next beta to woo,” he said, and so we went to wait for Holden to get there.

Chapter Fourteen

Kye

The bite throbbed as I stood on the porch with Carys.

I didn’t feel different, but I could tell something in Brodie had settled. Even with how his gaze kept flickering red every now and then, and his mannerisms became more and more wolfy when the moon climbed in the sky, he was still more relaxed now.

Carys and I watched as Holden got out of a sedan, then clasped forearms with Brodie.

“Thank you for letting me run with you, Alpha McRae,” he said in a formal tone that told me it was about werewolf customs.

“You’re welcome on my land, Holden.”

They did a back pat thing that was kind of like a bro hug, but the subtle way they scented each other was kind of fascinating to me.

“Welcome,” I told Holden as soon as he looked at us. “Carys has prepared a nice dinner before you guys do your thing.”

He walked closer with Brodie, then came up the stairs and shook my hand. The expression he aimed at Carys was part guilt and part protective big brother.

“Don’t do that,” she said quietly, then hugged him to everyone’s surprise. “It’s all bygones now.”

Holden stepped back and cleared his throat, then nodded, clearly moved. “Okay. I’ll try.”

He glanced at Brodie, who was watching their interaction with a gentle smile on his lips. “What she said. We know you’re a good man, Holden. You’re always welcome here.”

“Let’s go eat,” I said, clapping my hands once to break the subtle tension.

The wolves sat down at the table, and Carys and I served the steaks with “healthy green stuff” as she called it. The potatoes were garlicky and amazing, and I could see how proud Brodie was to be serving a meal like this to a potential beta.

We joined them at the table and Brodie smiled at Carys.

“This looks amazing, Carys.”

“Smells incredible as well,” Holden added.

“Thank you. Here’s hoping it all tastes good, too.” She was clearly pleased and flustered at the same time.

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