Page 31 of Rathgar

I still think he’s a bit of a jerk, and I still worry about the future, but for right now?

I don’t need to say another word. With tears in my eyes, I pull him into my nest as he kisses me.

The first few — or first few dozen — times we had sex when I was in heat, we were driven by nothing more than pure animal need. We couldn’t keep our hands off of one another and our sex reflected that: raw, passionate, and smoking hot.

But as we undress each other in the soft comfort of my nest, this is something else altogether. The way his touches linger on my skin and leave a trail of heat in their wake. The reverent way he says my name and caresses my swollen belly. And even in the way I react to him as well, wrapping my arms around him so tight and drawing in his scent, afraid to let him go.

He whispers my name over and over like a prayer, peppering me with kisses and slow, languid thrusts that make me see stars. The brutal edge has all but vanished, leaving in its place a warm, caring man who simply wants to make me happy.

It feels too good to be true, but when I come apart on his cock and tears flow from my eyes at last, I’m afraid to consider otherwise. As I drift into a peaceful sleep, wrapped in my carefully prepared nest and in Rathgar’s loving arms, I realize I could get used to this. I’m afraid.

GIFTED NUTCRACKER

RATHGAR

It’s only two days later when I receive a summons from Soren. He’s gathering all the alphas together in the meeting hall. Says it’s important.

And it’s like my worst fear coming true. I’m finally starting to have a breakthrough with Janie. Starting to get her to trust me. And starting to feel my own heart open as well. It’s more exhilarating and more terrifying than any battle, and if I have to leave again…

It could undo everything I’ve worked so hard to build.

A battle of wills plays out in my conflicted brain when I step into the meeting hall and see all of them there. Soren sits at the head of the table and nods at me as I enter. I’m the last one there; I take my seat to Soren’s right, bracing myself for what happens next.

“Alphas of Aesirheim,” Soren booms. His sonorous voice carries well past the gathering of a dozen or so men. It bounces off the walls and seems to go on forever. “We’ve received word of an…anomaly, for lack of a better word. Normally docile creatures are attacking villagers right outside our borders. They’re on the move, and we’ve lost contact with our away teams. That’s why I’ve called you all here.”

My heart rate shoots up, the familiar rush of adrenaline and battle spirit flowing through my veins. Normally, I’d be the first to jump on an opportunity like this. But a stone of dread settles in the pit of my stomach. What about Janie? What about Iris?

And most of all, what about our child?

It’s not just me that I have to worry about anymore. Whether she accepts me fully as her mate or not, I made her a promise. And to betray that trust would be the very antithesis of all I hold dear.

“We need volunteers to go investigate the source of the disturbance and bring our men home.” He glances over at me as he says it, seemingly reading my thoughts. “Sitting in this room are the best trackers, warriors, and healers that Aesirheim has to offer. And if we fail to act now, if we let this threat continue unchecked, we could be next.” His throat bobs with emotion. “Our families could be next.”

I shift in my seat, fists clamping the arms of the chair in a death grip. This is what I signed up for, so long ago. To protect and serve the people of Aesirheim from any and all threats, external and internal. I took an oath, and I took it yet further when I elected to be part of the first test group for the Alpha Project.

I dedicated my life and my body to protecting our planet and our people. And that, I realize with a shiver, now includes Janie.

While the other alphas talk among themselves, Soren gestures to me to follow him. “May I speak with you privately?”

This can’t be good. “Coming.”

We step into a side room and Soren looks me up and down, a knowing expression on his face. “I know we just had this discussion about you and Janie, so if you aren’t able to make it…” He trails off. “You know I wouldn’t call you here unless I really needed you. Unless Aesirheim needed you.” He averts his gaze, looking past me. “I’ll give you leave, just this once. All you have to do is say the word.”

It should have been easy. To thank him for his generosity and go back home where my mate and children were waiting.

But I made a promise to myself, and a promise to the planet. I would not stand down in the face of danger now. “I’ll do it.” I say softly. “I’ll go with you.”

Soren perks up. “Are you sure?”

I give a quick nod before I can change my mind. “Yes.”

“Very well.” Before snapping back into commander mode, he looks at me sidelong, a hint of mischief sparkling there. “And you know, there is one perk to going out on these away missions…”

“Oh?”

Soren’s wolflike grin spreads across his whole face. “Let’s just say that Lara is very happy to see me when I return, if you know what I mean.”

I open my mouth to respond, but my face heats up as I realize the implication of his words. I hadn’t even thought about that, but now that he mentioned it…

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