Page 32 of Break The Ice

Oh, the possessive rage in this alpha’s voice.

“They tried to coerce him into taking an omega, and he would have done it because he loved them. But she was never ours. It would have destroyed our pack, but he was so desperate to fix his family that he would have done it for them. It was irresponsible and selfish of them.”

I stare at Callan, wishing I could soothe the rage. Maybe I can. I sit up on the couch on my knees, slant my head to the side, and brush my lips over his.

He tenses, and I pull back, hovering, waiting for his reaction.

“Why?” he asks.

“Because I want to. Because I think you, Raider, Kit, and Wren are incredible, and I like you far more than I should. Even if I am a prisoner.”

Callan surges towards me, his arms wrap around my back, pulling me into his chest.

Our lips meet again with more softness than the first time. A brush, another, a third. His tongue flicks out and licks just a tiny part of my lip. I shudder, wanting more but loving this game.

His hands are so large on my back, and he smells so good. Soft lips and a body that is both firmer than mine but still soft. Parchment and tea. I slide my hand up, gripping his hair and tightening my fingers in the silky strands.

We shouldn’t be doing this. I shouldn’t be doing this.

It’s only going to make it harder.

When his lips brush mine, he takes my bottom lip and sucks. I’ve never been kissed like this. The languid teasing caresses are messing with my mind. I want to beg him for more and curse him in the next breath.

His next kiss changes everything. I open my mouth as his tongue sweeps in, and the taste of him has me groaning. I arch, pressing even closer to him.

This alpha can kiss.

His hands don’t explore my body. The places where we touch aren’t overly sexual, and yet, this is one of the most intimate, intense kisses of my life.

He draws back and cups my cheek with one hand, running a thumb over my bottom lip. “We’re a mess of a pack, Ryann. You don’t want to get involved with us.”

His words hurt. They shouldn’t because I know I can’t have them either, but I want them.

Have I ever wanted anyone before?

Not that I can recall.

I was thinking that love wasn’t in the cards for me.

No, this isn’t love. This is lust. I push myself free and stand up, putting even more space between us.

“You’re right. It would be a terrible idea.”

Callan looks down at his hands. I can’t quite see his expression, but I can feel the disappointment in the air.

“Do you have any family?”

The question is so random that I’m stumped for a minute.

“No. Other than my uncle. He’s all I have.”

Callan nods. “Family can be difficult. Take my dad, for example. When I told him Kit was my alpha, he hated it. He was so against it, so vocal about how he’s not a proper alpha.”

I step closer to him, incensed.

“But when I brought Raider home, I got to see how much my dad would have loved me if I’d been a big, strong, dominant alpha who plays sports like Raider.”

I sit on the coffee table, riveted to his bitter words.

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