Page 22 of Claiming Xan
I took off again, relieved when the Alpha pursued me instead of the Roses. I was headed for the lake when suddenly, River slammed into my side hard enough to send me toppling to the ground.
I’ll admit, there was a brief moment of panic as I tumbled head over heels, then landed, and River pinned me flat on my back. Panting, I gazed up into blue-and-brown eyes as the Alpha stared down at me. Intent. Intense.
And then he surprised me yet again by shifting back to man. He straddled my small wolven frame, running his hands up my chest, his fingers raking through my fur. He stroked over my cheek tufts before cupping my muzzle and face in his palms.
His eyes softened. “You’re so beautiful.”
Me? Beautiful? I could hardly breathe. The shift shuttered through me, leaving me laying in the grass beneath River’s hard body. River slid his hands over my sides, then up my arms, before pinning them above my head with one hand.
“River,” I uttered, but he wasn’t done.
His head dipped low, his eyes still so intense. Our lips were so close that I could taste his breath. Mine hitched. I tipped my face up, my gaze searching his until River finally closed the distance and kissed me, and hell…
I whimpered. Iactuallywhimpered.
He tasted good, of mint and summer spice. I melted into it, my hands curling into helpless fists. I tried to reach for him, but River’s grip was firm, so I arched my body up into his instead.
River groaned and rocked back, our bodies grinding together, slowly undulating like a serpent’s dance. River took what he wanted from me with each kiss and each touch, and I gave it up to him, a plea breaking from my lips. “Please…”
I could feel the Alpha’s hardness in his jeans, rocking against me, and fuck if it didn’t make me want—but River stiffened, his head snapping up and around, staring off at something in the distance, and I wanted to groan. I wanted to grab him by the face and force his gaze back to mine, but it was too late.
He pulled away, and I knew why; I could feel eyes in the shadows, watching us. Other pack members, roaming the woods, feeling restless as well.
When River shifted back and sprang away on all fours, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed. Damn it. I followed afterhim, although catching up wasn’t easy with my shorter legs, and we made the trek home in silence.
But at least now I knew how River felt? That he wanted me, just as much as I wanted him. That my desires weren’t just one-sided. I made a mental note to get the Alpha alone next time.
And I had just the idea.
13
XAN
The next morning,I texted Kace:I need a favor.
Depends on what it is,he replied.Shoot.
I wanna take River to the drive-in and the movie doesn’t start till nine. You know how Mom is. I’m gonna tell her I’m taking him to your place for game night. Can you cover for me? Tell her we’ll be late if she calls?
No answer… I held my breath, then added,Pretty please? With sugar on top?
Is this a date? Or “as friends”?
I groaned.Not you too… Does it matter? So what if I like him? He likes me too, so the feeling is mutual. It’s not like I’m jumping into bed with the guy!Yet, anyway. A small smile twitched at the corners of my lips.Just a date. A movie. He deserves to have a little fun in his life.
Mom will flip. Can’t you find a normal boyfriend?he asked.
I typed back angrily,No one judged you when you decided some homeless stray on death’s doorstep was your fated mate, so I don’t wanna hear it, Kace. I likeRiver. He’s not a bad guy. No one is willing to give him a chance except me! It’s bullshit.
I’m just worried about you,Kace said.
Well do us both a favor and stop? Please? I’ll figure out how to handle Mom if this becomes a serious relationship, but I just want to go on a simple date. Please?
Okay. I’ll cover for you, bro, but only because I want you to be happy.I could almost hear Kace’s smile behind those words, because I knew he meant them. That’s just who he was as a person, and as a brother.
I kicked my feet happily.Thank you! I owe you one!
That evening, after dinner, while Mom and River were both still seated at the table, I made my announcement. I cleared my throat and squared my shoulders, then said, as casually as possible, “Hey, Mom. Dinner was awesome. Me and River are gonna head over to Kace and Nevin’s place for game night now.”
