Page 25 of Cursed
It’s shocking to feel her touch his chin, running her thumb along the part of his jaw without the scar. No female has dared touch his face in so long—not since the curse marred him. Yet here she is, fearless. So close, her breath brushes against his face. It’s the ‘please’ that cuts through his rage.
Inhaling her intoxicating scent, Ryland’s eyes change back to their normal warm, chocolate brown. He swiftly grabs Nori around the waist and pulls her into his lap. Completely enveloping her in his arms, Ryland runs his nose along her neck, savoring the smell of her. He’s trembling slightly from the adrenaline coursing through his system as the last of his anger leaves him.
Nori’s pulse jumps, startled by Ryland’s sudden movement, but he hasn’t hurt her. In fact, he’s careful withher, almost tender. She breathes through the moment of panic and gently says, “It’s OK. Relax.”
She’s pretty sure she said those words for him, but they have a calming effect on her, too. Her whole body sighs with contentment, cocooned in his strong arms. Nori has never been held like this before. She feels utterly safe for this one brief moment.
When she tilts her head back, giving him better access to her neck, he growls out, “Nori. You smell like a warm, sunny day.”
With his face buried in the crook of her neck, Ryland draws in slow, controlled breaths, steadying himself. His voice is still raspy when he says, “I’m sorry I scared you. I’m fine. I just need a minute here.”
Ryland revels in the feel of her in his arms, her whole body leaning into him. He can’t remember the last time he held anyone in his arms.
While the smell of her eases his anger, her breasts pressing against his chest sparks his desire for her. He would like nothing more than to hold her close to him all day. Or better yet, carry her to his bed and make her forget that horrible Luna.
Unfortunately, that’s the moment Zayne picks to mind-link with him. It’s time to interrogate the Rogue Wolf prisoner. Ryland takes one last deep breath at her neck; then he leans back to memorize her truly beautiful face—her large, amber eyes staring up at him, her perky nose, and those luscious lips.
The urge to kiss that pretty mouth of hers is so powerful that it’s almost painful to deny himself. But, like a bucket of cold water has been tossed on him, he realizes she would never want to kiss a man with a face like his.
Ryland eases out of the chair, gently placing Nori’s feet on the floor in front of him. He looks down at her and lifts a piece of her hair between his fingers. His jaw clenches, grinding his teeth. “You have blood in your hair.”
Nori glances at the hair that causes his discomfort and shrugs, pulling it out of his grasp. “It’s fine. I’ll rinse it out later.”
Ryland’s eyebrows rise, surprised at how easily she shrugs off the offensive stain in her silky blond hair. Taking a deep breath, he frowns down at her. “That was a horrible story, Nori.”
She looks up at him, mirroring his frown. “Every part of my story is pretty horrible.”
“I am being called to interrogate the Rogue we brought in last night. You should stay here and not wander around the castle. You are unknown and not part of the Pack.”
Nori nods. “Of course. You have Alpha duties.” She glances around the room and asks, “Ummm. Is there anything in here you don’t want me to see? Is there anything that I shouldn’t touch?”
Leaning back, Ryland cocks his head, and the corner of his mouth raises in half a smile. “Plan on snooping around?”
She smiles shyly. “I probably won’t be able to help myself if left alone in here too long.”
“Well, at least you’re honest about it.” He takes a serious look around the room, making sure nothing is lying out or hiding in a drawer that could harm her. “Anything important is locked in my safe. As long as you are mindful of the weapons in the closet, you may snoop away.”
“Great, thanks.”
Ryland takes a risk and pulls her in for a hug, resting his chin on top of her head. Nori drinks in his scent and wraps her arms around his waist, returning the hug.
The hug was a mistake. He can’t remember the last time he hugged anyone, and now he’s afraid that if he lets her go, it will never happen again. With a low growl, he releases her. “I’ll return later. Hopefully for lunch, but definitely for dinner.”
“OK. See you later,” she replies, smiling up at him.
Ryland puffs out a breath; that smile of hers is like an arrow to his heart. He steps back, his hands itching to gather her close again, and forces himself to turn and stride out the door.
chapter eighteen
Ryland meets Zayne one floor down, and together, they walk through the castle toward the dungeons.
Zayne grins at his brother. “How’s it going with the new fake Mate?”
Ryland stops and growls at him.
Zayne, shocked by his reaction, leans away from his brother and holds up his hands. “Whoa, whoa, man! You think this she-wolf who showed up out of the blue could actually be your Mate? Could she be the one to break the curse?”
Ryland blows out a breath. “Sorry. Sorry. TheMate Bond has never lasted this long, and I have definitely never spent this much time with a potential Mate before.”
