Page 27 of No Honor Amongst Shifters
“I brought you dinner,” Roslin said, his voice low and calm.He set the tray down on the dresser, and the scent of roasted meat and herbs filled the air.
Alcott stood.He crossed the room, his eyes never leaving Roslin’s face.There was something about the way Roslin looked at him—like he wasn’t a traitor, like what he’d done was understandable—that made Alcott’s chest ache in a way he couldn’t quite explain.He didn’t need to explain it, not tonight anyway.
“Thank you,” Alcott said quietly.He glanced down at the tray.He wasn’t sure he could eat, but for Roslin, he’d try.
Roslin shrugged, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.“You need to keep your strength up.We all do.”
Alcott’s jaw tightened.He didn’t know if he’d survive, and if he’d ever have the chance to finish making amends for what he’d done.He didn’t know if he’d ever have the chance to be free.Or if he’d be allowed to stay once all of this was over.He was afraid to find out, and he’d decided not to obsess over it for now.Fight first, worry later.
“I’ll be ready,” Alcott said, his voice firm.He looked up at Roslin, his gaze intense.“I’ll fight for the clan.I’ll do whatever it takes to make things right.”
Roslin hesitated.“You’ve done a lot already,” he said softly.“You’ve earned your place back, Alcott.You’ve earned Elijah’s trust.”
Alcott shook his head.“Trust?I’m still locked in this room because the clan doesn’t trust me.They’ll never truly trust me again, no matter what happens next.”
Roslin stepped closer, his hand reaching out to rest on Alcott’s shoulder.The warmth of his touch sent a shiver down Alcott’s spine.“Itrust you,” Roslin said, his voice barely above a whisper.“And that should count for something.Misha trusts you, and Elijah.He’s our leader, and he’ll be the one to decide whether or not you’ve earned your place here.”
Alcott’s breath caught in his throat.He’d never expected this—never expected Roslin to see him as anything more than a traitor.But here he was, standing so close, his hand on Alcott’s shoulder, his eyes filled with something that made Alcott’s heart race.
“Why?”Alcott asked.“Why do you trust me?”Hedidn’t even trust himself.
Roslin’s gaze softened, and he stepped even closer, his hand sliding down Alcott’s arm to grip his hand.“Because I see you, Alcott.I see the man you are, not the mistakes you’ve made.And I believe in you.I know why you did what you did, and I understand.”
Alcott’s chest tightened.He could hear his heart pounding in his ears.He’d spent so long wallowing in his guilt and his shame that he’d almost forgotten what it felt like to be seen.And here was Roslin, offering him something he hadn’t realized he could have.
Forgiveness.
“Roslin...”Alcott’s voice trailed off.He wanted to say something, but what?He didn’t know how to express the emotions swirling inside him.Instead, he stepped closer, his hand reaching up to cup Roslin’s cheek.He hesitated for a moment, his eyes searching Roslin’s face for any sign of rejection.
All he saw was warmth, acceptance, and maybe something more, something he felt, too.He’d hoped for it when Roslin had kissed him, but he’d also told himself not to.
Roslin leaned into the touch, his eyelids fluttering closed for a moment before he opened them again, his gaze locking with Alcott’s.“Are you sure?”he asked softly.
Alcott’s heart was pounding.He’d never felt this way before, not even with Damien.He was terrified, but the thought of the coming battle and of losing Roslin before he ever had the chance to really know him was too much to bear.
“I don’t know if we’ll have another chance,” Alcott said, his voice barely above a whisper.He leaned in, his forehead resting against Roslin’s.“I don’t know if we will, well, I don’t know what will happen when we fight.And I can’t—” Alcott trailed his fingers down Roslin’s cheek, his touch feather-light.“I want you, Roslin.I want you more than I’ve ever wanted anyone.And if this is the only chance I have to be with you, then I’m taking it.”
Roslin’s eyes widened, his lips parting in surprise.For a moment, he seemed to hesitate.He stared at Alcott as if searching for something.But then he leaned in, his lips brushing against Alcott’s in a kiss that was soft, tentative, but filled with the same intensity as their first kiss.
The kiss deepened, the world around them fading.Alcott moved his hands to Roslin’s waist, pulling him closer.Their bodies pressed together as the kiss grew more urgent and desperate.Roslin’s fingers tangled in Alcott’s hair, holding him close.
When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathless.Alcott’s heart was pounding, his entire body buzzing with warmth.He’d never imagined that this would happen, especially after Damien.
“Stay with me,” Alcott murmured.“Stay with me tonight.”
For a moment, Alcott thought Roslin might say no.But Roslin nodded, and his voice was soft but steady when he answered.“I’ll stay.”
The words were barely out of his mouth before Alcott kissed him again.Their hands roamed, exploring and discovering each other.The heat between them was threatening to consume both of them, and Alcott wanted it to.
Alcott fumbled with the buttons of Roslin’s shirt, his fingers trembling with a mixture of need and fear.He didn’t know what would happen to either of them.He didn’t know what would happen between them if they both survived.But he had Roslin in his arms, so for now, none of that mattered.
Roslin’s hands weren’t any steadier than Alcott’s as he worked to remove Alcott’s clothes.Their bodies pressed together again, skin against skin, the heat between them growing with each passing second.Roslin’s lips trailed down Alcott’s neck, his breath hot against Alcott’s skin, sending shivers down his spine.
“Alcott,” Roslin whispered.
Alcott kissed him again, silencing any words with the urgency of his lips.He didn’t need to hear anything but the sound of their breathing.
They fell on the bed, their bodies tangled together in a mess of limbs and heat.Alcott tried to map every inch of Roslin’s body.The feel of Roslin’s skin beneath his fingers, the soft moans escaping Roslin’s lips—all of it was overwhelming, but Alcott wanted more.
