Page 44 of Lycan and Lark
“Mmhmm.” He grew still again and Aria thought he may have fallen back asleep. She cried out in surprise as Lark’s hand wrapped behind her head. He pulled her down for a long, deep kiss. When she drew back she found deep violet and shimmery silver eyes gazing up at her.
“You’re even more gorgeous than I remembered. If I didn’t know better, I’d think I died and went to heaven.”
Aria giggled. “Heaven? With all the things you do to me with that body and tongue? They’d never let you in.”
* * *
Lark growled and pulled her down to him again. Those dirty thoughts of hers sent blood straight to his cock. His mouth was more urgent this time. His fingers buried in her hair, gripping her as if she might slip away the next time he let go.
Someone cleared their throat and the two quickly pulled apart. Lark knew who it was by his domineering thoughts. Gideon stood in the doorway with a smirk on his face. “How are you feeling?”
Lark searched his body and mind. Something had changed. He felt calm, peaceful, completely at ease. White fur became present in his consciousness. He could see his wolf, feel it. There was none of the usual fury and animosity present. His wolf was happier, more submissive. “I feel incredible.” A strange feeling tugged at his mind when he looked at Gideon. It’s as if the Alpha were a part of him. His presence felt intimidating, sure, but there was a comfort there as well, a trust. “Alpha,” Lark added and his nerves fired up with the use of the word.
Gideon grinned. “Welcome to the pack.”
Lark’s heart felt light and full. He gazed at Aria who looked happier than he had ever seen her before.
“We can work on getting you some temporary accommodations until you decide—”
“Lark is moving in with me,” Aria cut in. She turned toward Lark with a slight blush. “If that’s what you want, of course.”
Lark chuckled. Her uncertainty was adorable. He couldn’t think of anything he wanted more.
ChapterNineteen
Aria’s apartment was exactly what you would expect. A magenta couch served as the living room’s centerpiece. Lacy pale pink fabric framed the windows. Lark had watched Aria through those barely there curtains more times than he could count. He was definitely going to be adding something more solid and less sheer. Aria had replaced the countertops with a type of black granite that was filled with sparkly mica flecks. He barely remembered what her bedroom looked like, he had been too busy looking atother thingsthe last time he was here, but he assumed it was as girly and ostentatious as the rest of the place.
“We can manly it up if you want.” Aria chewed at her bottom lip. She was nervous he wouldn’t like it; he could hear it in her thoughts.
“It’s perfect.” He pulled her into his arms. Everything about the apartment was so very Aria and he loved that.
“We can still go to the cabin any time you want, but the apartment can be our place here, at the complex.”Ourplace. That sounded damn good.
He leaned in to kiss her and she giggled.
“What?” He cringed as he listened to her thoughts. “Don’t say it,” he said.
“You need a shower,” she disobeyed, and gave him a quick peck. “Your sugary scent is all mixed up with medicine and old blood.” She pointed toward the bathroom. “In you go! I’ll go grab us some food from the cafeteria.”
Lark relented. He had wanted to do more than just shower and eat when he finally got her alone. Now that they lived together, there would be plenty of time forthat.
That thought made something warm and liquid slide against his ribs. He couldn’t have imagined any of this a year ago. “Hurry back.” He let a low growl out with the words and Aria’s cheeks became ruddy. Her mind immediately ran to thoughts of them fucking. He loved how quickly he could get her going.
He showered, eager to wash off any remaining traces of his hospital stay or fight with Gideon. The water ran down his scarred skin, cleansing it. Being in the complex was unusual to say the least. He learned if he got too close to any of the apartment’s outer walls, he would hear the neighbors’ thoughts. That would take some getting used to.
By the time he toweled off, his eyes were already heavy. Damn, didn’t he just sleep for two full days? He flopped down on the bed and after a few centering breaths, gave in to the dream-filled sleep his body was craving.
* * *
Aria was opening a bottle of wine when she got a text from Dahlia.We’re out on the green. Come socialize. It will be fun!
It was quickly followed up with another message.Plus your Scottish friend is drunk and none of us can understand what he’s saying. Something about a tick and a turkey slap? Send help.
Aria giggled, thinking of Graham. She tiptoed into the bedroom. Lark had been asleep when she came back from the cafeteria. He looked so peaceful when he was sleeping. She hadn’t been able to find it in her to wake him up. After showering and getting ready, she’d eaten some dinner by herself, and then settled on the couch to watch a Halloween movie. Dahlia’s text reminded her of just how late it was and how long Lark had been asleep.
She sat on the edge of the bed and leaned over him. “Lark?” she whispered, careful not to startle him. “It’s time to— Whoa!” The world flipped upside down and her back hit the soft, fluffy comforter. Lark leered over her, his hands caging her wrists above the pillow. His eyes were still hooded with sleep, but cobalt blue, and glowing hazel irises peered down at her.
She giggled, still a little caught off guard. “Sleep well?”
