Page 64 of Where There's Smoke
I nodded, the unease I felt backing off as I sighed. “Believe it or not, as someone who is only just coming to terms with a change of designation, I understand fighting internally with your instincts.”
“But I took my stress about that situation out on you, and that was wrong. I was figuring out what to say to you, to try and explain, when your heat hit, and suddenly, it was all hands on deck, so to speak. That logical brain? Out the fucking window.”
A snort escaped me. “Notall handson deck, just pack Wilder hands.”
Elliot nodded, his face serious, but a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth as his eyes flicked down for a moment.
Why were crooked smiles so darn attractive?
“Yes, onlythosehands.” He met my stare again, and damn, if it wasn’t something to be on the receiving end of a vulnerable and open Elliot. “I was struggling with my instincts, and I've been an alpha my whole life. You are only just going through a change and are handling it better than me.”
“I wouldn’t go that far. I probably shouldn’t have slapped you.”
He shrugged. “Eh. I deserved that.”
“Still. It wasn’t the nicest. It was just that, in the space of a few minutes, I discovered that my beloved animal shelter had been burned downon purposeby someone, and then in the same breath was being accused of doing it. My head was reeling as I tried to figure out how it had been burned down in the first place. Who would want to burn it down?” I shook my head.
“There were fingerprints on the canisters, and we have sent them off. Unfortunately, the lab is taking its sweet time. They don't take arson investigations as seriously as they should when no one is hurt and it’s not a residence. There were also other cameras nearby; we have requested copies of those tapes. Maybe it’ll be enough for an identity.”
I cocked my head to the side. “Could it have been just a random act of violence?”
“Maybe, but from the footage, it seemed rather deliberate.”
Tears gathered in the corners of my eyes. “I hate that someone did this to my shelter. Do you know how long it took me to build that place? It was years of blood, sweat, and tears justgonein a puff of smoke.”
“Melody…”
Strong hands wrapped around my waist, and I was pulled into a warm lap, Elliot’s spearmint and smoky scent engulfing me as he pulled me into his tight embrace.
Part of me wanted to resist, but his touch was so goddamn comforting that I couldn’t help but melt into him. It helped that he’d just apologized. Quite well, in fact. But I wasn’t going to let him off that easy.
“Just because you’ve apologized doesn’t make everything better,” I grumbled.
He chuckled, his hand running lightly up and down my back. “Oh, I know. I was considering getting you gifts, but I figured out something better.”
That piqued my interest. Rearing back so I could look up at him, I cocked an eyebrow.
Smirking, he reached into his pocket, pulling out his phone. Tapping on the screen a few times, he turned the device so I could see it.
“I ordered a bunch of new dog beds and toys for your rescues. They all deserve a comfy new bed, and I knew you would appreciate that more than something shiny for yourself.”
“Oh…” Tears gathered again, my throat tightening as I tried to keep them at bay.
Beneath me, Elliot tensed. “Did I get it wrong?” he asked, voice laced with anxiety.
“Not at all!” I cried, throwing my arms around his neck and squeezing tightly. “Don’t get me wrong, I like shiny things as much as the next girl, but these are amazing!” I said, my voicesomewhat muffled, as my face was shoved into his chest, while I hugged him fiercely.
A warm, rumbling laugh emanated from his chest. “I can get you something shiny, too, if you want? Or a book? You’re always reading Samson’s.”
“Well, I’ll never say no to shiny things,” I murmured, making him laugh more. “And new books arealwaysa good thing.”
“How about we go get a coffee, swing by the rescues and check on all of your fluffy babies, and then meet the guys for dinner?”
“You’re speaking my language now!” I giggled. Instead of getting up, though, I simply stayed in his arms, basking in the embrace.
“If you want coffee, you will have to move eventually.” He chuckled, not tense at all, and rubbing a hand along my back.
“Soon. This is too good to pass up,” I said softly, eliciting another chuckle.
