Page 71 of Wolf Unleashed
“I meant to talk to you about the blood-bond, propose to you in a way you’d remember, that you’d know how much I want you.”
“I will certainly remember this. It was perfect, because it was everyone together. Thank you for making them a part of our blood-bonding.” She kissed him deep and hard, even as Rafe started guiding her legs into her jeans and Maddox lifted her hair to drape her shirt around her shoulders.
“You’re starting to shiver, Artemis. Dress, then kiss.”
“Killjoy,” she said, tearing her lips from Tiernan’s. Her scout’s grin filled her heart as she put her arms through the sleeves, wondering what became of her bra.
Maddox lifted her up and placed her back on the bed, sliding in behind her. She wanted to tear her clothing off, be naked with him again, to luxuriate in the feel of skin against skin, but it was cold in the abandoned cabin. None of her men seemed cold, and her eyes were growing heavy.
“Sleep,” Tiernan said, laying down on her other side while Rafe stayed awake, perched near the door, guarding their pack.
Chapter Twenty-One
RAFE
Rafe watched Alyssa sleeping between Maddox and Tiernan. Last night had been an experience he’d never forget. His wolf remained unsettled, though. Sex with her, while fabulous and the best he’d ever had, wasn’t enough for him. He wanted the bond with her to have that ultimate connection.
Maddox slid his arm from where it had rested on Artemis’s hip and kissed the nape of her neck before getting off the bed. “You should rest for a bit.”
“Not tired,” Rafe said, returning his attention to the door. “Something doesn’t feel right.”
“Maybe I should check the perimeter,” Maddox suggested. “I need a good run.”
“Don’t go far in case there’s trouble. Send up an alarm. I’ll find you,” Rafe said.
As Maddox reached the door, Rafe added, “When we’re clear of the WSSO, Maddox, I’ll figure out how to get you away from your pack.”
“You don’t know who you’re dealing with. I have to be back in a week, or my alpha will hunt me down. I was only allowed to come for her because her father sent mercenaries into my pack. Drake doesn’t take kindly to invaders. He thought I’d do the most damage here, since Monroe had taken my blood-bonded mate and I was the target of his mercenaries. That’s the only reason he sent me. To retaliate.”
“But he gave the DSA intel that helped us find Alyssa.”
“Drake works several angles for his needs. And I won’t even guess what his end game is. I just knew I had to come, to do whatever I could to save her.” Maddox shifted and leapt out of the cabin.
When Rafe shut the door behind him, Alyssa sat up in bed, naked. “You heard,” he said. He’d suspected she was awake and listening.
“Yes.”
“We’ll figure something out, Artemis. I don’t intend to lose Maddox. He’s too important to you. Tous.”
“Thank you, Rafe. For not giving up on him. On us.” She eased off the bed, trying not to wake Tiernan, but he woke and sat up, watching her dress.
“You’re watching me dress?”
“I love watching you dress, though undressing is even better.”
She laughed. “I must look a mess after last night.”
“You’ve never looked more gorgeous.”
“You’re turning into a flirt, Tiernan,” she said as she walked into Rafe’s waiting arms.
He rested his chin on her head, weaving one hand through her blonde locks while the other hugged her close. “How are you doing after yesterday, precious?”
“A little sore in areas, but otherwise fine.”
“I meant with leaving the WSSO behind. And not just the data. We’ll get that someday. Right now, I’m worried about how you’re doing. You left your parents, including a mom you didn’t know was still alive.”
Alyssa didn’t say anything until Tiernan came over and placed a hand on her back.
