Page 17 of Alpha's Choice
CHAPTER9
Emma
We cuddled on the couch, lost in our thoughts and each other’s embrace, but the magic of the moment broke when I yawned.
“I’ll grab a blanket and pillow for the couch.” Tobias stood reluctantly, stretching his arms overhead.
I glanced toward the oversized bed, turning my thoughts over in my head before deciding. “The bed is enormous. And you won’t be comfortable on the couch. I’m sure we can share the bed.”
A quick grin flashed across his face.
“Nothing is going to happen,” I said. “I’m not ready for that.”
“Whatever you want. My wolf and I just want to be near you right now.”
I went into the closet to grab a pair of pajamas, pulling on the shorts and tank top before joining Tobias in the bathroom where he was brushing his teeth. I washed off my makeup and grabbed my toothbrush.
It felt strange, but nice, as we went about our evening routines to get ready for bed. He finished in the bathroom before me and headed back to the bedroom. I walked in just as he exited the closet, clad only in a pair of black boxer briefs.
The muscles I had guessed at before were now on obvious display. He had a well-defined eight-pack and v-lines trailing into the waistband of his underwear. His shoulders were broad, and his arms sculpted, the muscles in his long legs smooth.
He was the perfect amount of muscle in my mind. Tobias was just shy of too much for me. My breath quickened. It almost made me believe in the Moon Goddess, how perfect he was.
My gaze traveled back up over his body and I froze in embarrassment when I realized he was watching me with a knowing smile. He returned my perusal with one of his own, his gaze caressing my curves as he traced my body with his eyes.
I wondered if I was as attractive to him as he was to me. I lacked the sleek muscles of the athletic women in the summer program, and while not overweight, I had a softness to my curves.
My skin flushed when he reached out to run his hand down my arm. He pulled me closer to him, his gaze heating as it returned to my face. “You’re perfect.”
His words were soft, brushing over me like a caress. He leaned down, his lips stopping just shy of my own. He rested his forehead against mine as he searched my eyes before closing the distance. His lips were soft, but firm, as they pressed against mine.
I could taste the mint of his toothpaste as his tongue slipped into my mouth, gently exploring when I opened to grant him access. My hands floated to his shoulders, my fingers digging into the firm muscle. He slid a hand into my hair, grasping the back of my neck as he deepened the kiss. His other hand rested on my hip, pulling me closer.
We continued kissing for a few minutes before he pulled away, our mingled breaths coming in quick gasps. His voice was husky as he sighed out my name.
He leaned in and brushed his lips against my forehead before lifting me in his arms and carrying me to the bed. “Do you have a preferred side?”
I shook my head.
He laid me on the far side of the bed, rounding the foot to slip under the covers, between me and the door. A protective position.
“Do you mind if I hold you?” His words were a hopeful plea in the dark. I couldn’t seem to form words, so I just moved closer to him in response. He pulled my back against his front, tucking my head beneath his jaw and wrapping his arm around my waist.
I thought I would have trouble sleeping between the unfamiliar place and position, but the warmth radiating from his body soothed me and soon I slipped into a deep sleep.
* * *
Tobias
I woke before my mate after the best sleep of my life. She fit like she belonged in my arms, her curves soft and her skin smooth where it met mine. I inhaled her scent, the warm apple and cinnamon smell surrounding me.
I could stay here forever, but the tug of a mind link kept intruding. I opened the link, grumbling.This better be important.
Matthew’s voice came through the link.Sorry to interrupt, but the Council is on the phone for you.
Damn. I couldn’t put off a weekend call from the Council. They did most of their business during the week, unless it was urgent.I’ll be down shortly.
I didn’t want to wake Emma, but I also didn’t want to leave without letting her know. It was our first morning together, and I didn’t want her to wake up alone.
