Page 83 of Emerald Flame
Chapter Eleven
Kiara sat on Warren’s lap, her arm resting across his shoulders. She hadn’t stopped smiling since she and Warren had arrived at the Caldion compound.
The wolves were in a state of mad celebration because Julio was dead. Once word of his death had been sent to the entire pack, Alessandro had led a large contingent of warriors out of the compound to round up the last of theEl Lobo Grandeforce. Their efforts put an end to Julio’s campaign against Savage.
Bonfires had been lit in several controlled pits on the patio, beer kegs had made an appearance and the night roared with howling.
More than once, Kiara’s wolfness had her neck arching. She held back because she was embarrassed until Warren howled, then she couldn’t help herself. She opened her voice in a howl to match the wolves around her.
I love that you can do that.His resonant voice in her mind sent a shiver through her body.
When he squeezed her waist, she turned into him and for about the hundredth time kissed him on the lips.
A trio of wolves drew close. Warren extended his hand to each. The wolves smiled and shook his hand, dipping their heads slowly as an acknowledgement of his status. At least a hundred of the pack wolves had already done this. By instinct, Kiara knew similar greetings would continue until every member of the pack essentially welcomed their alpha home.
At first, she hadn’t wanted to perch on his thigh, but he’d needed the closeness and didn’t seem to mind that his wolves eyed her curiously. Warren was her priority, though, and she wouldn’t have left him for the world right now. He needed her and as she examined her own heart, she needed the contact as much as he did.
She doubted she would ever understand the nature of their relationship. For the present, however, she chose to go with the flow.
When a long line of wolves arrived from the kitchens, each bearing tables and chairs, the pack of three hundred went to work. It was like watching a ballet as the massive outdoor entertaining area was transformed into a banquet hall.
Food and more beer followed next.
Warren kept her close throughout the meal, though she now sat beside him. He ate with his left hand and kept his right planted on her thigh. The connection kept her heart warmed up and her body on fire. What they’d achieved, especially removing a cruel, dangerous man from Savage, had left her with a fierce longing to be alone with him.
At last, Alessandro began quietly encouraging the pack to close out the night. Kiara watched in some amusement as several very drunk wolves had to be hauled out in protest. Even then, there was a sense of goodwill and nothing but general amusement.
Warren waited until most of the pack had gone to bed before ushering her in the direction of his apartment. Those that remained were on clean-up duty.
Once at his rooms, she moved just inside the doorway to take it all in. Her brows rose. “Your place is amazing.”
She hadn’t known what to expect, but his home was massive with tall, twenty-foot ceilings which made her wonder if he often shifted in this space. The colors were a warm brown, beige and rust with dark royal blue accents. A massive fireplace sat opposite the entrance, laid with rough, brownish stones all the way to the ceiling.
There were many large leather chairs scattered throughout the room, along with accent tables and two large couches facing each other in front of the fireplace. A large credenza sat in front of window on the south side of the space, with long panels of blue, woven fabric on either side.
On the north side of the room was another large cabinet that bore a dozen bottles of liquor. Above were shelves containing glasses.
It all made sense. As an alpha, he would entertain members of his pack. She could almost hear the past gatherings, the conversations, the laughter, the occasional howls.
Tall, French doors flanked either side of the fireplace and led to a large, private garden. She moved to the doors on the left to take in the view. There was an extensive paved patio and firepit, more seating. The tall stone walls that surrounded the yard had a protective wrought iron section at the top with spear-like corbels every few feet. The landscaping included huge rocks and dozens of junipers. Three full-grown pines filled the back part of the yard.
“Again, this is amazing.”
He drew close and from behind her wrapped his arms around her waist. She covered his arms with her own, her heart full. She was more content than she’d been in a long time.
“I’m glad you like it,” he said.
She turned in his arms and met his gaze. His emerald eyes glinted in the dim light of the room. He was so handsome. His scars had smoothed out and his left eye was now fully open. She stroked the side of his head where the tattoos showed more clearly.
“What happened tonight was a miracle,” she said.
“I agree.” He eased his fingers through her hair, then cupped the back of her neck. He leaned close and settled his lips on hers.
She drew in a long, slow breath as she parted her lips. He eased his tongue inside and began a seductive thrust. Her knees turned to a liquid state and desire played over her sex.
When he drew back, he thumbed her cheek. “How about a hot shower to close out the night?”
She looked up at him and tears bit her eyes. “I’d like nothing better.” She could get used to this. Warren saw her and sensed what she needed.
