Page 42 of A Promise of Forever
“But…” I start, my voice trembling, the fear spilling over despite his reassurance.
“I’m going to fight for you, Sterling. That is not going to change.Ever. I don’t care what it takes. You are safe with me.”
His lips find mine, the kiss soft at first, before it deepens, that tendril of need clawing its way back. I press closer to my Valla, needing to feel him and drown out the fear. Forrest pulls back, his eyes searching mine. “If you want something, ask for it, little dove. Anything at all.”
I swallow hard, the words sticking in my throat, but I force them out anyway. “I just don’t want to be scared anymore. I just… can you knot me again, sir?”
“Absolutely, sweetheart. It would be my pleasure.”
Sterling
The next two days feel strange after everything that happened atThe Forge. I find myself worrying all over again because Wilson is still out there, clawing around the edges of my new safety, telling everyone who will listen that I belong to him.
I've heard through Caelan that Wilson has been showing up at local establishments, asking questions and making threats. The knowledge that he's still actively hunting me should terrify me more than it does, but Forrest's protection makes it feel distant and manageable rather than immediately life-threatening.
I just don’t know what kind of life exists for us if we have to be on guard every time I step outside of the house.
I spend most of my time in Forrest's office now, but I've graduated from hiding under his desk to stretching out over the couch with several pillows of my own. Forrest brought them in specifically for me, many of them still in the plastic from rooms I haven’t explored. And now, I have a second space that’s all my own, Caelan and the others respectfully avoiding it when they step into Forrest’s office.
It feels so surreal, this little piece of happiness I’m carving out for myself despite everything. Especially since my heat has decided to take a back seat to the confusing emotions constantly trying to threaten to undo me.
A grumble escapes my throat, frustration bubbling up in my chest, but I have no idea why. I was good all day just lying here, even nibbling on that Italian club sandwich Marcus brought in an hour ago, but now, I just need something else. My gaze wanders the room, lingering on a Beta who’s dusting one of the shelves. I’ve gotten used to them walking through the halls and the rooms, each of them strangely attentive, though, when I have a question. It’s an odd feeling, knowing that the house is always full but empty when I come around.
I stand up from the couch and slowly move toward Forrest's desk, drawn by his scent and the desire to be closer even though I don't have a specific reason to interrupt him.
Forrest keeps telling me I can take what I want, that his space is my space, that there are no consequences for seeking comfort or attention. I'm only slowly learning that there's truth in those words, that I can ask and Forrest will give without demanding payment in return. The concept is still foreign enough to make me hesitate before acting on my desires.
I huff out a sigh as I get closer to the desk. Forrest's coconut and rum scent grows stronger as I approach, some of the restless energy settling just from being near him.
Forrest looks up, his phone attached to his ear as he twists in his chair, a warm smile spreading across his lips. I lean forward for a kiss, needing the contact more than I realized. Forrest immediately pulls the phone away from his ear and kisses me soundly, giving me his full attention despite whatever business conversation he was having.
When we break apart, I move under the desk without thinking about it. My body just gravitates toward the space that's become my personal sanctuary, the small dark area where I feel safest. I like how small it is down here, the way the darkness wraps around me like a blanket. Forrest's scent is also strongest here when we’re outside the cottage, which makes it feel safe.
I settle into my usual spot, surrounded by the pillows I've claimed as my own. Forrest goes back to his phone call above me, his voice muffled but comforting as I let my eyes drift closed. The low register of his voice lulls me into sleep, my body giving in completely.
I'm not sure how long I've been dozing when sudden noises jerk me back to consciousness. Someone is shouting angry words that I can't quite make out through the fog of sleep. Then Forrest lets out a growl that vibrates through the desk and straight into my bones.
I rush to sit up, my head connecting hard with the underside of the desk. Pain explodes across my skull, a sound that's half cry and half curse, tearing from my throat. Forrest immediately rolls his chair back and looks down at me. Concern flashes across his face before shifting to amusement, a chuckle rumbling through his chest as he takes in my disheveled appearance.
"Sorry, sweetheart," he says, though his laughter undermines the apology as he ends a call. “I didn’t expect the guy on the line to get so loud.”
Something about his amusement at my expense triggers a response I don't fully understand. I throw a little growl back at him, the sound probably ridiculous coming from someone as small as me. Then, without thinking about the consequences, I punch him in the leg.
The punch isn't hard enough to actually hurt him. I'm too small and he's too solid for me to cause real damage. But the gesture itself represents a line I've never crossed before.
I watch as Forrest's face morphs from laughter to something else entirely. Heat floods his expression, his pupils dilating as he stares at me with an intensity that makes my breath catch in my throat. My scent sweetens uncontrollably, responding to whatever pheromones Forrest is releasing. Within seconds, my pants are drenched with slick, the sudden production soaking through the fabric. A needy whine escapes my throat as I scoot back, unsure of where this goes.
Forrest runs his tongue along his bottom lip, my gaze moving from his face down to the growing bulge between his thighs. I swallow nervously, cupping both hands over my cock, even as another bout of slick soaks through my pants.God, this is embarrassing.Forrest stares at me for a little longer before looking up at the Beta staff who were cleaning along the bookshelves.
"Leave. And lock the door behind you."
I hear footsteps retreating quickly and then the lock engages, my body deciding that now is the perfect time to completely give in to my urges. Forrest’s chuckle starts up again as he helps me to my feet and I find myself standing between his spread thighs while slick continues to run down my legs.
"I didn't mean to..." I start, not sure how to finish that sentence.
"I thought it was hilarious," Forrest assures me, his voice dropping to that register that makes my knees weak. "You trying to assert yourself by punching me. It was adorable and I think that when you start coming out of your shell, I’m going to be graced with every last bit of your bratty self, won’t I?" My face flames at the insinuation as I go to tell him no, but my scent gives me away. Forrest's smile widens as he settles his hands on my hips. "But right now, you need my knot and I really would like to fuck you, little dove. Properly this time, not just helping you through a heat spike."
I gulp audibly, my scent sweetening even further in response to his words. The promise in his voice makes everything in my body scream yes, even while my mind struggles to catch up.
