Page 26 of Scarred Savages
“Freedom,” I repeat softly, the word bittersweet on my tongue, stirring something deep within. I glance at the cottages, trying to picture the stories of those who live there. What brought them here? What were they escaping?
“And what about me?” I ask hesitantly. “Am I one of your… tenants?”
Axel’s grip tightens on my thigh. “No, Wildcat. You’re special.” His voice drops to a low, almost purring tone. “You’re here for us.”
Ethan clears his throat. “What Axel means is you’re part of our inner circle.”
I nod, trying to absorb all this information.
“It’s not what you expected, is it?” Axel’s voice is low, almost tender—strange coming from him.
I shake my head. “No, it’s not.”
“Give it time,” Ethan says as he steers the truck down a winding path. “This place has a way of growing on you.”
“I think you’ll fit in just fine here. You’ve got fire in you,” Axel adds, a hint of mischief in his gaze.
I can’t help but snort. “Is that what you call breaking your nose?”
He grins almost maniacally. “I like a little pain with my pleasure.”
“Axel,” Ethan chides, though amusement dances in his voice.
We drive in silence for a while. My eyes catch the eastern gate, heavily guarded like the southern one.
Are they anticipating unwanted visitors?
As I’m about to ask, Axel’s hand releases its grip and begins tracing soft circles on my thigh. He stares out the window, seemingly unaware of his touch.
This is the first time a male has laid hands on me in such a gentle way. Those soft circles feel wrong coming from someone so intimidating—and even worse, they feel good.
Heat pools within me, igniting a response I hadn’t anticipated.
Ethan takes a sharp breath; his knuckles are white as he grips the steering wheel.
“You smell that, buddy? Isn’t it the best fucking scent in the world?” Axel glances at me and winks.
My eyes go wide as I realize what he’s saying.
They can smell my arousal!
Of course, they fucking can; they’re wolves.
“Let’s head back,” Ethan says tightly.
Axel throws his head back and laughs.
I want to die.
9
Luna
Notebook: Step one: Learn the house rules. Step two: Pretend you’re not panicking about the sex clause. Step three: Survive dinner without choking on neon purple potatoes.
Back inside, Alpha Hudson motions for me to sit on the leather couch, while Ethan settles into a chair nearby.
“So,” Alpha Hudson begins, leaning forward, elbows on his knees, “let’s discuss your role here.”
