Lake wasn’t used to people touching him. He wasn’t used to people at all. His dad had been executed simply for being spotted in the marketplace. All because of preconceived notions that all demi-wolves were traitors of Bremloc and loyal to Onyx, the demon lord. So, Lake lived deep in the forest, alone. Isolating himself from everyone.
Indecision washed across his face, and he took another step back. Toward the trees.
“Please don’t leave. I promise I won’t try to touch you again.” I put even more space between us.
“Wait.” Lake hesitated before walking closer. He grabbed my hand and, after wavering a moment, lifted it to his head. “I… I don’t mind. If it’s you.”
“Are you sure?”
“Y-Yes.”
Trying not to be too eager, I lightly touched the top of his silvery hair. Petting him. I wanted to touch his ears too but felt that would be pushing him too far, so I resisted the temptation and behaved myself.
Lake was tense at first but slowly relaxed. His eyes closed as my fingers sank deeper into the strands.
“Your hair’s so soft,” I whispered.
When his eyes opened again, the purple irises had darkened, faintly glowing between his long, pale lashes. “Don’t stop.”
So I didn’t.
My hand swept through the silky strands as little flutters traveled through my chest. Petting him was intimate in ways I didn’t expect. The way he was looking at me didn’t help; awed and perhaps a bit desperate. Hungry too.
My gaze fell to his lips, and I remembered the night he’d kissed me. There had been a shaky hesitance to it that told of his inexperience, yet an intensity that told of something strong. Feelings no longer able to be contained. Both his and mine.
Although short, that one kiss had sparked something inside me, igniting a third flame to go with the other two that burned in my heart.
“Why are you out here?” I asked, letting my hand fall away from his hair. If I continued touching him, I didn’t know if I’d be able to stop.
“To watch over you,” Lake answered. “Your males left, and I wanted to ensure you came to no harm.”
I smiled. “In other words, you were spying on me.”
“I…” Shyness came over Lake, and his furry ears twitched before slightly drooping. The poofy white tail jutting from the back of his trousers stopped moving. “I didn’t mean to spy. I was only thinking of your safety. I apologize.”
He started to leave.
“Don’t go,” I said, wanting to grab his arm but stopping myself. I didn’t want to startle him again. He turned back to me; his ears perked up. God, it was cute. “I appreciate you looking out for me. To be honest, it’s kind of creepy being here by myself at night. I could use the company.”
“I don’t wish to impose,” Lake responded. “I intended to only watch from afar, but seeing you through the window, I…” He shook his head. “It doesn’t matter.”
“Since you left, I’ve been… lonely,”Lake had said the last time I’d spoken to him.Not long after, he’d kissed me before disappearing into the night.
Whatever drew me to Lake, drew him to me too. Almost like we were bound by a force much greater than we could imagine.
“Well, you’re here now.” I nodded to the cottage. “Come inside for a bit.”
Lake glanced at the door before shifting his nervous gaze to me. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea. Your males won’t be pleased once they return and learn I was here.”
He wasn’t wrong. Maddox didn’t trust Lake and would seethe at the thought of me being alone with him. Briar was more understanding but held reservations as well. It didn’t seem to stem from jealousy of me being with another man though; it centered around them wanting to make sure I was safe.
“They’ll understand,” I said.Eventually.“The knights almost ate me out of house and home, but there’s some muffins and cake left if you’re hungry. I can make you something more substantial too. It’s the least I can do after you cooked me dinner that night I stumbled upon your house.”
I had gotten lost in the woods and he’d found me, fed me, and given me a place to stay for the night.
A hint of a smile touched Lake’s lips. “And the following morning, you taught me a new way to make eggs for breakfast. I’ve tried to recreate it since then, but it never tastes as good as when you made it.”
“That was fun.” I had cooked omelets with egg, cheese, bell peppers, and sausage. He’d loved them. I still remembered how his poofy tail had wagged as he’d watched me cook.
