Page 5 of Bonded By Christmas
Alphas are inclined to lead, and they don’t hesitate to make the tough calls. In turn, omegas thrive under that gentle guidance, soaking up the feeling of safety that comes from no longer needing to be in control.
Soft Doms and Daddy Doms intrigue me the most. There’s something about the praise and care they offer while still being completely dominant and in control. I’ll be devastated if I don’t get to experience that dynamic at least once in my lifetime, and everything in me says Grim would be the perfect partner.
But I’m also worried about what went down to give him those cuts and bruises. Fighting or general aggression are signs the decay is worsening.
“You know my name,” I say teasingly in an attempt to keep the mood light. “You could use it for a change.”
It’s like this sometimes.
The alphas tend to be grunty, growly, and bossy, at least the ones that are closer to rabid than feral.
I keep my steps measured and a smile on my face to show I’m not scared of him. I think I have a false sense of safety since I’ve never had a man raise a hand to me. If that ever happens, I’m sure I’ll never have this level of confidence again. I know what could go down if I’m not careful, but something deep inside my chest says Grim isn’t a threat to me.
Oh, I’m sure he could do some serious damage in a fight. It kinda makes me wonder what the other guy he tussled with looks like.
Honestly, I probably should be concerned by Grim’s size. It’s just hard to muster fear when I know how gentle he is when it comes to me.
If he was physically aggressive, I wouldn’t see him again, or I’d ask for him to be restrained.
His arms are covered in tattoos, much like his hands. They stretch out, and his palms land on my hips as soon as I’m within reach. “Mine,” he growls, tugging me between his spread thighs.
I’d be lying if I said the word didn’t cause my insides to light up.
Grim and I are highly compatible. It’s likely why he chooses to spend his sessions with me. I’d like to believe it’s my lovely personality that has won him over, but truthfully? My system yearns for him in the same way it feels like his aches for me.
He’s one hundred percent, without a doubt, a scent match. They’re rare, though not unheard of. I read somewhere that an omega will meet on average five to seven scent matches in their lifetime.
While finding a scent match can indicate compatibility, there’s always an aspect of free will.
We’re not animals.
It’s more like nature saying,hey, here’s someone you might click with. However, it’s still up to us to decide if that person is really what we’re looking for in a partner.
I never thought I’d be attracted to the whole mountain-man look, but Grim pulls off a fluffy beard like nobody’s business.
His long dark hair falls around the tops of his shoulders as he tugs me closer. “Mine.” It’s impressive how much he can convey with a single word. It’s also a little ridiculous what that particular word does to my insides.
I smile, climbing onto his lap. “You’re bossy tonight.”
He grunts in response as I get comfortable, and I laugh. He’s always surly at the beginning of a session, but that settles the more time we spend together.
I always feel tiny in comparison to his massive frame, and I wrap my arms under his, planting my hands on the tops of his shoulders.
Grim nuzzles his cheek to my temple and sighs. “I needed this.”
Chapter Three
Grim
“Ikeep telling you to come in more often,” Lacey says, wiggling on my lap. “If it’s a money thing, we can work something out?—”
“Don’t,” I growl, shaking my head. “Don’t see anyone outside of the clinic.” The thought makes my hand tighten on her lower back. “It’s not safe.”
“Even you?” Her head tilts to the side as she looks up at me under her dark lashes.
I’d carve out my own heart before I’d harm her, but I’m living the experience of what it’s like to teeter closer to the edge of going rabid. Who you once were begins to disappear until all that’s left is simmering rage.
Hell, with the way I’ve been stalking her, I’m not sure she would agree that I’m a safer option than any of the other feral alphas that she interacts with.
