Page 21 of Once You Go Pack
The realization sent a thrill through her that was equal parts flattering and unnerving. She’d never experienced this kind of intoxicating pull with anyone before and never felt like shewas standing on the edge of something that could consume her entirely.
Cade’s hands clenched into fists at his sides, and for a heartbeat, his eyes burned with such intensity that she felt her breath hitch. The civilized prince facade slipped, revealing something primal and possessive underneath that made her knees weaken.
He wants to throw me onto this bed and show me exactly what kind of wild lives beneath all that control.
The thought should have frightened her. Instead, it sent liquid heat pooling low in her body. But then his mask snapped back into place with almost violent force. He stepped back from the bed, putting careful distance between them, and tilted his head with formal politeness.
“Goodnight, Mila,” he said, his voice rough around the edges. “Sleep well.”
He was gone before she could respond, the door closing behind him with a soft click that seemed to echo in the sudden silence. Mila sat on the edge of the massive bed, her heart still racing from the intensity of whatever had just passed between them.
What have I gotten myself into exactly?
Mila sank deeper into the plush bedding, her mind a whirlwind of contradictory thoughts that refused to settle. The silence of the castle felt alive around her.
Seriously, what am I even doing here?
The question circled through her consciousness like a persistent echo. Every logical part of her brain screamed that she’d lost her mind—stepping through a wormhole to go to an alien planet to live with a wolf shifter prince who wanted her as his mate. It was the plot of some story she would write, not her life.
Yet beneath the surface panic, something else kept pulsing. Something that felt dangerously like recognition.
When Cade had touched her at the café, when his eyes had locked onto hers with that burning intensity, it was as if every cell in her body had suddenly awakened and whisperedfinally.
But am I too ordinary to be with someone like him? Can I really belong here?
She forced herself to stand, needing movement to quiet the chaos in her head. Unpacking would give her hands something to do while her mind processed this impossible situation.
Her small suitcase looked pathetic sitting on the enormous four-poster bed. As she lifted the lid and began removing her practical clothes—sensible sweaters, comfortable jeans, worn sneakers—the contrast between her simple belongings and the opulent surroundings felt stark.
When she opened the massive wardrobe to hang up her things, her breath caught in her throat. The closet was filled with clothes. Beautiful, expensive clothes in exactly her size. Flowing dresses in rich jewel tones, soft cashmere sweaters, elegant boots, and delicate lingerie that made her cheeks warm just looking at it. Everything perfectly coordinated and everything exquisite.
He did this. He went to all this trouble for me.
Her fingers trailed over a midnight blue dress that felt like liquid silk beneath her touch. The care and attention to detail overwhelmed her—he’d somehow managed to select pieces that were exactly her style, if her style had unlimited budget and confidence to match.
He must really want me to stay. Or at least... he wants me to feel special enough to consider it.
The realization sent butterflies dancing through her stomach. When had anyone gone to such lengths to make her feel valued? Her father barely noticed when she worked sixteen-hour days. Riley took her competence for granted. Even the few men she’d dated had expected her to fit into their lives without reciprocal effort.
But Cade—Cade had seen her for one morning and filled an entire wardrobe with treasures just for her.
She pulled out a silk slip nightgown in pale lavender, the fabric so fine it seemed to shimmer in the aurora light streaming through the windows. The garment was beautiful and feminine and utterly unlike anything she owned.
Her practical cotton pajamas suddenly seemed shabby in comparison. Before she could second-guess herself, she began stripping out of her travel clothes. The sweater came off first, then her jeans, then her simple cotton bra and panties that had seen better days.
The silk slip whispered over her skin like a caress, the cool fabric warming instantly to her body temperature. It skimmed her curves in a way that was both modest and sensual, the hemline hitting mid-thigh and the neckline just low enough to hint at feminine mystery.
She turned toward the full-length mirror mounted on the far wall, and the woman looking back at her was a stranger.
I look... sexy.
The realization hit her with sudden force. The silk clung to her body in all the right places, highlighting curves she usually hid beneath loose clothing. Her blonde hair caught the aurora light, and her blue eyes seemed brighter and more alive.
I feel like a man might actually want me.
Not just tolerate her presence or appreciate her usefulness but genuinely desire her. The way Cade had looked at her—like she was something precious and dangerous and irresistible—made heat flood her body.
She was still staring at her reflection, marveling at the transformation, when a soft knock at the door made her jump.
