Page 596 of Love Bites

CHAPTER9

His house looked the same as the day I left. A book I had been reading was still on the coffee table and all the feminine touches I had added remained. When I had first moved in it was a total man cave, but Hank was thrilled to let my personality and things join his. The house was a perfect little bungalow tucked away on a private beach on the outskirts of Hung. We had spent many nights wishing on stars and making plans for the future.

I had loved him since high school. He was four years older and watched me from afar until I graduated college. He made his moves quickly and there was no looking back for either of us. I loved him completely—his strength, compassion and smokin’ hot butt just killed me. I couldn’t believe someone like him wanted someone like me. He was as deadly as he was kind—a rare combination for a Shifter. He was a tough but fair alpha of the Pack and had only been challenged once since he took over for his father. The challenge was horrifying. It was the first time I’d seen Hank fight. My alpha was mesmerizing and humbling. That night was also the first night we made love.

“Sit down, Essie,” he said. He paced the room and his power filled it. I sat quietly and waited.

“Hank, I…”

“You what, Essie?”

“Nothing,” I murmured.

“You’re sitting right in front of me, but you’re still running. If you want me, Essie, you’ll have to fight for me.” He crossed his arms over his chest and watched me.

“Will you still fight for me?” I whispered, afraid of his answer.

“I have fought for you from the moment I laid eyes on you…and I never stopped. Not for one moment.”

He was right and it made my shame more debilitating. The silence was heavy and my brain was jumbled.

“Do you still love me?” he asked calmly.

I glanced up and my eyes locked with his. Having nothing left to lose, I nodded my head yes.

“Then you need to show me.”

“I don’t know how.” I was stricken. How could I erase a year of pain and anger?

“Essie, when you left me you were still a girl. I didn’t realize it—I was too close. You became your own woman this year. As much as it sickens me that we weren’t together when this happened, maybe this was the way it was supposed to be.”

“You watched me. You saw everything I did. Why didn’t you drag me home?” I asked. He wasn’t prone to rash action, but he did have the wild possessive streak of a Were.

“Trust me, I was tempted…but I wanted you to grow, and because I had Dwayne’s ear and big mouth I felt secure. Not to mention your Granny said, and I quote ‘I will rip your alpha ass apart if you don’t let that girl find herself’.”

God, my Granny loved me something fierce. Standing up to your alpha was serious business. “What did Dwayne tell you?” I asked as I felt my cheeks heat.

“You’ll have to ask him.” He gave me a half smirk that made me want to weep with joy and tackle him to the ground at the same time.

We stared at each other for a long time. I literally ached to touch him, but I still wasn’t sure what the ground rules were. Did I have to pay penance? I was willing to do anything to regain his trust.

“You’re going to have to make the first move, Essie,” he said quietly and leaned back against the wall.

He was right and I was scared. Maybe he and Granny were correct. Maybe I did have to grow up. I was no longer just the alpha’s gal pal. I was my own woman—an agent, a strong, whole person.

His green eyes turned a silvery blue and I felt wanted for exactly who I was—the crazy girl who would continue to attract trouble and make mistakes. The one who could love him like no other and the one who could finally accept his love in return.

I stood slowly and slipped the straps of my sundress off my shoulders. His body tensed, but he stayed still. I let it fall to the floor and I giggled.

“I’m still wired.” I grinned and approached him. My insides danced wildly and the scent of cinnamon filled the room. I was wearing a bra, panties, kick ass wedge Pradasthat belonged to Dwayne, a wire and a small gun strapped to my inner thigh. I had never felt sexier in my life.

“Officer, I’m going to have to ask you to remove your weapon,” Hank said in hissheriff's voice.

“Wait, isn’t that my line? I’m the agent,” I answered as I bit back a laugh.

“True, but I’m the sheriff…and your alpha. I trump. Remove the gun. I plan to spend some time there and I prefer to keep my manly parts.”

“I prefer that you keep your manly parts too,” I said and stopped a breath away from him. His body went as tight as a drum and his Mr. Happy was very happy. I knew it took everything he had not to lunge at me. I marveled at his control and quite honestly at mine too.

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