Page 49 of The Blue Path

Sitting deep within the shadows, I was confident we were safe for now but come morning, I couldn't guarantee we wouldn't be found.

Tipping my head back, I looked at the Moon's light breaking through the branches above, saying a quick, silent prayer to her. Her gentle light illuminated the small space, making it feel almost cozy. I was hopeful Blue would be able to sleep comfortably here while I fashioned a plan to sneak us out before daybreak.

Blue and Lex huddled together, both soaking wet and shivering. We were fortunate they had slid down the rockface and not fallen. From that distance, both could have been seriously injured, if not killed. My claws pushed out at the idea of Blue getting hurt, and I shook my head, trying to shove the thought away.

"Are you okay?" I whispered, my wolf begging me to lean in and scent Blue properly. He could have unseen injuries like cracked ribs or deep bruises. My wolf was restless at not knowing for sure, but I kept my distance, not trusting myself to touch him.

Blue nodded as he tucked his fists under his chin, a tremor working hard through his shoulders. I instantly reached for the satchel around Lex's neck. The siren hissed out an angry protest as I ripped it off his shoulder. I pulled out our last clean shirt. It was surprisingly dry, considering how wet the bag and siren were.

I quickly held it out to Blue. "But you…" he mumbled, a shiver working through his body as he tried to refuse it.

"I'm fine," I said firmly, setting the garment next to him. My pants were soaked, but it was nothing I couldn't handle. Omegas, on the other hand, were far too fragile to shiver all night.

Then I turned my back to give him some privacy. The wet smack of fabric was followed quickly by Blue's soft scent. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, my mouth watering at the delicate perfume that settled on my tongue. I wasn't sure if anyone had ever thanked the stars for the presence of a siren, but right now, Lex was my saving grace. He was keeping my wolf's desires at bay.

If left alone, I was sure my rational mind would slip away, and I'd be tempted to claim my sweet omega.

My wolf desperately wanted to slip into a fierce rut of lust and need, and I finally understood why alphas took unclaimed omegas without courting or even consent. Blue's delicious scent was testing every fiber of my willpower.

But I wasn't an animal.

I was civilized and would do this properly and with his permission.

While it was clear I still scared the delicate omega, I was determined to win him over. But I needed more time before I could pursue him properly. I needed to build his wolf's trust before taking him as my own.

"Okay," Blue whispered.

I faced him and instantly shut my eyes, cursing my painfully hard erection.

Blue's wet hair fell into his eyes, the dark fabric of my shirt fell to his knees, and he twisted his fingers together while averting his gaze. He looked so submissive and enchanting. Everything about him begged to be handled and dominated.

It was more than my wolf could manage at the moment, and I prayed to the Moon for strength.

"Are you okay?" Lex asked me a little too loudly.

I opened my eyes, then motioned with my hand for him to keep it down. While the waterfall might muffle any sound, someone might still hear us.

Lex shrugged, then snuggled up next to Blue. The siren's clothes suddenly looked dry, but his hair was still wet. I simply didn't understand his magic.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Lex asked me again, not having the decency to let it be. Given my urges and his ability to feel emotions, I was sure he knew exactly what my problem was.

"Yes," I cleared my throat, "I'm fine. How about you two?" I moved my eyes up Blue's soft, pale legs. His skin held a hazy blue hue in the dim light, making him look even more alluring. Like a soft, glowing treasure begging to be discovered.

"Just a scratch, but I'm okay," Blue said softly, looking at his hand.

I was instantly next to him, causing the omega to startle at my swift movement. "You're hurt? Where?" I ghosted my hands over his arms, enraged that I hadn't immediately caught the slight tinge of blood in the air.

Blue took a calming breath, then pushed his sleeve up to reveal more of his velvety skin to my hungry eyes. The heel of his hand, up the side of his forearm, was scraped. A small amount of blood seeped out in a few spots. Nothing dangerous or life-threatening, but still more pain than my omega deserved.

"Can I?" I asked, holding his arm gently in my hands. It was agony to ask and not just tend to him.

Blue swallowed hard, then nodded, his lips pressed tight.

My tongue touched his warm skin. I lapped then sucked gently, really tasting him for the first time. A burst of sweet energy poured through me. My wolf was alive—truly alive—for the first time in my life. Every moment and purpose within me zeroed down to this one omega—this one enchanting creature.

He was my wolf's claim.

My heart's desire.

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