Page 14 of Tide Touched

I’m still holding my supper out to her, content to wait until she’s ready. ‘Then you will travel with me. It will be much safer for you.’ I tilt the bowl to get her attention.

Finally, she relents, taking the still-warm stew, and lowers herself onto a log. She doesn’t thank me, but I didn’t expect her to. I glance back at my guards. Now that they’re not in a confrontation, they’re talking quietly, the air light and conversational. They don’t seem perturbed about our new visitor. She is Fire Pack, after all.

I meet Moira’s gaze through the flicking haze of heat above the fire. ‘I know you aim to free her,’ I say quietly, ‘but I can’t tell you that I do as well. I’m here on a diplomatic mission from my father. I imagine he will face discontent from the Tide Witches about my actions as it can be construed as rude by the Water Pack, my showing up and seeming to stake claim on a wolf who is now theirs.’

Moira gives me a filthy look, then lowers the bowl, part of the stew already drunk. Her green eyes flick to the guards behind me. ‘You can’t tell me you’re planning to rescue her?’

I meet her gaze, hoping she understands. ‘Correct.’

As she raises the bowl to her mouth, her lips twist slightly. ‘I see.’ She drains the bowl, then gets to her feet, pressing it into my hands. ‘You do anything to hurt my friend, and I’ll make your life a living hell.’

A chuckle startles from me as I turn to meet her gaze. Oh, I like her. Fierce, protective. I watch as she climbs boldly into my tent. ‘Good night.’ She offers Patrick—his face still bloody—a wink, then zips the tent up.

I guess I’ll be sleeping under the stars tonight.

Chapter Eight

Katie

My heart thunders as I step into the room. Two things hit me at once. One, that the room is furnished and nice, but bland, a guest room. And two, that no scent lingers here. Carter hasn’t taken me to his room. Where he beds his girlfriend.

I turn to him, brows creasing. ‘Why here?’ The space feels so empty. Unused.

Carter closes the door behind him. ‘This is where you’ll stay.’ His voice is edged, cool like glass.

‘This isn’t your room.’ My gaze falls on the bed.

‘No. It’s yours.’ His eyes search mine. ‘I’ve never seen someone with eyes like yours.’

It doesn’t exactly feel like a compliment. More like an observation. I look at the bed, remembering his promise. Not before I’m ready. At a glance down at the bulging front of his pants, I know his need is driving him as wild as my own. How can I be so hot for someone I don’t know? Is that what the mate bond does? I bite my lower lip, gathering my courage.

I reach a hand out, forcing it not to shake, as my fingers brush his hair. He closes his eyes, letting me touch him. A muscle feathers in his cheek. ‘Are you angry?’ I breathe.

Carter sighs, lowering himself to the bed. ‘No.’ His voice is surprisingly soft. He averts his gaze as he readjusts himself. ‘I… I really want you, but I feel bad.’ A low, deep flush coats his neck, growing to his cheeks. ‘All I can think about is taking your clothes off. And my girlfriend is probably trashing our room right now.’ After a moment, he pats the bed beside him. ‘What… what are you feeling? I feel a bit crazy right now. Tell me I’m not the only one.’

A harsh, nervous laugh escapes his lips. I lower myself beside him. ‘I feel a little crazy too.’ I fold my hands in my lap. ‘I’m sorry. About… your girlfriend. That must be hard.’ My cheeks immediately flush at the unintended innuendo. Damn it. ‘I mean…’

Carter smirks. ‘I know what you mean.’ After a brief pause, he swivels on the bed, turning to face me. I do the same. ‘When I took your hand, I was shocked you were so warm.’ His fingers wind around my own, marvelling at my temperature, apparently.

‘You feel cold to me.’

Carter’s mouth flicks up. He drags a hand through his hair. ‘How can we be mates? I don’t get it.’

‘It might be my fault,’ I offer. ‘I’ve always been a freak. Drawn to the water, the beach.’

‘Really? How come?’ Carter lays down on the bed. He hooks a finger playfully around the corner of my dress. ‘Just talk to me,’ he says, voice low. ‘I know this is weird and crazy…’

I nod. It’s not just me wigging out at this. I exhale, laying down on my belly beside him. ‘I don’t know why.’ In this position, our faces are so close I can see the different shades of blue in his eyes, like a tide coming in to fill shallow pools, deepening their hue. Slowly, I reach out to brush a lock of hair out of his face. The movement is so slow, staggered, and my fingers shake. ‘You rejected me.’ The words slip out of me against my volition. I break our gaze and stare at the pillow in front of me.

Out of the corner of my eye, I watch him go rigid. ‘I… Katherine, come here.’ A finger under my chin leads my gaze to his. ‘I…’ His eyes glitter, as though sprinkled with broken glass. He leans forward, pressing his lips against mine.

I’m so surprised I don’t move, his cold lips locking me in place. The heat that burns low in my belly aches.

Carter leans back slowly, gauging my reaction. ‘I don’t know how I feel about you, about any of this, but I know I… I know I want you.’

My gaze slides down to his pants and I have the sudden, gripping desire to rip them off him. To see what lies beneath. I lean forward again, closing the small distance between us. ‘Even though I’m Fire?’ I press my lips to his, then lean back, my fingers brushing his cheek. ‘You’re so cold.’

Carter glares. ‘You’re warm,’ he challenges. He holds my chin, looking me over. ‘I’d never imagined a mate like you. Warm. Red. Curves.’

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