Page 26 of Tempted By December

"I love you," I whisper, making sure she knows I meant every word. "I love you."

"Alaric," she breathes, her lips curving into a sweet smile against my throat.

Fuck. This is already the best Christmas I've ever had, and it's not even Christmas yet.

Chapter Thirteen

December

"December?WhatinGod'sname is going on?"

I cringe as soon as Cory's deep voice booms down the line. It's barely six in the morning. Way too early for him to already know what happened last night.

"Hi, Cory." I pull the blanket tight around me as if that'll protect me from whatever he has to say. I'm sure it won't be good. He's deeply disappointed. Do I know what I've done? Do I have any idea how this looks? Blah, blah, blah. I've heard it all before.

Alaric sits up in the bed beside me with a rumbling growl, coming wide awake. He whips his head in my direction, cold fury in his eyes. "Phone," he growls, holding out his hand. "Now."

I reluctantly hand it over, not entirely sure I'm ready to hear whatever he has to say to my stepdad. But, frankly, a little tired of fighting this battle on my own.

He reaches out to touch my cheek in silent reassurance before placing my phone to his ear. Judging by the way his eyes narrow, Cory is ranting. Alaric listens for a second, the muscle in his jaw ticking.

It doesn't take long before he interjects, his knuckles white around my phone.

"If you want to keep your teeth, I suggest you stop fucking shouting at my future wife," he growls, his face a thundercloud.

Future wife?

I gape at him. Oh, my goodness.

"This is Alaric Parrish," he snaps, climbing from the bed to pace like a caged lion. Even though the situation is serious, I can’t help but ogle him. He's made of thick, corded muscle, golden skin, and clean lines. There isn't a single spot on him that isn't firm and unyielding. He's a man built for war, not boardrooms, yet no one wears a suit better. No one wearsnothingbetter, either.

He doesn't try to cover himself as he paces. He doesn't seem vulnerable as he growls at my stepdad. He's calm and confident, as if he's perfectly at ease arguing with the freaking mayor while completely naked.

"The hell you will," he snaps. "She isn't going a goddamn place she doesn't want to go. Especially not with you!"

This is going well.

I sigh and climb from the bed.

"Maybe I should talk to him."

Alaric wraps one arm around my waist, pulling me up against his chest. "You don't have to talk to anyone you don't want to talk to, angel. You damn sure don't have to let them berate you when you've donenothingwrong."

"I know," I whisper.

Alaric sighs. "If you want to see her, be at my office at nine," he says into the phone. "But I'm warning you right now. You raise your voice to her; you'll be leaving with your fucking teeth in your pocket." He taps the disconnect button and tosses my phone toward the bed.

"You just threatened the mayor."

"I don't give a shit," he mutters, pulling me back into his arms. "He shouldn't have yelled at you."

I bite my lip, peeking up at him. "Are you going to threaten everyone who yells at me?"

"No." He brushes his thumb along my bottom lip. "He gets a warning because he's your stepfather. If anyone else is stupid enough to yell at you, they do it at their own peril, angel. I won't give a warning.No oneyells at you or treats you with anything less than respect if they want to keep breathing."

"So, you're going to slay dragons for me, huh?" I ask, smiling softly.

"Point me at them, sweet December," he whispers, claiming my mouth. "I'll slay any dragon that comes at you."

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