Page 14 of Luka

Spencer’s smile was wide, his eyes bright with gratitude. “Thank you, Luka. That means everything to me. I still don’t want to pull you into this, but I have no idea what else to do.”

Luka nodded, unsure of what else to say. He had never been good with words, especially when it came to emotions. But he knew he had meant every word he had said. He would be there for Spencer, no matter what.

He would put down anyone who thought to harm the male. Luka had walked a lonely life by choice, because his line of work hadn’t allowed him to get close to anyone. But somehow Spencer had gotten under his skin, had broken down his walls and given him a sense of belonging. It was dangerous, but Luka couldn’t help but want more.

Even broken men deserved love. And maybe, just maybe, Spencer could be the one to heal him.

* * * *

Spencer couldn’t believe everything he’d just learned. If he was smart, he’d run and never look back. But he couldn’t bring himself to do that. Luka had opened up to him, had shown him his true self, and Spencer felt a connection to him that he had never felt before. He knew it was dangerous, that Luka was not a man to be messed with, but he couldn’t deny the attraction he felt toward him.

Whatever it was, Spencer knew he wanted to see more of it. He wanted to know everything about Luka, even the darkness that lurked within him. The guy might have killed, but Spencer also saw the vulnerability in Luka. The need to be loved, just like anyone else.

Spencer wasn’t sure if he was ready for that, but he wasn’t going to freak out and run away.

“It’s starting to get cold.” Spencer rubbed his arms.

“I’ll get wood for the fireplace. You go on in.”

Spencer went in and settled on the couch, still trying to absorb everything he’d learned.

Luka came inside moments later with a stack of wood and kindling. He knelt in front of the fireplace and started a fire, the crackling sound filling the silent room. Spencer watched him work, his heart racing with anticipation.

As the flames grew higher, Luka stood up and turned to face Spencer. In the flickering light of the fireplace, Luka’s eyes seemed to glow with an inner fire. Spencer couldn’t tear his gaze away from him.

Luka took a step forward, and Spencer stood up to meet him. They were now standing inches apart, the heat from the fire warming their skin. Luka reached out and rested his hand on Spencer’s hip, pulling him closer.

They stood there for a moment, neither of them moving, just absorbing the heat from the fire and each other’s presence. Spencer could feel the tension between them, the chemistry that was building with each passing moment.

And then Luka leaned in and pressed his lips to Spencer’s. Spencer gasped at the sensation, the softness of Luka’s lips against his own. Luka’s hand moved up Spencer’s back, pulling them closer together.

Spencer wrapped his arms around Luka’s neck and deepened the kiss. It was like nothing he had ever experienced before. Luka’s lips were demanding, but gentle at the same time. Spencer felt like he could get lost in this moment, in this man.

Luka broke the kiss and looked into Spencer’s eyes. “I want to take things further,” he said, his voice low and husky.

Spencer nodded, his desire for Luka consuming him. “Me, too.”

Luka ghosted the tips of his fingers over Spencer’s cheek. “There’s something I have to tell you first.”

“More?”

“Yes.” Luka stole a quick kiss. “There’s a chance, if we have sex, that you could be my mate. A wolf shifter never knows who their mate is until they sleep with them.”

Spencer was surprised by Luka’s revelation, but he didn’t pull away from the wolf shifter. Instead, he leaned in closer and asked, “What does that even mean?”

“It means that if we have sex and you turn out to be my mate, we’ll be bonded for life.”

Spencer felt the gravity of the situation hit him. This wasn’t just about a one-night stand or a casual fling. Sleeping with Luka could mean a permanent connection, a bond that couldn’t be broken. It was a huge decision, and he needed to think about it.

“Hell, Luka. I mean we don’t even know each other, and you’re talking about a lifetime commitment.”

“I understand,” Luka said. “Take all the time you need. But know that even if you don’t turn out to be my mate, I still won’t let anything happen to you. I’ll protect you, Spencer. You have my word, which I don’t give lightly.”

Spencer pulled away. “This has gotten too heavy too fast. I need you to pump the brakes.”

As much as he wanted Luka, damn, the guy had to go and throw a wrench into things. Even so, there was also a sense of safety and security that came with him. It was a strange combination, but it was alluring.

“I need some air,” Spencer said suddenly, needing to clear his head. Hadn’t Luka said the same thing before he’d confessed to what he was and what he did for a living? Or had done for a living before he’d retired?

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