Chapter 14
“No, Kennedy, I need you with me when we visit the other packs.” The Luna’s voice is tight but restrained.
The Luna and Aurora share another look together.
Kennedy doesn’t even acknowledge my presence. She won’t even look at me as she walks
even acknowledge my presence. She won’t
away outside.
“Kimberly, if you have any questions or need anything, or if you just feel weird, please come and see me before our appointment. Or if you just need to talk about things.”
“You’re so very kind, Rya. We are so thankful you’re back. Would it be okay if I stop by this afternoon at your house? I think maybe we need to have a talk. Just you and L.” Luna Catherine’s voice holds a command in it. She won’t take no for an answer.
“I’m busy this afternoon, sorry.” I don’t want to sit and talk with her. I have nothing to say-
to them.
“Rya-” Dallas comes out of his office, standing just outside his door.
“Yes, Dr. Valentine?” He’s holding a bundle of paper in his hands.
“Here’s all the papers that need to be filled out. Thanks again for helping me this afternoon.” He hands me the stack of charts, our fingertips touching while he hands me them. A flush creeps along his neck with the contact. I have to look away from him, but I can smell him…
“Well, Rya, another day maybe, when you aren’t too busy.” She doesn’t say it to me; she’s” staring down Dallas, a hard look in her eyes, the wolf ascending. I can feel vibrations off her skin that she’s sending his way. He holds her stare for a moment before turning around, shutting his office door.
Both of them leave as I shut the door behind them, thankful that they left.
Chapter 14
Dallas comes out of his office and leans against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest. A keen smile spreads wide across his face.
“You better watch yourself with her, Dr. Valentine.” Aurora gives Dallas a bright smile.
“What can she do to me? I’m the doctor!” They both laugh at that. The way he laughs is contagious, almost pulling me into a laugh…almost.
Dallas takes the stack of papers from my hand, bringing them back into his office.
“If you really need help…”
“No, this is all garbage that needs to be shredded. Thanks, anyway. You have a good afternoon, Rya. See you tomorrow.”
“You too, Dallas. Thank you for that.” My eyes meet his in thanks, and another blush creeps on his face. I find that cute in a flattering way.
Aurora comes into my office, sipping a fresh cup of tea.
“Don’t you think it’s sweet of Luna Catherine, always bringing Kennedy with her to meet other packs, molding her for her future role as a Luna? You know what I find really nice? That all the Lunas of the other packs hold a nice welcome dinner for them. All the unmated male pack members are expected to show up so they can meet this future Luna. Catherine- has been dragging her around for years doing this. She refers to it as hunting.” Aurora blows on her cup of tea before taking a sip, eyes watching mine. “You didn’t hear that from me.” Before I get to say a word, she turns around, leaving me open mouthed.
After finishing with my work, I decide to walk home, just in case the Luna drives by and doesn’t see my car. I don’t want her stopping by.
Nothing but little puddles are left in the wake of the storm. Everything else is dry underneath the sun’s hot eye.
Walking down my driveway, keys jingling in my hands, I notice how the wind lifts the willow tree’s hanging limbs in a gentle dance, swaying back and forth. Green eyes glint at me in the shadow of the tree.
Chapter 14
Stepping into the sun, he looks like a vision…a horrible, wonderful vision
“Rya.”
Static crackles between the two of us…
He doesn’t move.
Je doesn’t speak.
He doesn’t do anything but stare at me.
His eyes capture mine, and everything slides away. Nothing else exists, just him
A chemical reaction of the purest, simplest elements merge together, creating something that feels combustible. This moment will always loiter in my mind. This one real moment between the two of us without witnesses.
He begins to step toward me, one long stride at a time. Watching, he inhales deeply, eyes closing, a shudder quivering his muscles. Another step toward me, his hands shake like my heart. Core muscles tighten. My tendons are taut, my bones quaking with the assault inside my body. His muscles are contracting, causing spasms under his exposed skin. Another step
with toward me. I can actually hear his erratic heartbeat inside his chest. Our bodies each other.
sync
Bliss so pure runs up my spine, wrapping around my shoulders, hugging me in its embrace.
I let my eyes caress every curve, every edge of his body. I try to ingrain every detail of skin, the curve of his lips, broad shoulders, muscular neck…my scent giving off just how much I appreciate what’s standing in front of me. His eyes are blazing bright green, the desire pouring off him in waves. He sucks a breath in…
C
