Page 8 of Beginnings

I shrugged even though his power pressed in on me, compelling me to tell him the truth. I tilted my head letting my red hair fall in a soft curtain which hid my face from him. No way was I telling him the truth.

“Did you lose control, Firecracker?” he said, more gently this time.

I shook my head. “Not really. I just...nevermind.” I sighed, really not wanting to get into why I’d hit queen bitch.

“What happened, then? And how is Shannon not injured? I’ve seen your moves, and you can pack a punch when you want to.” He chuckled.

It was a deep rich sound that gave me goosebumps. Irritatingly, I flushed at his compliment.

“I don’t know.”

“Did you hit her?”

Another shrug.

Another chuckle. “I’ll take that as a yes. Why?”

I clamped my mouth shut. “Bet I can get him to fuck me tonight too…”

My heartrate spiked, and my hands heated in my lap. Smouldering. I hissed and lifted them off my legs before my clothes started to burn.

“Hey.” Connor took my hands in his. “You only lose control like this when you're really upset or angry. It hasn’t happened for years, right?”

“No.” I pulled against his grip. My heart jumped, I could hurt him.

“Don’t worry, Firecracker, you won’t burn me. You can’t.”

I met his gaze. “Why can’t I? I burn anyone or anything else I touch when Fire is riled.” Only… I blinked, my eyebrows pulling down into a frown. I’d never burned Connor, even when I’d been really pissed off at him. I’d lost control of Fire only once before; not long after I’d started living with Rawson and Lyss. A nightmare of flames and pain had sucked me in. I swallowed and tried to shake the memory of that nightmare away. Connor had woken me. My skin had been burning up, my bedclothes and pajamas singed. He didn’t even hesitate, just took my hands and led me to the shower. Flicking on the cold water, in nothing but PJ bottoms and me in a nightshirt, he stood in the stream with me, enduring the cold, and held me until he was blue—and I finally calmed down...

“You just won’t.” He smiled and released my right hand. Gently, he tucked a bit of hair behind my ear. That soft touch sent a delicious tremor through my whole body, but I kept my gaze fixed on our joined hands. His hand surrounding mine felt so good.

Silence settled between us. Connor was the only one who knew that my skin heated like hot coals when I got extremely emotional. After that night, he had vowed to keep my secret, and I had vowed never to tell anyone about his nightmares. I’d buried Fire deep in my soul, so that red hot flash of uncontrolled rage that had hit me today was very rare.

Connor’s thumb brushed my knuckles, that gentle caress stealing my breath. The air in the car became thick with that deep musky smell I loved. I inhaled deeply and sighed, my body relaxing even as heat shot through me. I bit my lower lip and closed my eyes. It was the most heavenly scent I’d ever come across.

A low rumble escaped from Connor’s chest.

At that resonant sound, my breath hitched, but I didn’t dare look up. My reaction to the scent Connor was giving off was confusing, not to mention it sparked feelings that were useless. He could have any woman he wanted. No way was I going to fawn over him just so that he could reject me...

Connor released me and turned his hand palm up. “See? I’m fine.” His voice was lower than usual, a deep baritone that sent another wave of heat coiling between my legs. I squeezed my thighs tightly together. What the hell was going on with me? I hadn’t reacted like this with any other guy—ever. “You can’t burn me, Firecracker. Now what did that spoiled princess do to make you lose your shit?”

Another gentle wave of power seeped into my skin, warming my flesh and bones. I swallowed hard. Between those alpha vibes, his touch and his voice, I couldn’t think straight. I met his gaze with my own. “Stop that.”

“Stop what?” He raised his brows in mock innocence, his dark eyes penetrating my soul.

“Hitting me with that alpha nonsense you use on everyone else.”

His lips curled, baring his teeth in a feral smile. “I can’t help it, Em, it’s who I am. My wolf is always near the surface, just waiting to escape. I have to fight him all day, every day. And he’s more of a handful than ever when I’m near you. Besides, you seem to like it—when you let yourself.” His voice was a low purr now.

I dipped my head. Once again, my hair fell forward in a heavy curtain and hid my heated cheeks. Oh gods! Could he really tell how turned on I was right now?

He reached out and tucked my hair behind my ear again, letting his fingers brush through the silky strands. “I adore all this gorgeous red hair, but don’t hide yourself from me with it.”

I shivered at his touch, and my eyes fluttered closed, a small moan of pleasure escaping me.

A calloused finger touched the superficial cut under my eye. “Em…You still haven’t answered my question.” His voice was low, but that soothing purr was accompanied with another pulse of power; a big one that had me gasping.

My blood instantly overheated. So did my skin. Fire awoke from her slumber, her attention perking up at my reaction to this alpha’s touch. She wanted to tangle with him, to pitch herself against him; to fight and to win. I snarled and forced her back. My wolf on the other hand wanted something very different; she wanted to submit, to let this alpha command her however he wanted.

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