Page 71 of His Forsaken Alpha

Cavanaugh grinned wider. “My sweet little nurse.”

Wynter smiled up at Cavanaugh.

A soft gasp came from his alpha.

“What’s wrong?”Wynter asked, panic hitting. “Is your hand hurting? Did I miss some glass?”

Cavanaugh shook his head. “No… my hand feels fine.”

“That didn’t sound like nothing,” Wynter said, his brow furrowing.

Cavanaugh reached out with his good hand. He brushed the back of it against Wynter’s cheek, his gaze arresting. Wynter was lost to it, the emotions simmering within the depths taking his breath away.

“What’s wrong?” Wynter asked, his voice a breathy whisper.

“You just smiled at me.”

“I’ve smiled plenty,” Wynter replied.

“No.You haven’t. You boarded the train, and you were haughty. You forced a smile when you knew you had no other choice than to be stuck with me. Then we bickered. You won a battle and offered mean arrogantsmile. Then you told me your story, and the smiles were laced with pain. When things turned lusty, we were too busy kissing to smile. Immediately after that, you were terrified. We ran for our lives, and there was no space forsmiles.” He trailed his thumb over Wynter’s lower lip. “Now, Ifinallyget to see one. A real one. Filled with what looks like happiness.”

“Itishappiness.” Tears burned the backs of Wynter’s eyes for some reason. A wave of emotion swamped him, leaving him untethered. He gripped Cavanaugh’s forearm to prevent being swept away by it.

“Arealsmile.” He traced Wynter’s lower lip again. “I knew you were beautiful from the first moment I laid eyes on you.” He smiled softly. “Now I know… you’re utterly magnificent.”

Wynter blinked back tears.“Stop.You’re going to make me cry.”

“Me telling you that you’re magnificent has you ready to cry? You’d better get used to it.”

Kind words weren’t a part of Wynter’s life. Never had been. Cavanaugh’s kindness almost hurt by comparison.

“I never want to make you cry,” Cavanaugh whispered. “I’ll spend the rest of my days trying to earn more of those soft, sweet smiles, though.”

Wynter’s chest tightened, the love he felt for his alpha swelling to fill every space within. How he could feel such emotion for a man he’d only just met, he didn’t know, but the one thing he did—he could never walk away and remain sane without Cavanaugh in his life. “I knew…” He cleared his throat, emotion threatening to push him to more tears. “I’d always heard that meeting your fated mate was magical. That I’d feel a strong bond for that man almost immediately, as if I’d found another part of my soul. I always assumed that was an exaggeration.”

“I assumed it an outright lie,” Cavanaugh replied. “I assumed it was some collective brainwashing the elders were manipulating us with.”

“I don’t think I’ve thought about itthathard.” Wynter shook his head. “But yeah, I wasn’t sure I believed. Especially growing up and not seeing that connection between my parents.” He narrowed his eyes and searched his alpha’s face. “Yet, I feel it now. I feel the attraction and it’s as if I’ve always known you. How can that be?”

“It’s ridiculous that I should feel what I do for you. I’ve fought against it my whole life—yet here I am, buying in, lock, stock, and barrel. I can’t explain it—other than another chemical reaction, perhaps? My brain’s feeding me the happy juice right now and I’m going to soon be addicted, if I’m not already.”

“I’m sure the shock of what we just went through heightened all that, too,” Wynter murmured. “Adding in even more chemicals. Adrenalin. Whatever else kicks in when you’re fleeing for your life."

“Quite possibly.”Cavanaugh slid his fingers through Wynter’s hair. “All I know is—I can’t stop touching you.” He pegged Wynter with a glance. “The thought of losing you makes me stop breathing. I’m addictedto you.”

Addicted to you.

That’s exactly how it felt. One taste and Wynter was a goner. He stared down at the wound on Cavanaugh’s palm, attempting to still the mad beating of his heart. “I’m sorry you were injured saving me.”

“I’m not.”

Wynter lifted his gaze.

“You’re mine. My duty is to protect you. Forever.”

Wynter cupped Cavanaugh’s cheek. His alpha turned and pressed a gentle kiss to his palm. He leaned in closer, longing to touch more of Cavanaugh’s body. To be bound together and made one soul again.

“As long as I know you’re safe, that’s all I need in this world.”

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