Page 25 of Wicked Fate

A shiver wracked my body, and he stepped back, leaving me even colder.

“Let’s see if we can find clean clothes instead of putting the dirty ones back on.” He motioned toward the bedroom.

I wanted to pout, but we’d had a long day and night and needed rest. There was no telling what would happen tonight or tomorrow.

We padded back into the bedroom, and Ryker went to the dresser on our left and opened the top drawer. Folded inside were several pairs of dark sweatpants and a few worn shirts, clearly left behind by a pack member.

He grabbed a sweatshirt and a pair of black shorts that he tossed at me, then he grabbed sweatpants and a shirt.

We slipped on the clothes and climbed into the bed, sinking into sheets that held a trace of cedar and smoke. He pulled me against his chest, and I breathed in his intoxicating scent as well.

My eyes fluttered shut, exhaustion beginning to take hold.

Congrats,Briar linked gently into my mind.About time. I hope I waited long enough and am not interrupting anything.

A small laugh escaped, and Ryker lifted his head to look at me. He arched a brow.

Thanks. And your timing was perfect,I replied while smiling.

“I’m not complaining, but what’s this all about?” Ryker tilted his head.

“Just Briar congratulating us.” I snuggled deeper against him and let the warmth of his body and the bond we’d sealed wash away the last traces of cold I’d been carrying.

He kissed the top of my head. “Well, I’m not upset about that.”

In his embrace, I finally felt like I’d found another home, and for the first time since I’d watched my world burn, I didn’t feel like I was drowning.

* * *

Something tried to tug me awake, but Ryker’s body pressed against mine, and the comforting thrum of our connection lulled me back under.

But then something hit me.

A scent.

Floral… but not common. I breathed deeper, my eyes still shut. The scent was beautiful, like roses steeped in magic and lilacs blooming in the middle of a lightning storm.

My heart leapt into my throat, and a shiver coursed down my spine.

That scent—I’d smelled it twice before.

I forced my eyes open.

The room was dim, bathed in the faint blue-gray light of dawn creeping through the window blinds.

Andheleaned over me.

A scream lodged in my throat as a warm palm clamped over my mouth.

Golden skin shimmered faintly in the low light. Dark auburn hair framed sharp cheekbones and ears that narrowed to elegant points. His glowing, otherworldly eyes bored into mine.

Unblinking.

Unmoving.

I wasn’t even sure if he was breathing.

My body went rigid, instincts screaming, bond flaring with panic.

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