Page 155 of Bred
I shook my head, moving toward him. I was so close that the heat from his broad chest warmed me. "Please don't be mad. The earrings are so lovely."
"I apologize," he said quickly. "I thought…" He pushed a hand through his short, clipped hair. "I thought it was a good gift."
"It's a wonderful gift. Please don't think I don't love them," I implored, hoping he could see my sincerity. "I'm just sorry I can't wear them." I held out the box for him to take.
He shook his head, refusing to take it. "Please," he said softly, "keep them."
I tilted my head, trying not to offend or anger him. I had only angered one alpha in my life, and I'd never make that mistake again. "But I can't wear them," I whispered, struggling to meet his eyes.
"Yes, but perhaps Mina can sew them into your dress or something like that." He rubbed the back of his neck. "That's stupid, isn't it?"
"No, no. That would be wonderful." I held the little box to my chest. "I'll find some way to wear them tomorrow. I promise."
As if filled with a renewed energy, Rowan closed the space between us so fast I flinched as he touched my cheek. "I cannot wait to be bound to you." Then he leaned in and pressed his mouth to mine.
I remained completely still, not sure what to do.
I had kissed my parents on the cheek and nuzzled other omegas, but this was entirely new. His lips were so soft against mine, his big hands cradling my entire face. He felt so strong and controlled, holding me to him. It was lovely and terrifying at the same time.
And I wanted more.
He tilted my head a bit, slotting our lips together, then he hummed. The slightly sweet taste of whiskey lingered on my lips, followed by his rich masculine scent. Cedar and sweet moss wrapped around me, pulling me into a warm sense of safety and calm. My wolf was alight with a shocking desire to press up against him.I needed to be impossibly closer.
Slowly, Rowan pulled back, pressing his forehead against mine. "I cannot wait to see you tomorrow," he whispered, brushing his thumb over the column of my neck.
A little dizzy, I hummed in response.
"I will dream about you tonight," he whispered, moving his hand down my arm and circling it around my wrist. He squeezed ever so slightly, and fear so thick and real erupted from my chest. The fierce memory of glowing red eyes and pointed fangs burst into the front of my mind, and I jerked back.
Rowan's scent was suddenly too much, making it hard to think or breathe. Feeling dangerously overwhelmed, I turned and rushed inside, Slamming the door behind me.
THE NEXT DAY
ROWAN
"Willyousitdown?"Ivor groaned, watching me pace. He stretched his long legs, easing deeper into the weirdly bright yellow couch. "This sitting room is far too small for someone your size to be stomping back and forth."
"I wish you could have seen her face last night," I said, raking my nails through my hair and scratching my scalp. "She was scared of me."
Ivor snorted, pushing his long blond hair out of his face. "There's no way. She's just nervous. She's the daughter of a couple of shopkeepers. I'm sure she's not used to so much fuss." He narrowed his eyes at a vase overflowing with far too many tulips. Every flat surface in the small room seemed to hold a massive arrangement of flowers.
"No," I said, crossing my arms. "I'm telling you, she was scared ofme. But I don't know why."
"Did you ask her?"
"I didn't get a chance. She practically ran inside." I scrubbed my face. "You know, when I first approached her last winter, she was very skittish, but for the last month, she's been calm and friendly, even happy to see me. I thought her nerves when it came to alphas were just because she didn't grow up around us. But this wasn't nerves." The memory of her dark eyes widening, bursting with terror, consumed me. "It was fear."
"Maybe the kiss was overwhelming. Omegas are sensitive, and I doubt she's ever been touched like that." He pulled at the collar of his shirt. "Or maybe she just hated the earrings."
I groaned, sitting down next to him. "How did I not know her ears weren't pierced?"
"Hell, if I know," he snorted. "You spend every waking moment staring at her."
I stood and crossed the room once more, then back again. My dress shirt was suddenly too tight, and my slacks were overly stiff. I hated wearing my dress uniform, but I was also thankful to be a member of the guard. It would have been infinitely worse to wear a full-on suit this time of year.
A soft knock on the door made me rush across the room, and I ripped it open, the doorknob rattling hard in my grasp. Nix, Mina's younger brother, looked past me at Ivor. "Mina says it's time."
Ivor stood, adjusting his collar.
