Page 78 of Forced Alpha Bride
Gasping, Damon rolls off me, reaching out to gather me in his arms and pull me against his chest. I snuggle into him, feeling my heart racing as aftershocks of pleasure continue to run through me.
When our breathing begins to settle, Damon pulls back a little to look into my eyes. “You’re an amazing woman, Winnie,” he says, stroking my cheek.
“I don’t know about amazing,” I say with a grin. “But I have my moments.”
“You sure do,” he chuckles. “That was a whole lot of moments, there.”
“Hmm, and one great big one.”
“I’ve never felt like this before,” he says with a hint of wonder. “There’s something about you that satisfies me in a way I’ve never known—but it also makes my craving worse.”
“I know what you mean,” I answer, snuggling close to him to stroke his chest. “I didn’t even really understand attraction, let alone lust.”
“I’m glad I can make you feel good,” he says.
I look up at him, smiling. “So far, you’re the only one who ever has!”
“That’s good to know. It looks like you’ll never need anyone else.”
“No,” I reply, kissing him. “I really won’t.”
I let myself sink into his kiss, losing myself in the sensation of our slick lips sliding together, the teasing edge of his tongue. The insatiable feeling rises in me again, a deep craving that aches for him.
Damon sighs as he pulls back, resting his head on mine. I feel a wave of tension settle across his shoulders, and I know it has nothing to do with lust.
“You’re thinking about today, aren’t you?” I ask.
“Yes,” he answers. “I can’t help it. I was thinking that all I want is to be wrapped up with you, right here, forever. Then my mind got crowded by all the things I have to do, duties I can’t escape.”
“I know,” I say, staying snuggled against his chest and running my fingers across his skin. “I don’t want to move, either, but the pack needs us.”
“What the hell am I going to do, Winnie?” he asks despondently. “This is all such a goddamn mess. I don’t know where to start, and the elders are going to be expecting an answer tomorrow. They’ll barely wait for the dead to be in the ground before they demand action from me.”
“I think if we want to know the truth, we can’t rely on anyone in the pack—even your trusted men. I’m not implying at all that they’re working against you; it’s just too dangerous. I don’t want anyone else getting hurt.”
“Nor do I.”
“Obviously, we can’t trust the personal guards of any of the elders.”
“No,” he answers. “We can’t. What are you suggesting?”
“We need outside help,” I say thoughtfully. “Fresh eyes on the problem, someone with a different angle who isn’t overly biased to either side. It also has to be someone who can investigate while we’re at the funeral. That’s the only time we’ll know exactly where everyone else is.”
“Where do we find this person?” Damon asks. “I agree it’s a good idea, but who would have the skills to do this, even if we could find someone not connected to either pack?”
I grin up at Damon, giving him a quick kiss. “I’ve got an idea—but you’re going to have to trust me.”
Chapter 24 - Damon
Very early the next morning, Winnie and I sit at the kitchen table, having a quick breakfast before we head to the manor. Both of us are formally dressed for the funeral, and even though our mood is somber, a crackling energy fills the air from how nervous we both are.
Anything could happen today. I have to be prepared for the worst.
I watch Winnie tap away at her phone, her mind so completely absorbed by the messages she’s sending that her face is twisted into a scowl.
“I hope you know what you’re doing,” I say. “This is almost unprecedented. You know that.”
“I do,” she mutters, her thumb flicking across the screen. “But I honestly think we have a unique opportunity here. I’ve been worried all this time that you’d use me—maybe even hold me to ransom—but you didn’t think of this, did you?”
