Page 23 of Rebel for Claws
"Thank you for tonight," he said, his voice carrying genuine warmth. "I had a really great time getting to know you."
"Thank you for sharing your favorite places with me," Vivian replied, meaning every word. "I'm looking forward to tomorrow—working together to take down Thorne."
"To our continued partnership," Alaric agreed, though his eyes held promises of much more than professional collaboration.
As her door closed between them, Vivian leaned against it and pressed her hand to her racing heart.What did I just get myself into?
The next morning, Vivian stretched languidly in the king-sized bed, her body still humming with awareness from the previous evening. The memory of Alaric's almost-kiss sent heat spiraling through her again, and she found herself touching her lips, wondering what it would have felt like to close that final distance between them.
He acknowledged we're fated mates.The reality still felt surreal, like something from the ancient stories her grandfather used to tell. She'd spent thirty-five years convinced she'd never find anyone who could understand her, and now the mate bond pulsed between her and the most powerful Alpha in the territory.
What would it be like to just surrender to it?The thought made her heart beat faster. To let herself be claimed by those strong hands, to feel his mark on her throat, and to lose herself completely in the primal connection that demanded she submit to her Alpha mate. Her body responded to the fantasy with embarrassing enthusiasm, and she pressed her thighs together against the sudden ache.
A sharp knock shattered her daydreams, and Vivian bolted upright, expecting to see Alaric's commanding presence fill her doorway. Instead, a parade of staff members entered carryinggarment bags, shoe boxes, and what appeared to be enough clothing to stock a boutique.
"Good morning, Miss Cole," the lead woman said with professional warmth. "Alpha Silvercrest asked us to ensure you have everything you need."
Vivian watched in amazement as they laid out an entire wardrobe. Designer jeans, cashmere sweaters, silk blouses, elegant dresses, tactical gear that somehow managed to look fashionable, shoes ranging from combat-ready to runway-worthy, and intimate apparel that made her cheeks burn with their delicate beauty.
He really didn't spare any expense.The thoughtfulness behind the gesture sent warmth flooding through her chest. This wasn't the cruel, rigid Alpha from the rebellion stories—this was a man who'd somehow anticipated exactly what she'd need and want, down to the perfect balance of practical and feminine.
After the staff departed, Vivian headed for the luxurious bathroom, her reflection in the mirror catching her off guard. Her pale blonde hair was tousled from sleep and her violet eyes bright with anticipation she couldn't quite hide.
The shower was a revelation of hot water and expensive products. She found herself taking extra care, using the vanilla-scented body wash and conditioning treatment that made her hair fall in ethereal waves.When did I start caring about looking good for a man?
Standing before the array of new clothing felt like stepping into someone else's life. She selected a white lace bra and panty set that made her feel both powerful and feminine, then pulled on dark jeans that hugged her curves perfectly and a cream cashmere sweater that felt like a cloud against her skin. The leather boots fit as if they'd been crafted specifically for her feet.
I feel like a spoiled princess.The thought should have repulsed her after decades of rugged survivalist living, butinstead she found herself embracing the luxury. For the first time ever, she applied light makeup, accentuating her unusual violet eyes and the natural rose of her lips.
I want him to see me as desirable, not just dangerous.The admission no longer terrified her. The mate bond had awakened something primal and feminine that she'd buried under years of independence and self-reliance.
But we still have a mission.Reality crashed back as she remembered Thorne's operatives hunting her, the ancient texts that needed deciphering, and the corruption that demanded exposure. She couldn't afford to get completely lost in romantic fantasies, no matter how tempting.
Another knock interrupted her thoughts. She opened the door to find Alaric dressed in khaki pants and a thermal henley that showcased his powerful physique, his light grey eyes immediately darkening as they swept over her appearance.
"You look..." His voice turned rough, and she watched his hands clench at his sides as if fighting the urge to reach for her. "Stunning."
The raw desire in his gaze made her body respond with liquid heat.He wants me.The knowledge was intoxicating, and she couldn't suppress the satisfied smile that curved her lips.
"Thank you for all of this," she said, gesturing to her new outfit. "Everything fits perfectly."
"Good." His eyes lingered on the way the cashmere hugged her curves before he visibly gathered his control. "Are you ready to dig into those lineage and bloodline records? I've already gathered everything in my office."
"Lead the way, Alpha," she said, then watched with feminine satisfaction as his breath caught at her use of his title.
TEN
ALARIC
Alaric guided Vivian into his private office, and he closed the mahogany doors behind them with a quiet finality that seemed to amplify the tension already crackling between them. The space reflected his dual nature—formal Alpha authority in the massive oak desk and leather-bound volumes but also hints of the scholar he'd become in his investigations, with ancient texts and genealogical charts scattered across every available surface.
Focus on the research, not on how that cashmere sweater hugs every curve of her body perfectly.But even as he tried to center his thoughts on their mission, Vivian's scent—wildflowers, vanilla, and something wild that called to his wolf—made concentration nearly impossible.
"I've gathered everything I could find on the Silvercrest lineage," Alaric said, his voice coming out rough as he gestured to the organized chaos of documents. "Dating back over four centuries."
Vivian moved with that fluid grace that mesmerized him, her violet eyes scanning the materials with the focused intensity of a master strategist.She's brilliant, dangerous, and absolutely perfect.The mate bond thrummed between them like liveelectricity, and he caught her stealing glances at him when she thought he wasn't looking.
They settled into chairs on opposite sides of his desk, close enough that her fragrance teased his senses but far enough apart to maintain some semblance of professional distance.Professional. Right. As if there's anything professional about wanting to complete that kiss from last night.
