Page 37 of Rebel for Claws
The vulnerability in her admission hung between them like mist, delicate and precious. For someone who'd spent her entire life guarding her emotions, laying her heart bare felt both terrifying and liberating.
Alaric's hand covered hers where it rested against his face, his eyes changing to that molten gold she was beginning to love. "You have no idea how much I've wanted to hear you say that."
"Then why do you look like you're about to argue with me?" she teased, though her pulse quickened at the predatory intensity in his gaze.
"Because the thought of anything happening to you before we get that future makes me want to lock you away somewhere safeand never let you leave," he growled, his thumb stroking across her knuckles. "You're mine now, Vivian. And I protect what's mine."
The possessive declaration sent a thrill down her spine. "I can protect myself, Alpha."
"I know you can," he said, leaning down until his forehead rested against hers. "But that doesn't mean you have to anymore."
The simple statement cracked something open inside her chest—something she hadn't even realized was still locked away. Partnership. True partnership with someone who saw her strength and valued it while still wanting to stand beside her.
They resumed their trek through the snow, but the silence between them now felt charged with possibility rather than contemplation. Every few minutes, their hands would brush as they walked, sending sparks of awareness through the mate bond that connected them.
By the time Alaric's estate came into view, Vivian's body was humming with more than just the exertion of their journey. The imposing mansion rose before them like a fortress, its stone walls and tall windows speaking of old money and older power. She'd grown comfortable there over the past few days, but now it felt different. It felt like she was coming home.
"Go get cleaned up," Alaric said as they approached the front entrance, his hand settling possessively at the small of her back. "Take all the time you need. We'll start planning our next move once you're ready."
She nodded, already anticipating the luxury of a hot shower after their frigid trek. But as she reached for the door handle, she couldn't resist turning back to him.
"Alaric?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you. For last night, for protecting me, for showing me the real you." She stood on her toes, pressing a soft kiss to his lips that tasted of winter air and promises. "For giving me something worth fighting for now."
Before he could respond, she disappeared through the doorway, her heart lighter than it had been in years. Behind her, she heard his sharp intake of breath and the muttered curse that followed—the sound of a man pushed to the very edge of his considerable control.
The hot water had done wonders for washing away the grime and tension from yesterday, but nothing could cleanse the vivid memories from Vivian's mind. As she toweled off her damp hair, heat surged through her veins at the recollection of Alaric claiming her body against the cave wall.
She selected a fitted green sweater and dark jeans from the extensive wardrobe he'd provided, marveling again at his thoughtfulness. The cashmere felt like silk against her skin, and she couldn't help but wonder if Alaric would appreciate how the soft fabric hugged her curves. The thought sent another wave of heat through her. The mate bond had definitely scrambled her priorities.
Focus, Vivian,she chided herself, pulling on her leather boots. They had serious work ahead of them, and she couldn't afford to be distracted by fantasies of her devastatingly attractive mate.
But as she made her way to Alaric's private office, her pulse quickened with anticipation that had nothing to do with strategy sessions.
She found him standing behind his oak desk dressed in dark jeans and a charcoal henley that emphasized the breadth of his shoulders. His short black hair was still damp from his own shower, and when he looked up at her entrance, those piercing grey eyes heated with unmistakable desire.
"Perfect timing," he said, his voice rougher than usual. "I've arranged a conference call with the other Alphas and pack leaders who witnessed yesterday's attack."
Vivian nodded, settling into one of the chairs facing his desk. "What's the plan?"
"I need to solidify their support for taking down the High Council permanently. After Thorne's human operatives attacked them yesterday, several are ready to declare war against the Council." He moved around the desk to lean against its edge, his proximity making her acutely aware of his intoxicating scent. "You can listen in, but don't speak. We're still keeping our... partnership... under wraps."
The way he said 'partnership' with that slight hesitation made her stomach flutter. She understood the necessity of secrecy, even if part of her wanted to shout from the rooftops that this incredible man was hers.
"Understood," she agreed, crossing her legs and noting how his gaze briefly tracked the movement.
Alaric pressed a button on his desk console, and within moments, voices began filtering through the speaker system. Alpha Gage from Tidewater pack was first to respond, his gravelly tone tight with barely controlled anger.
"Silvercrest, about damn time. We need to discuss what happened at Moon Hollow."
"Agreed," came another voice—Alpha Brock from Shadow pack. "Thorne's human operatives firing on pack leaders in sacred neutral ground was a declaration of war in my book."
Vivian watched Alaric transform before her eyes, his posture straightening as he assumed his Alpha mantle. The authority that radiated from him was magnetic, and she found herself captivated by this commanding side of her mate.
"Gentlemen," Alaric began, his voice carrying the weight of absolute power, "yesterday's attack proved what we've suspectedfor a long time. The High Council has become a corrupt institution that threatens the very foundation of our shifter society."
