Page 18 of The Wolf's Appetite
He stood there, rain dripping from his dark hair and broad shoulders. He looked so big and powerful, his scars making him appear even more fierce, more primal.
His body heat was immense, the cold steaming off him in the moonlit glow spilling from treetops.
But it was his eyes that had me transfixed. They were dark, restless, and searching mine like he needed to see that I was whole, that I was safe.
“Lennox, w?—”
“Are ye alright?” he demanded, stepping inside, his massive body pushing me back, his presence consuming the small space even more when he shut the door.
He scanned the room, eyes sharp, nostrils flaring as if he were scenting for enemies.
I stayed back as I watched him, my heart beating too fast. “I’m fine. I?—”
He turned to face me. I’d heard the rumors abouthis absent wolf, but right now as he stared at me, I swore I felt his animal. He looked positively primal.
“Ye shouldn’t be out here alone,” he snapped, the storm of emotions on his face making my breath catch. “They’re too close, Aisling.”
Hearing him say my name—for the first time even—was like a punch to my gut. But then his words settled in deep. My brows furrowed, and I whispered, “Who?”
He hesitated as if afraid to tell me. Or maybe he shouldn’t have because it was too dangerous. But then he exhaled, ran a hand over his face, and I knew he’d tell me the truth.
“Therabus,” he bit out, his jaw tightening. “Or something worse. We’re sweeping the woods, but I needed tae make sure...” He stopped, dragging a hand over his scarred face again, his chest heaving.
Something inside me cracked seeing him like this. So big, so strong, but worried.For me.
“Lennox,” I whispered, stepping closer, close enough to feel the heat radiating off his body and to see the rain droplets moving down his temples.
His gaze snapped to mine, something raw and unguarded in his eyes. “Ye need tae come back tae the estate. Where it’s safe.”
I shook my head, my throat tightening. “I donna understand.” Not just this but… everything. I knew if he was worried then I should be terrified. But the words were already spilling out from between my lips. “This is my home.”
He growled, frustrated, stepping even closer until there was barely any space between us. I sucked in air, breathing him in.
Theconfusion.Theneed.
“I’ve ne’er seen ye afraid?” I whispered.
His nostrils flared, and he shook his head once, sharply. “No’ afraid,” he said hoarsely. “Terrified for ye.”
The admission stole my breath, and I lifted my hand before I could stop myself, brushing a strand of wet hair from his forehead. His jaw clenched and this low, gruff sound rumbled up from his chest.
“I donna want anything tae happen tae ye,” he said, so softly I barely heard it.
The air between us grew heavy, charged. His gaze dropped to my mouth, and I felt the heat flare, my breath catching.
“Lennox…” I breathed his name like a prayer to the gods.
But then he moved. He cupped the back of my neck, his palm rough and warm as he pulled me closer. We stared at each other and I held my breath, wondering if he’d kiss me.
And when he did, I felt the world split wide open and swallow me whole.
The kiss was soft at first, almost hesitant like he was testing, waiting to see if I would pull away.
I didn’t. I wouldn’t. In fact, I pressed my body closer and slid my hands up his chest, fisting them in his soaked shirt as I kissed him back.
The world fell away until there was nothing but the taste, the heat, and the overall perfection of being in Lennox’s arms.
And then he deepened the kiss, a growl rumbling low in his chest as his arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me flush against his massive body.
