He shakily smiled and rested his forehead on mine. “That’s all I needed to hear. I’m sorry for doubting you.”
“I understand why you did,” I said, my arms still snug around his back. “This is new for you.”
“It is.”
Lake had been alone for most of his life. It would take more than a few days for him to fully trust that my feelings for him were real and not fading.
“Can I sleep in here with you?” I asked as my body relaxed more; my muscles suddenly heavy.
“I’d like that.” Lake rolled off me and lay at my side. He brought my head to his chest and kissed my hair. “You’re precious to me, Evan.”
“You are to me too.” I yawned and snuggled closer. “Do you believe it?”
“I want to. Maybe I will someday.”
“Well, I guess I’ll just have to spend every day from now on proving it. Starting with breakfast tomorrow.”
“Another omelet?” he asked, hope filling his tone. And fuck me, his tail wagged. I felt it moving beneath the sheet.
“Mhm.” I kissed his chest, loving the prickle of hair on my lips. Who would’ve thought I’d love chest hair so much? “I’ll add sausage, peppers, and anything else you want in it.” I yawned again.
“Time for bed.” Lake lightly bumped my head with his, and I smiled when I felt his furry ears. The action was playful. “My human is sleepy.”
“Your human?” My heart almost exploded.
“I…” He tensed. “I’m sorry. I said it without thinking.”
“No, I like it. I’m your human, and you’re my wolf.”
Lake relaxed. “Would you like me to sing for you again?”
I smiled. “Yes please.”
As his melodic voice filled the air, my eyes closed. Like last time, I didn’t understand the words, but his song soothed me and lulled me right to sleep.
Chapter Nine
A Muffin Rises at Dawn
When I woke the next morning, it was still dark, the sun not yet risen.
Lake slept beside me, his expression smooth. He looked like a porcelain doll, so fucking perfect it was hard to believe he was real. When I kissed his cheek, his wolf ears twitched, but he didn’t wake.
I slid out of bed and gathered my discarded clothes from the floor before creeping from the room. I needed a soak in the tub since Lake and I hadn’t cleaned up after having sex last night. I also hoped it wasn’t too late to see a certain captain before he left for the day.
“Good morning,” a deep, sexy voice said as I closed the door to the guest room. Maddox’s large body was cast in shadow, and I clamped my mouth shut to quiet my yell. It came out more like a squeak. “I should start calling youmouseinstead of muffin.”
“Oh stop.” I stepped into his embrace. “I’m glad I was able to see you before you left.”
“Is that why you’re out of bed so early?”
I nodded against his chest. He was fully dressed, sword sheathed at his side and armor fastened. I’d caught him just in time.
Maddox kissed the top of my head. “You smell like him.”
Something tugged in the center of my chest. “I’m sorry.” I stepped from his arms to put more distance between us. The narrow hallway prevented me from going too far. “I’m gonna take a bath.”
“Evan.”
