Page 78 of Pack Owned
“Coming right up.”
I know he’ll nail it—crispy edges, drowning in syrup, dusted with powdered sugar. Just how I like it. Maybe being pampered isn’t so bad after all.
“Hey, Dane?” The words slip out just as he’s about to leave, and he freezes, hand on the doorknob. “Can you... stay for a sec?”
He turns, his brow lifting in question, and I crook my finger at him, beckoning him closer. It’s a playful gesture, one I’ve never used before, but it feels right—as though I’m claiming some buried piece of me.
Dane steps back into the room, closing the distance between us. His presence is so solid, so comforting.
“Thank you,” I murmur as he leans down, expecting me to whisper something into his ear.
Instead of speaking, I lean in and plant a kiss on his stubbled cheek. It’s rough against my lips, but I kinda like it.
“Anything for you, Kayla,” he rumbles, and I swear I can feel it in my bones.
His face is close to mine, eyes searching. He’s letting me call the shots, respecting my pace. It sends a thrill through me, knowing I’ve got this big, strong Alpha wrapped around my little finger.
Right now, with this new ache between my legs and heat coiling in my gut, it hits me how much I care about this guy. His strength, sure, but it’s more than that—it’s the way he looks out for me without making me feel weak. There’s an unspoken promise in his eyes; he’s got my back, no matter what.
His scent—cedar and cinnamon, earthy and comforting—fills me. Before I can overthink it, I grab the back of his neck and draw him down for a kiss.
Holy crap. The moment our lips meet, it’s like touching a live wire. Electricity zings through every nerve, igniting a fire inside me. His hands cup my face, his thumbs stroking my cheeks with a gentleness that feels like he’s trying to memorize every inch of me.
When his tongue teases mine, a moan escapes before I can stop it, raw and needy.
So much for playing it cool, Kayla.
For a moment, there’s nothing but Dane and the passion he stokes within me. My sex throbs with a need that’s new and all-consuming, but then there’s pain—sharp and raw, as if someone’s taken sandpaper to my insides. I gasp, my body going rigid. It’s like my lower half is screaming at me, reminding me that, yeah, losing your V-card comes with a price tag of ouch. Instantly, Dane pulls away, and the concern etched onto his features twists my heart.
“Easy, Kayla.” He rests his forehead against mine, his breath mingling with my own. “It’s too soon. You need another day or more to heal from your first time.” His voice is low, a growl just beneath the surface, protective instincts clearly battling with desire. “Take the medicine. It will help along with the bath.”
I nod, biting back a frustrated groan. He’s right. I know it. But that doesn’t make the waiting any easier.
“Okay,” I whisper.
With one last long, lingering look, he nods and exits, leaving me with the soothing scents and the echo of a kiss that promises more—when I’m ready.
Alone in the steam-filled bathroom, I sink deeper into the water, letting it soothe the dull ache. I close my eyes, willing the heat to wash away... well, everything. The tension. The pain from having sex for the first time. The raw edge of need that’s seriously freaking me out.
“What the hell is wrong with me?” I mutter to the soap bubbles, my hands trembling as they skim the water’s surface. Part of me wants to melt into a puddle of goo, thinking about that kiss. About them. All of my Alphas. But another part? It’s screaming, clawing at my insides, reminding me of hands that weren’t so gentle, touches that weren’t wanted.
I take a deep, shaky breath. “Slow down, girl. You’re not claimed just ‘cause you finally did the deed.”
The desire’s still there, simmering under my skin like an itch I can’t scratch, but now it’s all mixed up with longing, fear, and straight-up confusion that’s making my head spin.
As my body slowly begins to yield to the herbal concoction Dane added to the bath, I can’t shake the feeling that this is only the beginning. There will be more kisses, more touches, more everything. The thought sends a shiver down my spine—half excitement, half terror.
“One step at a time,” I whisper, trying to convince myself. “You’ve got this. Maybe.”
Liam
Normally, I’m not up this fucking early, but since I couldn’t sleep last night, I’m pacing through the kitchen when Dane comes in and does a double-take at me.
“Couldn’t sleep,” I grumble.
He nods. “I’m starting breakfast. You in?”
“Hell, yeah.” There’s something in his posture that tells me he’s not just making food for him and me. I yawn, exaggerating the groan. “Yell when it’s ready. I’m gonna crash for a few.”
