Page 109 of Heat & Deceit
“I think what Lycus is trying to ask is... Will you come live with us?” Javier says.
Live with them? Lose my independence? As much as I’ve come to trust these alphas, as much as they feel like home, the part of me that’s been betrayed before can’t let go of the worry that, as soon as I give in, I’ll end up right back where I was with my old pack.
Waiting to be claimed.
Rejected.
I shake my head. “I can’t.”
The hope on Lycus’s face cracks, shattering.
“I can’tyet,” I amend, grabbing hold of him as he tries to get up. “It’s so fast,” I tell him, pulling him toward me until his face is mere inches from mine. “Give me time to adjust first?” I brush my lips over his. “I promise not to run.”
His mouth crashes into mine, hand clamping around the back of my neck and smashing me against his body. Stealing my breath, claiming a piece of my soul with his lips, Lycus kisses me until my head feels faint. We break apart, and he sucks in a ragged breath.
“You should know one thing.” Lycus looks me dead in the eye. “I’m good at getting what I want, so if you do run, I’ll find you.”
And while that’s probably a red flag, I grin like an idiot, because being wanted has never felt so good.
Thirty
NOVA
I wasn’t fired for missing work. Favoritism because the bosses happen to like me? Definitely, but I’m trying not to think too hard about that this morning. My phone buzzes as I’m loading up the coffee filter for the drip.
Kiki
We’ll be by today to install cameras. The guys want some outside too.
Nova
I don’t know if the landlord will like that.
Kiki
The landlord can get fucked. We’ll handle it. Are you okay? Do you want to go see a movie today?
Nova
I came to work. I needed to get out of the apartment.
Kiki
Oh. Okay. Are you sure you’re good to work?
Sighing, I slide the filter into the machine. I really hope she doesn’t start treating me like I need special care. It was one horrible, and torturous, heat. I’ve survived worse.
Kiki
I’m only asking because you were really tired yesterday.
She only means well.
Nova
I’m good. Promise. Thank you for everything.
Kiki
