He shook his head to clear it, his attention focused on the new information waiting for him. “It doesn’t matter right now. What did you find out?”
Walking around the table, I plucked the still-open book up and walked over to stand next to him, holding it up so he could read. He bent to read over my shoulder, and I tried to ignore the heat radiating off him, his leather and cinnamon scent wafting around me. It was impossible not to think about how close he was, how something jolted inside me as he lingered behind me.
“The sand wraith is effectively warped or mutated magic,” I explained.
“So it can only be destroyed by magic,” Elias murmured, scanning the pages with interest. “We should have figured that out on our own ages ago. I can’t believe we missed it.”
Reaching over me, he took the book from my hand, his fingers brushing against mine as he did. Instead of reading, though, he stared at me with a stern intensity that seemed to radiate through me.
“Magic defeats it,” he repeated. I didn’t miss the implication in the words as he stared at me, one eyebrow arched.
“Seems like it,” I said.
He let out a long breath, his eyes darkening for some reason I couldn’t tell. “Well, at least we have more information than we did. I can’t believe no one else thought to look at these.” He closed the book and placed it on the table. “Thank you. This is…” He let out a low breath. “This is really useful. I don’t know how long it would have taken us to look at those books if you hadn’t.”
“You really don’t mind that I looked into it?”
He shook his head. “Why the hell would I be upset?”
Shrugging, I glanced away. “I don’t want you to think I’m overstepping. I know I’m only the luna because of the Oracle, not by your choice.”
“Honestly? I’m thrilled.” He took several steps toward me, his hand going to my arm. I barely noticed, fixated on how his heat seemed to wrap around me. I had this insatiable urge to step closer.
My brow furrowed, my head tilting as I processed the words. “Thrilled?” I asked.
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but a lot of lunas don’t do anything once they’ve mated the alpha,” Elias said. “They sitaround and do nothing. I love that you took the initiative.” He gave a grin that warmed my insides. “I’m glad I have a luna who takes her job seriously, and who cares about the pack.”
“I’m sure another luna would do the same,” I said, feeling heat prickling up my skin.
He shook his head. “Believe me, this means more to me than you can ever realize that you care about the pack. I know things aren’t ideal between us, but I’m still glad you’re here by my side, and that you’re actively taking part in pack matters.”
He smiled down at me, and my eyes locked on his lips. The air seemed to rush from my lungs as my body registered just how close he was. A rush of need and longing slammed into me, and for a moment, all I wanted was him.
As if sensing that want, his hand moved from my arm to my shoulder. His fingers caressed the still-tender spot on my neck where he had bitten me. Something about the gentle touch sent ripples of craving and need racing through me, settling below my stomach.
“You really aren’t what I expected when I came to your door,” he said. “You’ve changed a lot from that girl I remember.”
I couldn’t resist the reply that came to mind. “The girl everyone picked on for being weak and chubby, you mean?”
He closed his eyes for a moment. “I’m sorry about that. We were stupid kids.” He took another step closer so our bodies were nearly touching, our faces inches apart. “If the last couple of weeks have taught me anything, it’s that you’re about as far from weak as it’s possible to be. I just didn’t appreciate your strengths earlier. As for the other bit...” His eyes flicked up and down my body, sending heat racing through me as unmistakable lust and hunger burned in his eyes. “I personally happen to like your curves. Quite a bit.”
I raised an eyebrow, tilting my head as a coy smirk spread unbidden across my face. “Is that so?” I asked, that heat and craving building, my wolf and her own need only exacerbating it. All I could think about was his lips, his body, his calloused hand electrifying my skin.
“It’s honestly been a bit distracting,” he growled. “I’ve got all this work to do, and all I can think about is how badly I want you.”
I could barely breathe, the air seeming to rush out of my lungs. I found myself leaning toward him without realizing it. His eyes lingered on my lips as his head lowered.
I was so absorbed in Elias that I didn’t register the door opening and closing. “Mom, I’m home!” Grace called from down the hall.
Elias and I stepped back from one another, the crackling electricity and heat that had permeated the air moments earlier evaporating in an instant.
Grace bounded into the room, humming to herself, the events of last night seemingly erased from her thoughts, at least for the time being.
“Hi, sweetie,” I said, dragging my attention away from Elias despite my wolf’s protests. “How was your day?”
Grace beamed, practically bouncing up and down as her eyes shone. “It was great!” she said. “My teacher is super nice, and I liked the kids in class. I even made a friend!”
“You did?”
