“Are too,” I challenge.
A low growl escapes my throat, and she presses her body against me. Her hand settles on my hip, and she squeezes, nearly clawing at my side.
“You’re growling,” she says, her voice thick and hazy.
“Am not,” I whisper, even though I know it’s a lie.
“Alphas only growl when they are threatened,” she says.
“Not true,” I shake my head, and her eyebrows furrow. “We growl for lots of reasons. When we’re threatened, when we’re pissed off…” I lick my lips. “When we’re turned on.” I shrug. “When we’re trying to catch the attention of a pretty omega.”
She scoffs. “You think I’m pretty, Emmett?”
I know I should tread lightly with Auryn, but I’ve never been known to be careful and cautious. That’s Gage’s job. He’s the brains; Diego and I are the brawns. Olly’s the peacekeeper.
And maybe it’s because I’ve lived my life on the edge, but being held under Auryn’s scrutinous gaze makes me feel challenged in a whole new way.
“No.” I watch her eyebrows furrow and her lips frown as if she is truly hurt by my words. I shake my head and grasp her chin with my hand, holding her still. She tries to move, but I don’t let her, and she huffs out an angry growl.
“I think you’re fucking beautiful, baby,” I tell her, and she stills. The faintest puff of tart lemons fills my nose along with the spicy peppercorn and hint of cinnamon.
My mouth waters.
“Really?” she asks, her voice almost small. Both her hands squeeze my hips, and my cock twitches against her. She sucks in a breath as I lower my head to meet her gaze full on.
“Really,” I whisper. Her gaze flashes from my eyes to my lips. A heavy dose of perfume fills the air as she whines.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, the words that follow completely of their own accord, make me feel more threatened and vulnerable than any spicy omega. “How can I make it better?”
Auryn bites her lip and digs her nails into me through the fabric of my shirt.
“Emmett…” she sighs, her voice full of pain and desire.
“Just say the word, baby. Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you.” I lean my forehead against hers, needing her to understand. “All you have to do is ask.”
She squints in pain and whimpers.
“K-kiss me?” she asks, unsure.
“Is that what you want?” I ask, rubbing my fingers along her jaw, tilting her up to meet my mouth. “You want me to kiss you?”
She nods, eyelashes fluttering, her sweet and spicy scent sticking to my skin, in my lungs…everywhere.
I kiss her without a second thought. Her lips are soft and warm, and she tastes like lemon pepper. It’s not sweet, but then again, nothing about Auryn is sweet.
And I don’t think I’d like her as much if she was sweet, if I’m being honest.
She kisses me back, tiny fingers pulling me against her with a force that no omega should possess. It’s the second time she’s done that. Shown her strength to be stronger than what it should be.
And I like it too much to let it go, though clearly I should. I should also tell Gage about this development.
Maybe even Olly, but…
For the moment, I want to keep it to myself. I want a piece of Auryn forme.
I can’t help but purr in contentment.
“Harder,” I bite out against her lips as I place one hand against her throat and the other on her hip. “If you want to claw me, baby, fucking do it.”
