EMMA
Sunlight streams through unfamiliar curtains, and I blink, disoriented, then roll onto my back to stare at the wooden ceiling.
My heart skips a beat, and for a second, I think I’m back in that cabin.
Then I remember I’m safe. I’m at Black River. And I know Bodhi is somewhere nearby because I can sense him, like a steady presence that settles the panic before it can take hold.
The sheets beside me are cold. He’s been gone for a while.
The ache in my chest has dulled to something manageable now that we’re close, and no longer that desperate pulling that plagued me for days.
Last night comes back in fragments. His mouth on mine. His hands everywhere. And my body aches in the best way, but the morning light brings questions that passion chased away. The bond hums between us, close, intense, but not fully settled, and there’s still so much unresolved between us we haven’t really talked about.
I drag myself upright and find my clothes scattered across the floor. My shirt is torn. I don’t even remember thathappening. I grab a flannel from a hook by the door, wrapping myself in fabric that smells like cedar and smoke and Bodhi.
The main room is empty, but there’s fresh coffee in the pot and a note on the counter in rough handwriting:
Didn’t want to wake you. Come find me when you’re ready.
I pour myself a mug and stand at the window, looking out at the clan’s territory as it comes to life. People are moving between buildings. The sound of hammering echoes from somewhere nearby while kids chase each other around the community garden.
A knock at the door makes me tense.
I open the door to find another man I don’t recognize. Dark hair and a similar bone structure to Bodhi’s, but without the sheer bulk. He’s carrying a coffee mug and offers a cautious smile.
“You must be Emma. I’m Mitch.”
The brother who didn’t want to be Alpha. The one Bodhi took over from.
“Just stopping by to check on things after last night.” His eyes scan my face, probably noting the whisker burn on my neck, obvious evidence that I spent the night. “When you’re settled in, I’d be happy to show you around Black River. Give you the lay of the land.”
Before I can respond, a growl cuts through the morning air.
Bodhi appears behind Mitch, shirtless and chest heaving, as if he ran here. His eyes land on his brother standing in the cabin's doorway, where I’m wearing nothing but his shirt, and the temperature drops.
“That won’t be necessary.” His voice is low but firm. “I’ll show her around.”
Mitch holds up his hands. “I just meant…”
“No.” Bodhi moves past him, positioning himself between us. Every muscle in his frame is rigid. “I said I’ll handle it.” Bodhi’s eyes narrow, his expression giving away his irritation.
I hope he does handle it. Or me.
Mitch’s expression shifts to amusement. “Right. I’ll see you both later then.” He retreats quickly, smart enough to know when to leave.
When he’s gone, Bodhi turns to me, some of the tension bleeding out of his shoulders when he pulls me to him and breathes, then releases me after he’s had his fix, and his bear has retreated.
“Sorry. The bear is... possessive. After last night.”
“I noticed.” I smile, resting a hand on his chest, feeling his heart thumping against my palm. “Interesting.”
His eyes trail over my body, the open buttons at the top of his shirt showing him a hint of cleavage, my bare legs, and my tangled hair.
“How do you feel?” His voice is dark and husky, and a shiver passes down my spine.
Like I want to drag you back to that bed.But I don’t say that.
“Sore,” I admit. “In a good way.”
