That gets a humorless chuckle out of me. “That’s a story for another time.” My voice drops, softer than I intend. “You’re barely keeping your eyes open, and we start training you tomorrow.”
She yawns so wide her jaw cracks, then flops a hand over her mouth. “Right. Liz mentioned that, too.”
A growl builds in my chest before I can stop it. “She won’t be training you. I will.”
The words linger between us, weighted and sharp. I half-expect her to bristle, to tell me I’m overstepping, and to throw my alpha command back in my face. Instead, she leans forward, her gaze running over me like she’s taking measure of more than just my words.
Then, with a nod so small I almost miss it, she whispers, “Okay.”
It’s one word, but it lands like a brand against my skin, searing deeper than I want to admit.
I rise to my feet, intent on letting her rest, but as I do, Rowan tilts forward. Her body sways like she’s had too much to drink, and she doesn’t catch herself in time, the floor getting closer to her face.
In a heartbeat, I’m there. My arms close around her before she can hit the ground, steadying her against my chest. She fits too perfectly there, warm and soft, like she belongs pressed against me.
Her eyes snap open, wide and startled, meeting mine. For a breathless stretch of time, neither of us moves. The world narrows to the space between us, the faint brush of her breath against my throat, and the undeniable pull that crackles in the air like a live wire.
Her lips part, and mine tilt closer, caught in the gravity of something I don’t have the strength to resist.
And then?—
Archie lets out a shrill, kazoo-likescreech of a snore, twitching in his sleep as if he’s locked in a death match with a dream squirrel.
Rowan jumps, startled by the sudden sound, and in her panic to pull back, she elbows me square in the ribs. Not expecting the impact, the air leaves my lungs in a grunt.
She stumbles, nearly tripping over herself as she twists across the bed, her eyes locked on the ferret. She’s silent while she watches and places a gentle hand over his back. The moment she touches him, he calms and seems to settle right back into sleep.
But it’s too late.
Whatever that was just seconds ago, I know it’s gone when she turns back to me.
“Sorry about that.” She avoids my eyes and mutters, “So, tomorrow morning?”
I tilt her chin up with one finger, needing her eyes on me, needing her to see the promise there. “You might hate me by the time we’re done, but you’ll thank me when it matters.”
The last of her uncertainty fades from her gaze, replaced with fire. She doesn’t look away. Neither do I. And gods help me—I don’t want to.
Except I know I have to.
Chapter 19
ROWAN
The sun creeps over the horizon, spilling gold through my window, and I’m still reeling from the almost-kiss. So much so, sleep barely brushed me all night. Whatever weariness had nearly toppled me off the bed evaporated the moment Cade leaned in close, his mouth a heartbeat from mine.
Or maybe it was me leaning in first. Honestly, it’s hard to tell when one is caught in some sort of magnetic pull that makes the brain short-circuit. Either way, something was about to happen, and now I don’t know how to feel about it.
You should have gone to his room like I told you last night,Wolf pipes up, smug as ever.
Of course, she’s all in for the action. She’s probably the reason I ended up in that situation in the first place. But I can’t exactly blame her. Not when she’s been locked in my body for twenty-nine years. Still, my sympathy only stretches so far before it turns into trouble.
I told you, Wolf, I say sternly.Let’s figure out how to stay alive first, and then we can sort out true love, okay?
And likeItold you,she huffs,what if finding love is what keeps us alive?
Great. Now my wolf’s trying to play relationship counselor. And worse… She might have a point. Because if there’s even a sliver of truth to the prophecy, if there’s a chance I could unravel into the monster they fear, Cade might be the only one able to stop me. At least according to the late-night chapters I skimmed inWolf Shifters 101while insomnia had me hostage.
Still, I’m stubborn. I want to know who I am before I become someone’s mate. I want to stand on my own two feet before I let anyone else tether me.
