14. Adrianna

14

ADRIANNA

M orning sun peers through the window as contentment clings to me. I can't believe I can openly admit that Cassian was right, but he was. I needed this. More than he'll ever know. With Janie's help, I'm at peace with my wolf while honing in on my fae abilities, too. To be around another wolf, a female one no less, who withholds judgment and any other bullshit, and instead purposely helps to make me comfortable in my own skin is a rare gift.

With my new abilities, I can hear the fluttering of Cassian's heartbeat from where he lays beside me. His rich, woodsy scent lingers in my nose as my pulse quickens with every passing breath.

Last night was… weirdly special.

I couldn't find a single word last night that compared to what he offered me, and eventually, I gave up trying. It was pointless. I'll know the words when they're there, and they will be, just not when I'm so swept away by him.

For the first time last night, he cupped my pussy and didn't fuck me. Instead, he penetrated me with heartfelt words I wasn't expecting as opposed to his dick. Words that settled any concerns as his eyes bore into mine.

With a full stomach and a full heart, I showered before we slipped beneath the crisp sheets on his bed, and I got to witness the affection of a touchy-feely wolf while having the same need coursing through my veins.

I spent the night pinned along the length of him from head to toe, reveling in our connection as he draped me in his heat. If he moved, so did I. If I moved, he did the same. Instead of blustering under his warmth, I was enthralled by it.

I'm enthralled by him, just as I am with Kryll, Raiden, and Brody. Accepting it more and more every day is both a blessing and a distracting curse, but it's worth it nonetheless.

"How long have you been awake?" His question catches me off-guard as I peer at him. His eyes are shut, but I can sense the slight change in the sound of his heartbeat confirming he's awake.

"How do you know I am with your eyes shut?" I push back, a soft smile curling the corner of my mouth as I stare at him.

"Because I can hear the cogs turning in your head from over here." Ass . His eyes open and he takes me in, cocking a brow a moment later. "What are you thinking about?"

I consider brushing him off, but really, it's futile. Instead, I sigh. "I've just been thinking about the changes I feel."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

He seems surprised at the truth sliding from my mouth so easily, but a hint of caution flashes in his eyes. "Good changes?"

I scoff. "They better be because I'm stuck with them whether I like it or not," I retort, earning a half smile before a serious look washes over his features, and he shuffles us around until we're lying side by side, face to face.

"None of it changes who you are as a person."

I nod. "I know, I think that's what I'm realizing. None of the changes are about my character," I admit, and a sense of relief washes over him.

"Good, because I kind of like your character," he states, pressing the softest kiss to the corner of my mouth.

"You do?"

His eyes latch onto mine. "Not as much as your pussy but…"

A giggle rises from my stomach, swirling in the air around us as he throws the covers back. A deep rumble from his chest vibrates against the palm of my hand as I keep my skin against his. He doesn't go far, though. The only adjustment he makes is so he's nestled between my thighs.

Desire mingles with excitement, swirling through my body on a mission as the length of his cock presses against my pussy. My heart flutters in my chest as I skim my fingertips over his abs when a distant knock echoes from downstairs.

Fuck.

"Please tell me I didn't hear that," I murmur, already disappointed when Cassian's head lulls with the same frustration.

"I wish."

"Any chance of ignoring it?" I query, but I already know the answer.

"If someone knows to knock, then?—"

"I get it," I interject, aware that we're technically on enemy territory, so any noise or movement around the house needs to be taken seriously.

Something tells me it isn't Kenner, though. No way in Hell would that fucker knock.

"Want to race to see who can get dressed quickest?" Cassian asks, a glint in his eyes that sets me alight with the offered challenge.

"You're on," I agree, connecting with my wolf and zipping into action.

All but my boots are on my feet when I lift my hands in the air with glee. "I win!"

A knowing look flickers across Cassian's face, making me pause when he stuffs his hand into his jeans pocket. He's dressed from head to toe, boots included, but that's not what he speaks about when he opens his mouth. "Not when I have your panties in my pocket, Alpha."

My gaze narrows. "Ass. Race you down?—"

My words haven't even left my mouth before he's gone.

Fucker.

With my lips pursed and irritation dancing over my skin, I refuse to admit I'm a sore loser and focus on my boots instead. I hear the door creak open downstairs as I lace them up, and the curse that falls from Cassian's lips makes me pause.

Uncertainty washes over me as I creep down the stairs as quietly as I can, and a hint of panic travels down my spine when I hear him bark.

"Leave."

"I can't," the voice is familiar, too familiar.

"I won't warn you again," Cassian threatens as I reach the bottom step, but the next words make me falter.

"He knows you're here. I'm trying to help."

"Help? You? I don't?—"

I step up to Cassian's side, cutting off his tirade as my gaze locks on eyes similar to mine.

"Mother."