Chapter 323
Chapter 323
12 – Elara
“This was a terrible idea. I really should leave.” I struggle weakly, trying to slip out from the cage formed by his arms and the door that traps me inside.
“Where exactly do you think you’re going to go? Is there someone else you’d rather be with?” His voice is calm but edged with frustration. He doesn’t close the gap between us any further, but the heat of his irritation is unmistakable-always simmering beneath the surface, now turned up a notch.
“No, I uh… it’s just not a good idea right now. I’ll figure something out.” I turn once more, attempting to escape his gentle hold. As I blink, I realize he hasn’t actually touched me beyond pulling me into his room. Instead, he’s gazing intently into my eyes, searching for something I can’t quite place. Those deep chocolate brown eyes hold such intensity—like they’re trying to unravel a secret hidden within me. He inhales deeply, and as he exhales, the warm breath brushes my face, stirring a few strands of my unruly hair against my cheeks. He must see something in my expression.
“It’s okay, Elara.” He steps back from me, releasing his hold. “You can stay. Just give me a minute to finish up.” With that, he turns and walks away. The view of his back as he moves is just as captivating as the one from the front. I can’t deny it anymore —it’s been far too long since I’ve been close to a man. The way his muscles flex beneath his skin as he walks sends an unexpected thrill through me.
“Everything your mate does should make you feel that way p>
“Not helping right now p>
“I’m just pointing out what you seem to be missing… like, the obvious, full-on hotness of your mate. Seriously, look at him p>
“I am looking, you idiot p>
“Are your eyes even open? When was the last time you saw a body like that—and one that’s actually available? His muscles have muscles p>
“You’re such a hornball, you know that p>
“No more than you, girly p>
“He can’t stand me. That’s clear as day p>
“He hasn’t forced himself into your personal space yet. That’s a big difference. We can’t say that about any of the limp dicks who’ve shown up recently. He’s keeping his distance, just like you are. You both have some serious issues to work through, by the way p>
“You can take the bed.” Ben’s voice cuts through my ridiculous argument with my wolf.
“Uh, no thanks. The floor is fine. I don’t want to p>
“Elara Take The… Bed.” His tone is firm, commanding. A shiver runs down my spine, and I freeze, caught between stubbornness and surrender.
“Wait, no. This is your room, and besides, I don’t sleep much. The floor will be fine.” I don’t mention the fact that his scent lingers in the room, stirring feelings I’m not ready to name. I wonder what will happen when I’m wrapped in the blankets and pillows he’s used.
“Not happening. Get your ass in the bed so we can both get some sleep.” He raises an eyebrow at me, and I realize my wolf is purring in approval.
“Will you knock it off p>
“What? He’s commanding and dominant. We like dominant. I wonder if he’d mind if we p>
“Don’t you dare finish that thought! I am not rubbing one out in his bed while he’s on the floor next to me. You pervert p>
“Who are you calling pervert? You listen to your friends and get off p>
“That’s different p>
“How p>
Before I can answer, I’m suddenly lifted off the ground. “Ompf! What the The sharp, spicy scent that hits me is overwhelming, making warmth spread through my entire body.
“It was taking too long for you and your wolf to come up with a decent excuse. Go to sleep, alpha.” He says nothing more as he flips off the lights and moves silently across the room. I hear the soft rustling of pillows and sheets, then nothing but the quiet rhythm of breathing.
We both lie there, awake but silent. There’s so much we could say, so many conversations begging to happen. But how do you start a talk about “It’s not you, it’s me” or “Please wait while I figure out all this pack and life stuff”? It wouldn’t be fair to either of us. Still, neither of us is rushing to claim the other either. Maybe that’s a conversation for another time. Get full chapters from.net
“Chicken p>
“Asshole.” I roll my eyes at my wolf’s teasing.
I don’t remember when I fell asleep. Usually, it takes hours for my mind to quiet down, running through everything we did that day, all the tasks still waiting, the requests from pack members, the daily operations, and that damn rogue problem. But last night, I was out cold almost immediately, and I wake feeling surprisingly refreshed as the first pale light of dawn creeps through the window. I refuse to turn and look at the beta sprawled on the floor. My wolf doesn’t need any more encouragement—she finds his light snores oddly endearing.
I decide I need to run the border, alone, just as I had planned before the Silver Crescent guys showed up. I need to focus, to see what I might have missed. I silently thank my stealthy alpha abilities for letting me slip out of his room unnoticed.
“Jax! Dev! We’ve got a run to do. Let’s move p>
“I thought maybe you’d want a bit more rest after a fun night with your mate p>