Damn it. “I wished you’d let me hunt with you.”
Aric rolled onto his stomach, supporting himself on his elbows. “You heard the leech, Celia. This thing has already threatened to come for you. To bring you along would be like handing you to him on a platter.” He shook his head. “You’re the best thing in my life. I won’t risk losing you, sweetness.”
Aric feared that the demons, the monsters, and every other thing that bumped the night and shadowed the earth would come for me. Maybe he was right. But my ignorance wouldn’t protect me; knowledge and vigilance would. “I’d rather meet him head-on than risk running into him unprepared. But it’s not just that, is it?”
Aric frowned. “What do you mean?”
Maybe I shouldn’t have discussed it just then, except it was a concern that continued to gnaw at me. “I think you’re worried I’m in danger just by being with you.”
Aric’s expression softened so that the remorse in his features matched his tone. “Yeah. I am. It’s something I wrestle with all the time.”
“Don’t.” And please don’t leave me, I didn’t say. His arms encircled my waist. I mused over the way his soft breath drifted across my bare flesh. It just felt right to have Aric against me. It’s how it should have been. For me. And my sisters. “Is this why Gemini is so afraid to become close to Taran? He fears what his presence could bring?”
Aric turned his head again and buried his face against my stomach. He jerked once, twice. At first I thought he was coughing, but then I realized he was full-out laughing. “No. Gemini is just trying to be gentle. He worries about scaring her since she’s a virgin and all.”
“Oh—wait, what!” I pulled Aric off me and covered my mouth. “You can’t be serious. Taran is many things . . . but a virgin is not one of them. Why would he think that?”
Aric slipped out of bed and clasped my wrists, pulling me to him. “You have to know Gemini. He’s shy around females. He’s never been openly affectionate in public. Even with women he’s been intimate with. Gem’s behavior toward Taran is extremely aggressive for him. Since she’s not responding to what he feels is obvious interest on his part, he’s convinced Taran is untouched.”
Aric led us into the bathroom. “Oh no, she’s definitely been touched.” My sides had started to ache, but it felt good to laugh. “Aric, most males are more straightforward when it comes to pursuing Taran. I was starting to think something was wrong with him. And what the hell is up with the damn head pat?”
“It was his way of touching her. I told him there are other things he could do.” He winked and cupped his hand over my backside, gripping it for emphasis.
I gave him a gentle shove, though I liked the attention. “Do you think I should say something to Taran?”
“Someone sure as hell needs to.” Aric put on a fresh T-shirt and sweatpants the wolves had brought him. He huffed. “I’m tired of scenting his sexual frustration all over the damn place.”
I paused before slipping a cashmere sweater over my head. “Is that what the scent is?”
Aric grinned. “I thought for sure you’d recognize it from all those times I almost jumped you. Especially that night you flashed me your breasts.”
I yanked my jeans on over my thong. “You forget, I’m the one without much experience.” My face heated. “And I didn’t flash you on purpose.”
Aric backed me into the wall and grasped my hips. “I wasn’t complaining, sweetness.” He kissed me deep. I thought he meant to play more, but then he pulled away and let out a long, controlled breath. “I have to head to the Den. But I promise to be back to take you out to dinner.”
My hands rubbed against his stone-hard abdominals. “You haven’t eaten in so long, though. Aren’t you hungry?”
“No. The gold did a number on my digestive system. I’ll be famished later.”
We walked hand in hand down the backstairs and into the kitchen. Koda, Liam, and my sisters were finishing breakfast. Their mouths collectively parted when they caught sight of Aric.
“What the hell happened?” Taran threw her hands in the air. “Damn, Aric. Last night you looked like shit with gravy on it.”
Aric’s pulled me to him so my back rested against his chest. “I had a nurse take care of me.”
Liam nodded. “Oh, we know, Aric. We heard you having sex in the shower. We just didn’t expect such a full recovery this fast.”
I buried my crimson face in my hand. Aric cleared his throat. “Any news on what happened last night?”