“You have a lovely smile little one. Good morning.” His head dipped to kiss her softly. When he pulled away, Harper grabbed his head with both hands and kissed him. She pushed her tongue into his mouth and tasted him. He was as delicious as she knew he would be the instant before she did it.
“Good morning.” She murmured. He watched her and she suddenly felt like prey. Should she not have done that? Some Alphas were touchy about you trying to lead them. Some felt that all decisions were theirs and that all of the wolves around them must be submissive. She hadn’t thought Ryder was like that. He seemed sure of himself, sure enough that he wouldn’t feel threatened at a little initiative but that look bordered on predatory and something that frightened her a little. Cindy said that he liked to keep the she-wolves on a pedestal. Perhaps that meant they had their place. Shit.
“That bordered on possessive little one and now you look like you regret doing it.”
“That depends.” Her throat was constricting with fear. He cocked an eyebrow. “On whether or not you liked it.” He smiled.
“I liked it a lot. It just makes me wonder what’s up. Yesterday you were very timid and this morning bold. What’s changed?”
“I, um…” She hesitated.
“Take your time.” His finger trailed softly down her bare arm and back up leaving a wake of tingles behind it. Harper glanced down at it and bit her lip. “Whenever you’re ready.” He said gently.
“I’ve thought about everything. I was afraid she wouldn’t like you. She doesn’t like anyone and I was afraid that she would hate you like she hated him. It was hard living with that but she doesn’t and I…”
“Your wolf?” She nodded. “She’s a sweet girl, almost as sweet as you are Harper.”
“Will you hurt me?” It was out before her brain could catch up with her mouth.
“I will never hurt you. I’m not him. Forget him. I know that it was a long nightmare and difficult to endure but it the end it turned into a very nice dream. You ended up here with a pack that likes you already and an Alpha that adores you. You have an Alpha that will care for you, for your every need and desire, one that will protect you.” She nodded. “Are you agreeing or are you saying you are ready?”
“Both. I think.” He lifted his nose and scented the air. Harper breathed deeply. “Coffee.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead.
“Get dressed. I’m going to shower and I will meet you downstairs.”
“We’re not going to, um…” He smirked and rolled out of bed.
“Not yet sweetheart. Soon, but not yet.” He winked at her then grabbed his shaving kit and left her alone. Harper scoffed. ‘Not yet?’ Why not? She rolled onto her back and crossed her arms over her chest. Her brow furrowed low over her eyes as she stared at the ceiling. She pursed her lips then scowled. She clenched her thighs together. She’d wanted him, actually felt desire for him, unlike any she’d felt before and he’d left her laying there unsatisfied. What kind of Alpha did that? A willing aroused female left behind for a shower and coffee. It didn’t make sense. She flipped the covers back and hopped down from the high bed then went about straightening it. She tucked and pulled until it was neat and the corners sharp.
Harper grabbed the broom and swept up dust and dirt that was missed by this brooms previous operator. It was probably a male. The corner of her mouth lifted with humor. A female would’ve done this better. She pushed her pile into the corner with the other when she found no dustpan. That explained the pile anyway. Harper went to her suitcase and pulled out a pair of jeans, a tee shirt, and a pair of flip-flops, quickly putting them all on. It felt nice to be in normal clothes. When she turned back toward the bed, a scream left her as she leaped across the floor to the safety of the bed. A huge furry spider that seemed as big as a cat to her walked across the floor as if he owned the place. She pulled both flip-flops off and held them in her hands like weapons.
The attic door crashed open then and Ryder stormed in with amber eyes, wet hair, and a towel wrapped around his hips. Four pack members were behind him and losing control of their shift. Ryder looked around then held up a hand to stop them. Their chests heaved with labored breaths. “I’m sorry.” She squeaked.
“What happened?” Ryder asked. She pointed to the offensive creature still taking his time about exploring the floor between her and her escape route. His tongue pressed into his cheek. “Huh.” He grunted. She saw Lee smile behind him and Curtis started to laugh.