Sealed With a Curse(28)

Aric’s smirk set my already pink cheeks on fire. He spared me by not laughing as he jogged up the steps and wiped his feet on the mat. He paused. “Maybe we should drink your tea outside. I don’t want to mess up your house.”

Most of Aric’s clothes remained splattered with blood. But I wanted him to feel welcome, especially after leaving on such a sour note. “Don’t worry about it. It’s probably dry by now.”

Aric smiled. “You sure?”

I swallowed hard. God, I loved that grin. “Yes. Please have a seat.”

Aric crossed the dark wood floors into our large open family room. Aside from my bedroom, it was my favorite room in the house. The walls were a light sage and the trim was white. Black-and-white nature photographs that Shayna had snapped hung in silver frames on one wall. The opposite wall had a brick fireplace at its center flanked by built-in cabinets that held books and our small TV.

Aric carefully lowered himself onto our cream-colored sofa as I started the gas fireplace. “This is nice.”

“Thank you.” I paused to watch him lean forward and rest his powerful arms against his legs. His long hair fell over his brows, but did nothing to shadow the intensity of his eyes. I opened my mouth, then shut it, slightly stupefied that the male who’d occupied my every waking thought sat in my home, on my couch, because he wanted to ensure I remained safe. I wanted to say something witty, smart, charming—

“Is something wrong?”

I jumped. “Nope. I’ll be right back with your…stuff.” If I thought he wouldn’t have heard me, I would have beaten my head against the nearest wall. I returned to the kitchen and tried to relax.

“Do you live here on your own?”

“Um. No. My three sisters and I bought the house together.” I placed wheat rolls Emme had made on the tray along with pieces of butter I quickly cut into flower shapes.

“There’re four of you?”

I paused in the middle of filling the second mug with tea. The way Aric emphasized the word “four” I knew he meant something more. I returned to the family room with the tray and placed it on our large wooden coffee table. I sat on the love seat angled next to the sofa. “There’s only one of me.” I lifted my mug to my lips, trying to keep my tone light. “My sisters don’t share my powers.”

Aric watched me closely, waiting, I suspected, for me to elaborate. When I didn’t, he didn’t push me. I smiled. He was kind. But I owed it to my sisters not to disclose too much. He sniffed at the mug. “What is this?”

“Chai.” I chuckled when he blinked back at me. “It’s a tea made with spices, honey, and milk.”

He sipped it carefully. “Mmm. It’s good. Real good.” He took several long sips before his tongue swept over his top lip. “I like it.”

I stared at his mouth, wondering how soft his lips were and how good they would taste. A slow, sexy grin inched its way along his strong, stubbled jaw. His eyes sparkled as they met mine. I couldn’t remember how to breathe. “I really like it,” he murmured once more.

Say something. Anything. Tell him you love him and want to have his puppies. “Haven’t you ever had tea before?”

Shit.

Aric gave me a hard stare. “Real werewolves don’t drink tea.”

I threw back my head and laughed, only to wince when pain rumbled into my shoulder.

Aric came to my side, taking my mug and placing it on the table. He straightened my arm. “Maybe I can help.” His fingers massaged me through the thick cotton of my robe, edging their way slowly up my arm to my shoulder. My breath caught. Aric’s touch electrified me. His voice lowered in pitch. “Tell me if I’m being too rough.”

My heart pounded in my ears as his fingers pressed and swept over my sore muscles. But then I became aware of an added heartbeat.

His.

I watched his hands move along my arm, a deep heat building between us. My chest ached from lack of breath.

“Shhh, it’s okay. Try to relax, Celia. I promise not to hurt you.”

Visions of hearing his words whispered in the dark spun in my mind. I inhaled deeply, forcing myself to breathe. Slowly, oh, so slowly, my body began to accept his touch. My head fell back; I was hypnotized by the tremendous comfort he brought me. A purr mixed with a soft moan escaped my lips. Aric froze.

And that’s when I realized the side of my robe had fallen open.

Aric bolted upright as I jumped and yanked it closed. “Sorry—sorry.” He backed away, his breath hard and fast. “I should…go.” He rushed out, pausing at the door, but failing to look back at me. “Don’t forget what I said. You and your family will be safer if you leave Tahoe tonight.”