by L. P. Dover
Kami takes my hands. “Look at me, Am.”
I do as she says, and she smiles sadly. “The Great Luna works in mysterious ways. I don’t know why you’re not feeling them yet, but there has to be a good reason. You have to trust that it’ll happen when it’s meant to be.”
My gaze drops to our hands. “You’re touching me, Kami. Does this mean I’ll be in your dreams tonight?”
She giggles. “Probably. But then again, I think you already know everything.”
“So, what should I do? Zayne’s not returning any of my calls.”
Her brows lift. “This is Zayne we’re talking about, Amelie. He’s known about you for a long time now, and it took him months to even speak to you. Believe me when I say that he’s never far. The man is super protective of his mate.”
A warm feeling rushes through my veins. I look out the kitchen window toward the woods. “I know,” I murmur. “I saw his tracks in the snow.”
Kami squeezes my hand, drawing my attention back to her. Her piercing gray gaze bores into mine. “Things are going to work out, Amelie. You and Zayne just need to spend more time together.” She winks and lets my hands go. “And trust me, he’s going crazy right now. He’s not going to be able to stay this far away from you for long.”
My focus averts back to the window. There’s a feeling inside of me, telling me Zayne’s out there. It’s as if I can feel his eyes on me. “I hope not, Kami. I really wish he knew how much I missed him.”
If he’s out there, I’m hoping he hears me. I need him to come back to me.
16
Amelie
CHRISTMAS EVE
* * *
The rest of the week went by so slow I thought Christmas would never come. Being patient has always been a virtue of mine, but it’s been tested to its limits this week. Zayne still hasn’t contacted me, which angers me more than anything. How are the mating signs supposed to appear if we don’t spend time together?
Taking a deep breath, I look at myself in the mirror. The party’s about to start, and I’m running late. Kami texted a few minutes ago and said that Zayne wasn’t even there. It disappoints me to know I won’t see him for the holidays, but I have family I need to see.
I run a hand over my black pants and pick off some of the red fuzz from my sweater. Once that’s done, I’m ready to go. I walk into the living room and unplug my Christmas tree and all the other lights inside the house. I’ve seen videos of trees bursting into flames, and I really don’t want my cabin burning down. Of course, if Kami, Faith, and Laila were here, they’d say I was worrying for nothing. But, again, that’s the mother hen part of me. I’m always trying to stay on the safe side. There are times when I wish I were wild and crazy like Kami or magically gifted like Laila. But, instead, I’m just me, and I’m okay with that.
I grab my car keys off the counter along with the massive container of Christmas cookies. There should be more than enough for everyone at the party. Laila and Cedric will be eating on them for weeks.
When I get outside, I lock the door and head down the stairs to my car. I freeze when I hear a car approach; it has the familiar rumble of a sports car I’ve ridden in. The second the headlights come into view, I hold my breath. It’s Zayne.
He pulls in behind my car and slowly gets out, his crystal blue eyes full of regret when they meet mine. “Amelie,” he says, his voice low. My stomach clenches with anger. I don’t want to be mad at him, but I can’t help it after he left and ignored me. Before I can speak, he takes a step forward. “I’m sorry. I know you’re angry, but I am sorry. If I could take back this past week and handle things differently, I would. Just please don’t be mad at me. This is all new to me.”
Hearing his words and the pain behind them makes the anger inside of me melt away. I don’t want to be mad at him. For someone like Zayne, I know it took a lot for him to make this first move. But, even if the mating signs haven’t appeared, he’s still my mate or will be when the right time comes.
“It’s okay,” I murmur. “Honestly, I’m not mad anymore. All I want is to be with you, around you, talking to you, and anything else we want to do. It’s no secret I have feelings for you. I don’t need the bond to be able to tell you that.”
His eyes flash with need, and he looks away. “That’s all I needed to hear.”
Once his eyes go back to normal, he walks up the stairs, takes the container of cookies from me, and puts them in the car. Then, before I can even get down the stairs, he walks over and grabs my hand. His skin is warm, and it spreads through my body.
He pulls me close. “You look beautiful tonight.”
I stand back and rake my gaze over him. “And you look handsome.”
As usual, he’s dressed in a pair of gray dress slacks and a light blue button-down shirt that matches his eyes perfectly. With his hand in mine, he leads me over to the passenger’s side. “Thank you for coming with me to the party tonight.”
My smile widens. “Someone has to keep you safe.” He chuckles, and I didn’t realize how much I missed that sound.
“The same goes for you,” he replies. “I can’t let all those unmated wolves get close to you. Besides, I’m looking forward to having you by my side.”
He opens the door, and I get in. Once he’s inside, we head on our way to Laila and Cedric’s. The entire pack is supposed to be there celebrating the holidays together.
When we get to the main road, I turn my body toward him. “I know you followed me that night to the lake. Honestly, I was shocked you didn’t talk to me.”
“I wanted to,” he confesses in all seriousness. “Believe me, there’s a reason why I kept my distance. You have to know that everything I do and have been doing is to keep you safe.”
“Reason? Why would you have to stay away from me to keep me safe?”
His eyes flash over to mine, and a burst of energy hits me. It’s the strongest I’ve ever felt from him. I can sense his overwhelming need to be with me, but there’s also a hint of danger beneath it. I’ve sensed it before many years ago with a man who was in my old pack. He suffered from the rage, and it slowly ate him up. The same thing happened to Sebastian before he mated Tyla. I’d heard there were moments when he’d lose control, and his anger would take over.
“Is it bad?” I ask. “The rage.”
He sighs and looks down at my hand. “Touching you helps, but it also reminds me that you’re not fully mine. For whatever reason, our bond is just one-sided right now. It’s maddening. The other night I didn’t trust myself with you if I stayed. I had no choice but to go.”
And now it all makes sense. I wish he would’ve told me earlier. “I would’ve understood,” I say softly. “You don’t have to hide that from me. I’ll do whatever I can to help you.”
Reaching over, I take his hand. “We’re in this together. There’s still so much we don’t know about each other.”
“What all do you want to know?” he asks.
A mischievous grin spreads across my face. “Was this weekend the first time you’ve watched me from the woods?”
“No.” His eyes burn right through me when he looks over. It’s as if I can feel him touching me right down to my core.
I suck in a slow breath. “When was the first time?”
We pull down Laila and Cedric’s street, and he comes to a stop. He turns away for a few seconds but then meets my gaze again. “It’s been months, Amelie. I’ve known you were mine for a while, and with that came the need to protect you. I watched over you every night, and I still do.”
“Every night?” My eyes burn. “You slept out in the woods for months just to keep me safe?”
He nods. “I’d do anything for you, Amelie.”
Words escape me, and all I can do is stare at him. Finally, he puts the car in gear, and we continue down the driveway to the house. When he shuts off the car, he turns to me and kisses my hand. I want to feel his lips on mine more than anything.
“There’s no sleeping in the woods toni
ght,” I whisper.
His blue eyes flash with need. I know he knows what I mean.
We get out of the car, and he holds my hand as we head inside to the party. All heads turn our way, and I hold Zayne’s hand tighter. He pulls me in close to his body, and I smile. It’s going to be a good night.
The party turned out to be a success. The women all stayed away from Zayne just like he wanted, and the other unmated males didn’t even give me a second glance with Zayne by my side. We talked, ate tons of food, and had a fantastic time. Even my cookies were a hit.
“I’m glad you two worked things out,” Laila whispers in my ear.
I hug her hard and look over at Zayne, who’s saying his goodbyes to Cedric. “Me too. It’s been an amazing night.”
We’re the last ones left at the party, which shocks me because I figured we’d be the first to leave. Laila lets me go and winks. “You know the full moon’s tomorrow night. You could easily complete the bond.”
The thought has crossed my mind, but Kami’s words always intervene. “Even without the mating signs? I know Zayne’s feeling them, but why not me? Kami and I talked about this, and she said there has to be a reason why the Great Luna’s keeping me in the dark. I don’t think it’s the right time.”
Laila nods. “You have a point. I wish I knew what was going on.”
“Same,” I agree.
Zayne comes over and hugs Laila. “Kiss Sera for me. I don’t want to wake her up.”
Laila kisses his cheek. “I will.”
He turns to me and takes my hand. “You ready?”
Nodding, I squeeze his hand. “Yeah, it’s getting late. Santa needs to visit Sera, and we’re keeping him from it.”
Cedric snorts. “Not this year. Sera doesn’t know anything about Santa. After you guys leave, I’m going to bed. I need all the sleep I can get. It’s my night to wake up with her.”
It is true; Sera’s just a baby. She’s too young to open presents. “Well, you enjoy that sleep because next year, you’ll be awake setting out presents for Sera.”
Laila giggles. “Don’t let Cedric fool you. He’s looking forward to that.”
Cedric wraps an arm around Laila’s waist, drawing her in close to him. “Okay, I admit I am. I’m ready to have our own family traditions.”
We say our goodbyes again, and they walk us out. Once Zayne and I are in his car, we head on our way to my house. “Did your parents play Santa when you were little?” he asks.
Turning to him, I smile. “Of course. But when I was around ten, I found my letters to Santa hidden in one of my mother’s drawers. It devastated me, but now when I think about it, I believe those years were some of the best times in my life. Christmas was always so magical.”
Zayne’s lips pull back in a sad smile. “I didn’t grow up like that. The holidays were a special time, but my parents never did the Santa Claus thing. Not only did I have to learn how to provide for the pack, but I was raised to be a fighter, a protector. From the day I could walk, I trained every day. I don’t even remember having a childhood.”
I can’t even imagine what that had to be like. “I’m sorry,” I murmur.
He shakes his head. “Don’t be. I’m not upset at all. My family loved me, and they wanted me to be strong.”
“Are you not upset about missing out on things as a kid?”
“No,” he says in all honesty. “I am who I am for a reason.”
His words bring a smile to my face. “You know what? I like that. It’s a good answer.”
When we get to my house, my stomach starts growling. Zayne chuckles as we get out of the car and head inside. “Hungry, again?”
I rub my stomach. “I can’t help it. When I know there are sweets around, I can’t control myself. But, once the holidays are over, I’ll go back to eating normal.”
After I plug in the Christmas tree lights, I spot the plate of chocolate chip cookies I made just this morning. Zayne takes a seat on the couch, so I grab the plate and walk over to him. “Want some?” I ask as I sit down.
He looks down at the cookies and picks one. “I think I’ve already eaten half a dozen of your cookies tonight.”
I take a bite of the one in my hand. “Good. Now you can help me eat these.” Once we’re done with our cookies, I set the plate down on the coffee table. “It’s a shame we don’t have your grandfather’s eggnog. Maybe when Micah comes back, you and your brothers can compete like your father and grandfather did.”
Zayne tilts his head back and laughs. “I’ll have to mention it to them.”
“I think it would be fun. Laila, Tyla, and I could be the judges.”
Zayne stares over at me. “Speaking of Micah, I talked to him. He’s okay. There’s still no sign of the other royals, though.”
It’s a relief to know he’s safe. “At least, he’s all right,” I say.
Zayne nods. “Yes, he is.”
Resting my head on the couch, I look over at my Christmas tree. Staring at the lights and the twinkling ornaments always fills me with joy. I thought I’d be alone this year, but I’m glad I’m not.
“If you weren’t here, how would you be spending your Christmas?” I ask.
Zayne blows out a sigh. “Probably working.”
I shift my eyes to him and laugh. “That doesn’t surprise me. I’m glad we’re here tonight. I don’t think I can handle being in a house on Christmas that’s not decorated.”
His gaze turns serious. “Next year will be different. We can do whatever you want or be wherever you want to be.”
“I meant what I said earlier, Zayne,” I say, sitting up. “I don’t want you sleeping in the woods. I feel bad knowing you’ve done that for so long.”
Zayne brings a hand up to cup my cheek. “I wanted to,” he murmurs. “I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to you.”
I place a hand over his. “I’ve already been through the worst and survived it. I think I’m good.”
He shakes his head. “There are worse things out there, Amelie. I don’t think anyone’s ever safe anymore.”
His hand slides away from my face, and I move closer to where his thigh touches mine. “I don’t want to think about that tonight. Right now, I just want to be with you. Stay.”
The need in him builds. “What are you saying?”
Grinning, I tilt my head to the side. “I’m saying we should finish what we started the other night.”
A low growl rumbles in his chest, and his eyes begin to glow. “Amelie, I don’t know if that’s a good idea. It takes everything I have to control myself around you. The last thing I want to do is hurt you.”
Keeping my eyes on his, I slowly climb onto his lap and straddle his waist. He grows hard beneath me, and everything inside of me tightens. “Is that because of the rage?” I ask.
His eyes widen. “How did you know?”
I slide my hands up his chest and around his neck. “I could feel it in you. The good thing is that I can help. Being with me will lessen it.” Leaning down, I kiss him gently. “Make love to me, Zayne. We both need this.”
Another growl erupts from him, but this time it’s raw and primal. His fingers grip my waist, and he closes his lips over mine. I deepen the kiss and moan into his mouth, demanding that he take me. I don’t care if it’s slow or hard tonight; all I want is to feel him inside me.
“Are you sure about this?” he says, his voice dark and wild as he kisses his way down my neck. The stubble on his face scratches against my skin, and it turns me on even more.
“Yes,” I breathe. “No regrets.”
Lifting me up, I wrap my legs around his waist to hold on as he carries me to the bedroom. The second he lays me on the bed, everything moves at triple speed. He rips off his clothes, and I do the same with mine. It’s as if we can’t be together fast enough.
Once I’m naked and spread out on the bed, Zayne covers me with his body. His hands grab my breasts, and he closes his lips over a nipple, sucking so hard and demanding I feel
as if I’m going to explode. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this level of desire. It’s intoxicating, and I want more.
Arching my back, I moan as he moves his lips down my stomach to the inside of my thigh. “I want to taste you,” he murmurs, his breath warm between my legs.
“Yes.”
I suck in a breath and hold it as I anxiously anticipate the feel of his tongue inside of me. He breathes me in, and I grip the bedsheets, knowing very well I’m going to lose control in just a mere moment.
His tongue gently glides over my clit, sending shock waves through every inch of my body. Then, he does it again and groans when he thrusts his tongue in deep, tasting me … claiming me. There are so many sensations exploding inside of me, I know I can’t keep it all in anymore.
“Zayne,” I cry out, my chest rising and falling with my rapid breaths.
He buries himself into me further and digs his fingers into my thighs, holding me in place as he drives me to completion. My orgasm comes swift, and I scream out my release, wishing it could go on forever. No one has ever made me feel like in all of my years of existence.
Zayne kisses the inside of my thigh and moves his way back up my stomach to my lips. “Did you enjoy that?”
My heart races out of control. “More than anything. Now it’s my turn to return the favor.” I know he needs the release; it’s the temporary cure for the rage that inflicts unmated males. The primary cure is to seal the bond with your mate. Hopefully, soon, we’ll be able to complete it.
Zayne’s gaze darkens. “It’s been a while for me, Amelie. My need for you is to the point I feel like I’ll go insane.”
I place a finger over his lips. “You have me now.”
Pushing him over, I straddle his waist and slide down his body. I wrap my hands around his hardness, loving the way he moans as I massage him. Zayne closes his eyes, and his muscles tense the more I touch him. Grinning, I slowly lower my lips to the tip of his cock, swirling my tongue around it.
