Total pages in book: 139
Estimated words: 129268 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 646(@200wpm)___ 517(@250wpm)___ 431(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129268 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 646(@200wpm)___ 517(@250wpm)___ 431(@300wpm)
“Then why are you pouting?” I don’t understand my mate and her emotions. Humans should come with a fucking handbook.
“I don’t want you to go. I’m nervous something bad is going to happen.” Her raw confession is laced with vulnerability as she looks up at me through her thick lashes. Her hazel eyes are brimming with unwarranted hope that I’ll stay with her rather than head out to Still Waters.
Fuck.
Striding over to the bed, I run the towel over my face and hair once more before dropping it to the floor. The chill on my damp skin does nothing to calm my growing erection. Seeing her naked on a bed, how could I not be hard? Even if she is mad at me. Shit, her anger only fuels my fire. It only makes me want to tame her that much more.
“I won’t be gone long.” I pick her up easily and settle her ass in my lap where she fits just perfectly. She nestles her head into my chest and runs her fingers through that bit of hair above my belly button that trails down to something else I’d rather she play with. I shut down those thoughts and concentrate on my mate. I need to distract her and get her preoccupied with something before I go. “Have you decided what you want to do?” She surprises me when she nods into my chest. She lifts her chin and meets my eyes for the first time since I came into the room.
“I want to start a charity with Lizzie. For abused children.”
“Humans?”
“Yes, of course.” Of course. I resist the urge to tell her no. I can give this to her. It’ll be a pain in the ass and she’ll fight me with all the restrictions I’ll have to put on her, but if she really wants it, I’ll bend over backward to give it to her.
I’m not sure what part she doesn’t understand, but that life and her are over. Or at least they’re supposed to be. Those are the laws set forth. If a human is taken, they are dead to that world. If not, then the well-protected secrets of our lives can bleed into the human realm. We can’t allow that to happen.
“It will have to be done under a false name. Also, you won’t be able to make public appearances or be seen at all.”
She readjusts in my lap before going back to picking at nothing on the blanket. “But I’ll be able to see what they do, right? And set up events and monitor how they help the kids?”
A million questions filter through my mind in response. I shut them down one by one, reminding myself that she’ll learn. She’ll be happy here one day. I should count myself lucky, after all. She has no family to crave to return to. Lizzie is here with her and she’s adjusted quickly given she didn’t know a damn thing about us prior to being taken.
With that in mind, I concede.
“You can do it the same way I run the banks. Have cameras everywhere. Hire a dedicated go-between who acts on your behalf and relays everything. You can be involved as little or as much as you’d like. I prefer being a silent partner. If you’d rather be more involved, then you can. You have to set up a business plan and a budget while we’re gone. When I get back I’ll set up a meeting with my consultant to get a timeline established. He’ll prepare everything you need to get started.” It’ll be easy enough and if it makes her happy, then I’m happy to give her whatever it’ll cost.
Her smile presses against my chest. She tilts her head to nuzzle her nose across the base of my throat with her eyes closed. She’s so damn beautiful when she’s content. I wish I could make her this happy all the time.
“I thought of something for you to do while I’m away.”
She sighs sleepily and stretches, apparently ready to start the day now that she’s gotten the green light for her charity with Lizzie. “What’s that, Alpha?” My dick twitches at her use of the word Alpha.
I groan and lean my head back. “Say it again.”
She smirks knowingly and says, “What’s that?”
“Don’t toy with me, Grace,” I scold her smart ass. I’m even more determined to hear it on her lips as I realize it’s the first time she’s called me Alpha.
Heat races through me as she rises on her knees and straddles my thighs, bringing her eyes level with my mouth. She lifts that defiant little chin up and I swear to God if she picks a fight, I’m going to flip her ass over and fuck her into the mattress. She lets her voice come out soft and seductive when she says, “Me?” Her hand trails over my shoulders, sending a shiver through my body. I resist the urge to shudder as her nails gently run down my back. She keeps my gaze as she bites her lower lip before saying, “I would never toy with you.” She parts her lips and I can practically feel the word begging to come out of her mouth. I wait with bated breath as she whispers the word, “Alpha.”