Mabel’s POV
“Are only my clothes here, or did you move everything else too?” I asked, my cheek resting against Zane’s shoulder.
He gave a low laugh. “Your toiletries are in the bathroom. The rest is on the sofa in the sitting area, waiting for you to unpack.”
I blinked. “So the room across the hall is empty again?”
His hum of confirmation rumbled against my chest. He didn’t say it, but I saw the way his eyes flickered with thought, like he was already planning what to do with that space.
Before I could ask, he added, “Later today, another desk will arrive in my office. Yours. So you can work in our office.”
My head jerked up. “What if you’re in a meeting? Will I be in the way?”
Zane shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips. “I have no secrets from you, kitten.”
The warmth in my chest almost made me forget how dang
Mabel’s POV“Hold it for ten seconds, kitten. Don’t forget to breathe.”I shut my eyes and counted under my breath. The stretch pulled tight through my shoulders, my arms reaching for air I could never touch. At seven, something wet brushed my armpit.My eyes flew open. Zane stood right beside me, chest heaving, tongue sliding back where it shouldn’t.“What did you do?” I snapped, yanking my arm down and clutching the spot.“You taste amazing,” he said without shame.Sweaty. I was sweaty, for crying out loud. My face twisted before I could stop it.Zane stepped closer. I instinctively shifted back.“Am I repulsing you because I’m drenched in sweat?” His brow lifted.“No.” The word slipped out before I thought.“Then what? Do I smell bad?”Bad? Never. His scent wrapped around me like warm earth an
Mabel’s POV“Are only my clothes here, or did you move everything else too?” I asked, my cheek resting against Zane’s shoulder.He gave a low laugh. “Your toiletries are in the bathroom. The rest is on the sofa in the sitting area, waiting for you to unpack.”I blinked. “So the room across the hall is empty again?”His hum of confirmation rumbled against my chest. He didn’t say it, but I saw the way his eyes flickered with thought, like he was already planning what to do with that space.Before I could ask, he added, “Later today, another desk will arrive in my office. Yours. So you can work in our office.”My head jerked up. “What if you’re in a meeting? Will I be in the way?”Zane shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips. “I have no secrets from you, kitten.”The warmth in my chest almost made me forget how dang
Zane’s POV“Say my name.”I tightened my arms around her waist, holding her still on my lap. Mabel’s breath hitched, her voice breaking into a whisper that set my chest on fire.“Zane…”Her hips shifted, chasing me, and my self-control thinned to nothing. My hand guided her pace, fingers moving until she shuddered hard enough to sag against me. Heat pulsed through her body and I felt every tremor as if it were my own.She cried my name again, soft and raw, and I ground my teeth, fighting to stay focused on her instead of the ache straining inside my shorts.Mabel slumped against me, gasping. Her nails pressed into my arms like she was afraid I’d let her go. I didn’t. I couldn’t.Her head tipped back, brushing my jaw. Her shirt hung open, wrinkled and damp, her skin still hot from the waves that left her weak. I cursed under my breath, eyes catching on the me
Mabel’s POV“Are you alright, kitten?” Zane’s voice cut through the silence.I was curled on his lap, his arms locked around me like he’d never let go. The warmth of his chest should have calmed me, but my mind kept circling back to his talk with Alpha Gregory.Instead of answering, I blurted, “What if Lydia shows up at the event?”His arms tightened. “I don’t think she will. But if she does, I won’t let her touch you. Do you trust me?”My breath shivered out. “Yes. But… what if she recognizes me? What if that causes trouble for you or the pack?”“You don’t look like you did at the Silverwood pack,” he said. His tone was steady, matter-of-fact. “Even if she somehow figures it out, I’ll handle it. And one more thing.” He hesitated. “Lydia’s trying to come here in a week. I want you to know I hav
Mabel’s POV“Are you seriously answering that now?” I muttered against his lips, my chest still pressed to his.Zane smirked and kissed me once more before jerking his chin toward the desk. “You’re my assistant. Pick it up.”My head was spinning, and not only from the kiss. “Me?”His arms stayed locked around my waist, making it clear I wasn’t leaving his lap.“Right here is fine.”I sighed, stretching for the phone. He didn’t loosen his grip, and honestly, I didn’t mind. His warmth felt too good.My hand froze just above the receiver. “What do I even say?”He chuckled, low and rough. “Try… hello, this is Alpha Zane’s office.”I shot him a glare, heat rushing to my cheeks. He was teasing me. Answering phones wasn’t exactly on my list of life experiences. The last time I even touched one, Isabel accused me of stealing and slapped me. That memory still made my stomach tighten.I forced air into my l
Mabel’s POV“You want me to go as your assistant?” I blurted, my throat dry.Zane’s brow lifted. “No. You’re going as my date.”My jaw dropped. I nearly forgot how to breathe. “Your… date?”He didn’t blink.“What if someone from Silverwood shows up?” My voice shook. “What if they recognize me?”Zane leaned back like it was nothing. “We’ll say you grew up with your grandparents before joining Stonebrook. Even if someone does recognize you, no one will dare touch you.”Tyler’s mouth pressed tight before he spoke. “Are you sure that’s wise?”The sharp look Zane shot him said enough. “Mabel comes with me. End of discussion.”I froze in place. Part of me wanted to hide forever. Another part… wanted to stand beside him without fear. I hated the thought of peopl