The sun was already dipping low, streaking the woods with golden light when Kieran led her away from the training grounds. The air smelled of pine and earth, damp with the lingering chill of late afternoon.
Aria followed, glancing back toward the main house as they crossed the clearing and stepped under the canopy of trees. “You do realize I’m sweaty and starving, right?” she called after him.
“You’ll live,” he said without turning.
“That’s not very reassuring,” she muttered, brushing branches from her path.
They walked for several minutes before he stopped in a small, secluded clearing. Sunlight slanted through the leaves, painting patterns across the mossy ground. Kieran turned to her, studying her expression.
When they were done eating, Aria set her fork down, her pulse already ticking faster beneath her skin. “Truth or dare?”Kieran leaned back in his chair, his eyes dark and unreadable. “Dare.”“Kiss me,” she said.The gold in his irises flared, molten and consuming. His smile was slow, predatory, like a man who knew exactly how much power he held over her. “Gladly.”He leaned in, one fingertip tracing the soft curve of her mouth, lingering there like he was memorizing the shape. Then his hand slid into her hair, tightening just enough to make her draw in a breath, and his lips claimed hers.The kiss was soft for only a heartbeat before it deepened, turning into something that stol
She broke the charged silence with a small, teasing smile. “Truth or dare?”“Truth,” he answered, his voice like gravel over silk.She tilted her head, studying him. “Your eyes… why do they change color?”He didn’t look away, didn’t even blink. “When I’m turned on or angry, they get darker,” he said, the words slow, deliberate, like he wanted her to feel each one. His gaze dipped briefly to her bare thighs before coming back up. “But the gold…” His tone dropped even lower, almost a growl. “That’s my wolf. When that comes out, it means I’m starting to lose control.”A pulse of heat shot straight through her, and her voice came out quieter than she meant. &ld
“Your turn,” he said. “Truth or dare?”“Truth.”His gaze softened, but there was weight behind his words. “Do you like it here?”She considered it. “I do. The people are lovely, Lena and Nyah. And everywhere is so beautiful…” Her smile faltered. “But I miss home.”“Why?”She looked at him, feeling the pull in her chest. “Because my mum’s there. And my friend Jade. I worry about them.”Kieran’s jaw ticked, but he only said, “I see.”“Truth or dare?” she asked, her voi
They left the pack house together, the night air cool against her flushed skin. His hand stayed firmly on the small of her back, guiding her up the path to the main house. There was no rush in his steps, just the easy, unhurried pace of someone who didn’t want the moment to end.Inside, the house was quiet, most of the lights dimmed. The faint hum of the refrigerator was the only sound as they stepped into the kitchen.“Sit,” Kieran said, nodding toward one of the bar stools.Aria slid onto the seat, watching as he pulled a few things from the fridge and pantry, bread, cheese, sliced meat, some kind of sauce. There was something strangely captivating about watching him move in this space. Even here, he was sure of himself, every motion deliberate.She p
He stepped in close, his breath warm against her cheek. Then his hand slid between her thighs, fingers grazing her through the thin barrier of her panties. The stroke was unhurried, almost teasing, but it stole the air from her lungs.“You’re already wet for me,” he murmured, his voice a dark, velvet caress that made her thighs tense.Her lips parted on a sharp inhale. “What… what are you doing?”“Like you said…” His smirk was faint but wicked. “…I’m hungry. And I have a feeling this is going to become my favorite meal.”The words punched heat straight into her stomach.Before she could respond, his fingers hooked under the waistband of her panti
The warmth between Lena and Rafe was easy and familiar, the way their legs brushed without thought, the way they leaned into each other without hesitation. Watching them sparked something in Aria’s chest, a pang of wanting.It wasn’t envy of their relationship, not exactly. It was the intimacy. The unspoken comfort. And she knew exactly who she wanted that with.The thought pulled her to her feet. “I should… get going.”Lena arched a brow but didn’t press, just gave her a knowing smile. Rafe offered a casual goodnight, and Aria stepped out into the cool night air, her thoughts already drifting toward the man still buried in his office.She missed him. And she hated how much.The night air