Chapter 11 - The Birthday

"What about your mom?" I ask, half-smiling, locking my arms around the alpha's neck. He leans into me, his nose nuzzling the crook of my neck.

"What about her, Ness?" He says, breathily. When he exhales softly, it sends tiny tickles all over my neck and face. "You smell so good."

I giggle. "What if she… comes in? If she hears us, you know… ?" I bite my bottom lip, feigning concern.

He chuckles and draws away to cup my face and pull me closer. "I'm sure she's already left for a flower event or something like that and won't return for hours. No one will disturb us," He says, the last bit trailing off in a whisper. When he strokes my bottom lip with his thumb, I feel the air leaving my lungs all of a sudden. The intensity of his blue eyes on me is too much to bear, but I meet it with a smirk.

"Hmm," I coo, pretending to consider his words, then nod slowly, reaching up to hold his chin. "Good, then." I stand on the tip of my toes and gently brush my lips on his—a small, teasing kiss. I