Alec’s

Mostly we leave our clothes where we can find them or use the ones hidden in different spots. Like I said, it would be traumatizing for children to watch naked pack members every time someone shifts. As for us sleeping together three years ago, well, I still can't remember the details of that night. Meaning, technically, even though we have slept together and have a kid, I've never seen him naked. "Please, turn around," she whispers almost as if it's a prayer.

"Seriously, Nyx?"

"What? I want to see what he's packing."

""We hate him."

"True, but that doesn't mean we can't look at or admire those muscles... I mean, look at him. You have to admit that he's a fine specimen, even if he's a complete jerk."

I don't say anything. I refuse to admit a single thing. It doesn't matter anyway. Alec is a no-go zone.

As if feeling my gaze on him, he turns. It's dark, but with his heightened vision, I know he can clearly see me.

I refuse to turn and hide. I refuse to pretend like I wasn't watching him. I am not a coward.

"Come on, Sadie, just one peek," Nyx begs, her voice filled with a hint of desperation.

She's honestly a confusing wolf. One minute she hates his guts, and the next she wants to see his dick. I mean, who even does that? I blame the effects of the moon because I refuse to accept that I have a horny and dirty-minded wolf.

Despite her begging, my eyes remain firmly fixed on his face. I fight with everything I got, unwilling to let my eyes look down past his neck. I don't need any temptation, especially this close to the full moon.

I may be seeing things, but I feel like his eyes are daring me the more I continue to watch. It's as if he's daring me to take in all of him and not feel any bit of attraction to him.

I feel the pull. The need to touch his skin. Feel him against me, skin to skin. Feel the heat between us. I feel the desire to be in my mate's arms. To drown in his scent and to have him mark and mate me. I feel it all. I crave it. I clench my fist and jaw fighting against it. I fight against my very nature. I refuse to succumb to him and the mate bond.

We stare at each other for a few minutes until he turns away and shifts into his huge black wolf. He sprints towards the forest, and I finally heave a sigh of relief.

I turn away from the window and just lean against it. That was intense, and I hate intense.

"You've wasted a good opportunity," Nyx grumbles, making me feel irritated.

I can still feel the caress of his eyes. His stare burned, leaving trails of molten fire on my skin. He didn't touch me, but it felt like he did. Like he was right here with

Likeiket

was here touching me, kissing me, driving me to the brink of insanity.

el?

I shrug off the feeling and go back to bed. I pull the covers back before getting in and closing my eyes. I will my brain to go to sleep and my body to release the desire that has awoken in me. Finally, after a tong time, I fall asleep, but it isn't peaceful.

***

I hear the voices. Giggles of young girls. My vision is blurry and I can barely see anything. Someone is pulling me. I know it's not Aspen because I would recognize her anywhere. We are rushing somewhere as we both giggle.

There are footsteps behind us.

Chasing us.

voice

"Please stop, Misses," the woman begs. "You know you two are supposed to be with your mistress, studying. Your mother will have my head."

"You are being dramatic, Sophie," the young girl says, but she still doesn't stop.

I'm confused. Where am I? Who is the girl and the lady? And mother? Whose mother?

The lady tries to keep up. Sophie tries to keep up but she soon stops. I look behind me only for me to see nothing.

My hand is still in the little girl's. We run, but like I said, I can barely see anything.

She pulls me outside. I know it's outside because I can smell the fresh air. The green grass, flowers, and I can hear the chirping of birds.

She pulls me into a corner, where we crouch down and hide.

"They are going to find us, and we will be in trouble." I whisper, but instead of my normal voice, the words come out in a kid's voice. What the hell?

"Don't worry, sissy," she assures me. "Nothing will happen. I'll make sure you aren't in trouble. I'll always protect you."

"You promise?" I ask, giving her my pinky finger.

She wraps hers around mine and smiles. "I promise... I love you."

"I love you too, sissy," I reply, hugging her.