Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 87193 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87193 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Nadia shifted her weight, sliding her knee up Caidrik’s thigh in an effort to get warmth. The movement was instinctive and a little clumsy, driven by the lingering cold in her bones. It sparked a new feeling anyway, coiled and decisive, awakening her desire despite everything. That wasn’t surprising, considering she was in bed with a naked Alpha wolf. She would have had to be half dead not to be interested. Apparently she was more alive than she had hoped, because her body shot into full awareness before she could talk herself out of it.
Caidrik sighed, his warm breath stirring her hair where it rested against his chest. “I think you’d make a fine Alpha female for the pack.” Then he remained silent for several clicks. “Did Isaac say something that bothered you?”
Nadia shrugged, keeping the motion small.
“Ah,” Caidrik said.
Her eyes widened as the realization hit her. “Oh God. I’d forgotten all about Isaac.” Panic clutched her, but there wasn’t anything she could do. Caidrik’s arm stayed firm around her, heat pressing into her back. “Do you think he made it out of the river?”
“I don’t know,” Caidrik said slowly, as if he were replaying it too. “I didn’t see any sign that he did. No tracks on the side of the river, but I was going under quite a bit. I guess it’s possible.”
She winced. The worry settled deep and uncomfortable inside her. Isaac seemed like a decent guy. Hopefully he’d saved himself somehow. “I don’t know where Bulwark came from. He must have climbed down that rock wall.” The image of the drop flashed through her, and her stomach tightened in response.
Caidrik shook his head. “The rock wall extends around to regular mountain terrain. I’ve hunted in that area before.”
“Oh.” She sat back slightly, careful not to lose the warmth of him. “So apparently Bulwark has hunted there as well.”
“I suppose,” Caidrik said. “We haven’t been in touch for decades, but it wouldn’t surprise me.” He leaned down, his lips wandering against hers, warming her mouth instantly. The kiss was steady and unhurried, grounding her in the present and in him. Heat spread through her, chasing away the last of the cold.
“Wh-what are you doing?” she asked softly.
“Stealing a kiss,” he said.
She grinned against his mouth. Honesty was a nice thing from him. “Why do you want to be the Alpha?” she whispered, the question brushing his lips.
Caidrik pulled back just enough for her to see his expression. “I really didn’t. Though it would be nice to have a place to belong. It’s just when I looked at the alternatives, I couldn’t see anybody else keeping the pack safe. Or you safe. At least not in the contenders.”
She thought about it, letting the truth of it settle. “I agree. I think you’d make a great Alpha.”
He snorted. “I definitely don’t have the bloodline for that. The McGregors are killers and thieves and have been for millennia. There was a reason we were kicked out.”
“Yeah,” she said uneasily, “but you’re back in now.” She hesitated, then asked, “How did your date with Taryn go?” From what she could tell, Taryn would make a fine Alpha female lead, just like Isaac had said.
“It was okay,” Caidrik said. “She’s a little ambitious, but that might be good for her future. I’m not interested in her.”
Yeah, right. The guy was just being nice considering they were cuddled together naked. “How can you not be?” Nadia asked. “She’s gorgeous.”
“So are you,” he said.
“Yeah,” she said, rolling her eyes, “but she’s gorgeous in ‘an Amazon I could take on the world and still look good way.’ I’m cute.”
Perhaps the best thing for the pack would be for her to bow out. The thought came quietly, unwelcome but persistent, settling into her chest where doubt had already taken root. She hated how reasonable it sounded.
“I’m not doing this without you,” he said softly.
That didn’t make any sense. “I’m not the girl males go to war over.” Yeah, she was pretty great sometimes, but come on. There wasn’t anything legendary about her. “You have to think of the pack.”
“I am. You love the pack and will take care of it.” He nuzzled her mouth, apparently just fine with being naked and alone. “But I’m no hero, sweetheart. Stop talking like I should be the Alpha.”
The guy had saved her twice, almost dying himself. “You’re a hero.”
“No. Not even close. My hands are stained with plenty of blood. See what’s here, and not what you want to see.”
“You’re wrong. I do think you’d make an excellent Alpha,” Nadia said, choosing her words carefully. “The packs are always being attacked, and you were made to protect others. I can see that in you. Easily.”
Caidrik sighed, the sound warm against her skin. “From what I can tell, I’m the only guy to do it. We don’t want Bulwark. Dax is dead, and there’s a good chance Isaac is as well. There’s something about Luca I don’t like. The guy’s too charming.”