Page 34 of Alpha Fate
I find myself sporting a semi in an instant.
Fuck it, calm down!
This is not like me. I clasp my hands in front of me, looking around. There are packing boxes piled about, but the space is light and airy. Wide windows overlook a small park, flowers in window boxes brighten up the place. “Nice spot.”
“Yeah. One of the benefits of being in the family units,” he smirks, shrugging out of his jacket and hanging it over the back of an upholstered chair.
“Thanks for rubbing it in. Like I told you, you’re a dickhead.”
“Never denied it.” He shrugs. “What’re you here for?” He gets straight to the point. “Or is that a stupid question?”
I narrow my eyes on him. “What are you getting at?”
“Well, the last time I had you banging on my door, it was to ask Sierra if she wanted to test for a mate bond. I’m guessing you’re not here for that again. Because if you are…” His voice becomes low and dangerous.
“Of course not, you ass! You know I would never disrespect the bond like that,” I snap back.
“Yeah, I do. I’m yanking your chain.” He’s still almost growling, though. “So then, it has to be for—”
Voices in the hallway stop the conversation in its tracks. We both swivel around to face the sound. Sierra and Savanah emerge, arm in arm. And my heart fucking stops. She’s so damned beautiful.
And so damned thin. Concern surges in me at the sight of how fragile she is beneath the T-shirt and sweats that are hanging from her frame. I want to sweep her up and rush her off to find a meal…then watch her eat until her cheeks fill out. They’re hollow now, her face gaunt. Dark circles frame her eyes – yet still, they’re mesmerizing; the green of them is like nothing I’ve ever seen before, and in spite of everything, she’s just so…lovely.
“Gage!” Savannah’s face lights up and warmth floods me. Sierra eyes me with suspicion. She still hasn’t forgiven me for challenging Jagger for her. Right now, I’m glad nothing ever came of it. I’m focused on her sister.
“Hello, sunshine.” I can’t help smiling. I feel the smile broaden as she rushes over to me. It’s not lost on me that Jagger raises an eyebrow, sharing a knowing look with Sierra as Savannah flings her arms around me.
Fuck, she feels good. And again, my skin tingles wherever she touches me.
“Well, I knew something would get her smiling again.” Sierra sounds put out. “Just my luck, it would be you.”
“Gee, thanks.” I ignore her surly attitude and zone in on the woman who’s pressed against me. With the grime washed away, her scent comes to the fore, and it hits me in a wave. When I take her shoulders and gently push her away from me, it’s because I’m afraid she’s going to feel my damn cock pressing against her. But her face drops as I put distance between us, and it makes me feel like an ass.
“I came to see how you’re doing today.” I don’t bother hiding it. Anyone with half a brain can see I’m not here to bat the breeze with Jagger. He’s still eyeballing me as if he’s waiting for me to snatch Sierra up and run out of the door with her.
Not gonna happen. I only have eyes for Savannah right now.
“I’m much better,” she says almost shyly. “Thank you.” Her plump lower lip snags between even white teeth. I try not to stare.
“I’m glad.” My hands are still on her shoulders, but I drop them now, arms hanging limply at my sides. “I hope they’re keeping you comfortable?”
“Very.” She nods; she licks her lips this time, and that’s even worse than when she’s gnawing on them.
“That’s good.” I glance around, seeing how Jagger and Sierra are watching the interaction with interest. The awkwardness is hanging heavy in the air.
“Have you eaten?” I ask.
I feel a thread of disappointment when she nods. “But I could eat again,” she adds quickly. “I’m like a tapeworm with legs.” Her mouth twists wryly. “Great visual, huh?”
I want to tell her that every visual she inspires is pretty amazing to me, but that feels like too much. “Can I take you for breakfast?”
“No!” Sierra’s intrusion is sharp and shrill. “No, she can’t leave here until—”
I look at her. “Until?”
Her eyes are on her sister. “You know what I told you, Savvie.”
Savannah’s brow furrows. “I really don’t think it’s going to be a problem, Si. I told you I…I just don’t feel it.” Tension builds as the twins lock eyes in some sort of silent communication only they seem to understand.