Page 35 of Alpha Hunt

It’s huge. As big as my entire apartment. I’ve never had so much space to myself before.

This isn’t only for myself.

I swallow hard as I step inside. There’s no way to ignore the giant bed that dominates the space. It’s covered in crisp white linen, with oversized pillows and a gold-colored throw at the foot. A glance around shows more white and gold decor.

“It’s really nice,” I say beneath my breath. If the circumstances were different…

I rein in my thoughts. Forcing myself to take in my surroundings. There’s a suitcase set beside the closet at the far end of the room. When I go to it, I recognize it as my own. It’s empty, the contents having been packed onto the shelves. Someone has gone to the trouble of bringing my belongings over. In spite of my inner conflict, it makes me smile. My packmates are so excited about this new union. They always are. Mate bonds are precious in our community. The promise of new life and love…

What have you done?

I feel like I’ve betrayed them. Made a mockery of the traditions.

You fool, Casey!

I’ve been acting like a spoiled child. I turn back to the closet and realize that it’s not only my belongings packed there. I stare at the few items of clothing set on the rails and shelves on the other side. They’re Edirn’s. Whoever brought mine must have brought his, too.

Curious, I step closer and run my fingers over the fabric of a dark green henley. It’s soft and well-worn. Without thinking, I lift it to my nose and inhale deeply. His scent fills my nostrils – pine and musk and something uniquely him. I quickly hang the shirt back up, stepping away.

What are you doing?

I shouldn’t be sniffing his clothes like some lovesick teenager. But even as I scold myself, I can’t deny the effect his scent has on me. It’s like my body recognizes him on some deep animal level.

I think back to the hunt, to the moment he caught me. The feel of his hard body against mine, his breath hot on my skin-

Stop it!

I shake my head, trying to clear the memory. But it lingers like a touch on my skin.

Frustrated, I grab a towel and head for the bathroom that adjoins the master bedroom; there’s never been a time in my life when I’ve had a home with more than one bathroom. Now, I need a shower. Maybe the hot water will clear my head.

I strip off my clothes and step under the spray, letting it sluice over me. But even as I go through the motions of washing my hair and scrubbing my body, my mind keeps drifting back to Edirn.

What is it about him that affects me so strongly? Is it just a physical attraction? Or something deeper?

I sigh and turn off the water. I’m too tired to think about this now.

I dry off quickly and pull on an old T-shirt and a pair of shorts. Not exactly sexy sleepwear, but who am I trying to impress? Certainly not Edirn.

I climb into bed and stare up at the ceiling. The sheets are cool and crisp against my skin, but they feel empty. Like something’s missing.

I lie there for what feels like hours, tossing and turning. Just as I’m about to give up on sleep entirely, I hear the front door open and close. My body goes rigid, every nerve ending on high alert.

Footsteps move through the apartment. I hear the clink of a glass, the rustle of fabric. Is he getting ready for bed too?

I strain my ears, trying to track his movements. But after a few minutes, everything goes quiet. He doesn’t come to the bedroom.

A small part of me is disappointed. Did I want him to come to me? To claim me as his mate in more than just name?

I roll over and bury my face in the pillow, trying to block out the thoughts. Eventually, exhaustion takes over, and I drift off into a restless sleep.

In my dreams, I’m running through the forest again. But this time, I’m being hunted by a beast. The wolf chasing me is huge, dappled silver-gray, with piercing blue eyes that seem to see straight to the heart of me.

It’s him.

Chapter 14

Edirn