Page 24 of Haven

“Let me check my dance card.” Beth Ann grinned but handed her cup to Sadie.

“It better just have my name on it.” He growled, then winked at Sadie as he led Beth Ann where the couples slow danced.

“Would you like to dance?” Another male voice came from behind her. Turning, she saw a man she remembered from breakfast. He was cute and very nice, but yeah, she was not going there.

“Thank you, but I’m good.” She smiled at him, not wanting to be rude, but after the looks she had gotten today, saying no was the safer option for her. Plus, the man she really wanted to dance with wasn’t asking. “I’m holding a drink for Beth Ann.” It was an odd excuse but the only one she could think of.

He frowned but gave Sadie a nod as he walked away. Her attention went back to the dance floor looking for Lily. Spotting her, she smiled. Lily was talking a mile a minute to the man who seemed to be listening intently. On the other hand, Alex stood in the shadows, his eyes glaring at the man dancing with Lily. She wondered if Alex would ask her sister to dance.

Her gaze roamed over the couples, and she had to admit she was looking for one person in particular. She was relieved not to see him dancing with a woman. Spotting Beth Ann and her mate, she sighed. They seemed so in love. The way he held her against him as if encasing her body with his made her own heart flutter and left her wondering what in the world that would feel like. She had danced with guys before, but no one special.

A few more men approached her and asked her to dance, but she gave them the same song and dance, pun intended, as she had given the first guy. She had no clue who was attached orwho liked who yet. Stepping on toes, especially when it came to possibly hijacking a relationship, was not her style. She had finished her drink and set Beth Ann’s on the table behind her. She rubbed her arms stepping closer to the fire. The night air was turning cooler.

“Dance with me.” Kile’s voice sent a heat shooting through her, instantly warming her. It wasn’t a question like the other men, but more of a demand, and she...liked it. Disappointment swarmed her, knowing she had to turn him down, but when she turned to look up at his handsome face, she wondered if she could ever turn this man down.

CHAPTER 14

Kile stood in the shadows, his eyes glued to the dance floor. No, that was a fucking lie. His eyes were glued on a dark-haired beauty in a yellow dress he wanted to rip off and see the body she expertly moved on the dance floor. Never in his life had he wanted anyone more than he wanted Sadie. Everything about her called to him. Only once had he stepped in to back off one of Lance’s men when he got too friendly with Sadie on the dance floor. He had thought a clear message would be sent to the unmated males and humans that she was off limits, but seeing men continue to walk up to her asking her to dance proved that wasn’t the case.

He couldn’t blame them, but she was his, and soon everyone would know it.Shewould know it. Watching her walk closer to the fire, he moved out of the shadows as soon as another slow song began to play.

“Dance with me.” His voice was firm, more of a command than a question, but he had no intention of leaving until he held her in his arms. She glanced up at him, and he could tell from the look in her eyes that she was about to turn him down. But KileJackson wasn’t someone who handled rejection easily. One way or another, she would end up in his arms.

“I just told someone no,” she whispered as if she might be overheard. “It wouldn’t be right to dance with you after that. But thank you.”

“Do youwantto dance with me?” he asked, knowing full well the answer. Her eyes betrayed her. “I don’t care about the other men.” That was a lie. He cared enough to have wanted to knock out every guy who approached her. But he kept that part to himself.

“Yes, I do,” She replied, looking a little surprised by her honest answer.

"Good," he replied with a grin, tightening his grip on her hand as he led her to the dance floor. He could feel the glares from the men she had turned down, but he didn’t care. If they had a problem with it, they could settle it later—after he was done with this dance.

As he pulled her into his arms, he felt her shiver against him. Leaning down, he whispered in her ear, "Are you cold?"

She whispered back, “No,” and that simple answer pleased him. Her body responded to his presence just as his did to hers. He was delighted with that realization.

"You look beautiful," he murmured, cupping her chin and lifting her face to meet his gaze. He wanted her to see the sincerity in his eyes. Her soft blush only enhanced her beauty, and he had to resist the urge to kiss her right then and there. But not for long. He knew he'd be tasting those lips again soon. Her shy smile made his heart pound as he gently dropped his hand from her face and pulled her closer.

Sadie fit perfectly in his arms, her head barely reaching his chin, as if she was made just for him. The feel of her soft curves pressed against him had him fighting to control his own reactions. She wasn’t one of those thin, fragile women who thought men only wanted skin and bones. No, Sadie was exactly what he wanted—a woman with strength, with substance, someone who wouldn’t break under pressure. She was his mate in every sense, and he ached to claim her as his. But she wasn’t like him. She was human, not a Shifter, so he knew he had to approach her carefully.

The song slowed to a stop, only to be replaced by a faster beat, but he didn’t let go. He kept swaying with her, ignoring the stares they were getting.

"Walk with me?" he asked softly, finally stopping their dance. When she nodded, he smiled, wrapping an arm around her as he guided her away from the crowd toward the quiet shadows where they could be alone.

He walked far enough away that they wouldn’t be disturbed but close enough to hear the faint sound of the music. He stopped near a large downed tree. The full moon filtered through the canopy of branches. Sadie in the moonlight was a beautiful sight.

“Is this still Gemma’s property?” She asked, looking around before leaning against the higher part of the tree.

“It is.” He nodded, watching her look around, her eyes taking in everything around them. “When there isn’t a full moon, it’s pitch black in the wooded areas. It's easy to get lost. Never wander too far at night.”

“It’s so peaceful. I love the sound of tree frogs.” She smiled, then frowned. Hearing a rustle of leaves, her head snapped that way. “What was that?”

“Probably a night animal trying to find it’s dinner.” He smiled, not taking his eyes off her. “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you.”

She looked up at him, staring into his eyes. “I believe that.” She replied, still searching his gaze. “In such a short time that I’ve known you, I feel safe with you.”

“As you should.” He took a step, reached out, and pulled her closer. “I will never let anything or anyone hurt you.”

“Why?” Sadie asked, the confusion of her feelings evident on her face. “You barely know me.”