Page 38 of Alpha's Claim

As Landon veered off to head back to the garden, Briar’s thoughts drifted back to Colt. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she knew one thing for certain: she wasn’t alone in this fight. Colt was her anchor, her protector. And she was his. He might believe in the power of the pack, but Briar was a witch, and she would throw her magic in behind them. Whatever came, they would be ready.

Chapter

Fifteen

BRIAR

The morning sun spilled through the curtains, casting its warm, golden light through the windows and French doors. Briar stirred beneath the covers, the scent of fresh coffee tickling her senses even before she opened her eyes. She felt the familiar weight of Colt’s arm draped over her waist, his body warm and solid against her back. A contented sigh escaped her lips as she let herself relax into the moment, her hand resting atop his.

“You awake, sweetheart?” Colt’s low, sleepy voice rumbled behind her, the sound sending a pleasant shiver down her spine.

Briar smiled, her eyes still closed. “Barely.”

Colt’s chuckle was deep and comforting, vibrating through her skin. “Coffee’s ready.”

Briar finally opened her eyes, blinking against the soft light. “You’re a saint.”

“Saint Savage, huh?” Colt teased, pressing a kiss to the curve of her shoulder before sliding out of bed. “I kind of like the sound of that, but it was Etta. You should know, she has never once brought my brothers or me coffee.”

Briar laughed as she sat up, letting the covers pool in her lap and loving the way Colt’s eyes roamed over her bodypossessively and lovingly, lingering on her rapidly pebbling nipples. She watched Colt as he swung his legs over the edge of the bed and got up, walking to where Etta had left them a tray, gloriously unbothered by his own nakedness or the cool morning air. His easy, unguarded manner was something Briar had come to cherish. There was a simplicity to their mornings now—a natural rhythm that made her feel more at home than she ever had before.

A few minutes later, Colt returned to their bed with two steaming mugs of coffee. He handed one to her, then settled back on the bed, propping himself up against the headboard.

Briar took a sip, humming with pleasure. “Perfect, as always.”

Colt grinned, his golden eyes warm as he watched her. “You’re easy to impress.”

She gave him a playful nudge with her elbow. “Not true.”

They sipped their coffee in companionable silence, the kind that didn’t need filling. Briar leaned against Colt’s side, her head resting on his shoulder, and he slid an arm around her without hesitation.

It was moments like these—quiet, unhurried—that made her feel as though they’d been together for a lifetime rather than the short time it had actually been. There was no need for pretense or small talk. Just the simple pleasure of being together, sharing the same space, the same warmth.

After a while, Colt tilted his head to press a kiss to her temple. “Shower?” he murmured against her skin.

Briar smiled, setting her empty mug on the nightstand. “Lead the way.”

Colt was already pulling her to her feet, his grin wicked. “Now, you know what’s going to happen if we share a shower.”

“Mm-hmm.” Briar bit her bottom lip, feeling a delicious thrill race through her at the promise in his voice. “That’s kind of the point.”

Colt growled low in his throat, sweeping her up into his arms without warning. Briar laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck as he carried her into the bath.

The hot spray of water enveloped them as soon as they stepped inside. Colt wasted no time, his hands roaming over her body, slick with water and soap. Briar gasped as he pressed her back against the cool tiles, his mouth finding hers in a slow, intoxicating kiss.

Every touch, every kiss felt like a conversation between them—a language only they spoke. Colt’s hands skimmed down her sides, teasing and coaxing until Briar melted against him, her nails digging lightly into his shoulders.

They took their time, savoring every moment, every touch. By the time they finally emerged from the shower, breathless and glowing with satisfaction, the day had fully arrived, but neither of them were in any hurry to leave the sanctuary they’d created.

Colt handed Briar a towel, his grin lazy and satisfied. “If we keep this up, we’re going to miss breakfast. I’m headed out with Landon to check on the herd we moved earlier this week,” he said, dressing quickly. “I’ll just grab something I can eat on horseback. You should stay inside and take it easy. Etta thinks you’re pushing yourself too hard.”

“Good thing I don’t have to listen to Etta,” Briar teased, wrapping the towel around herself.

Colt kissed the tip of her nose. “You better take it easy, and I’ll see you for lunch.”

Briar laughed, swatting at him with her towel as she stepped out of the bath. “I’ll be there. Try not to miss me too much until then.”

“I’ll do my best, but I’m not promising anything.”