Page 49 of Awakening the Beast
I arch an eyebrow, smirking at her. “No shit. I wasn’t going to go easy on you the second I knew you were ready to step it up a level.”
She almost looks shocked by the effect it had on her, which is ironic considering we used to do worse on the daily—relentless, primal, but it’s been a while, and it’s clear the gap has left its mark on both of us.
She gives me a lazy, satisfied smile, her lips parted in that way that always makes my blood run hot. I lean in, capturing her mouth in a rough kiss, and she straightens instantly, turning to face me, her small frame pressing against mine. Her tongue is hungry and fierce, and I cup her face in my hands, tilting her head back to take control of the kiss, to devour her like I need to.
I slam her against the wall again, my body pinning hers as the fire inside me rages, threatening to spiral out of control all over again. I can feel the desire coursing through me, every touch making me lose my grip on restraint, my cock straining against my tight pants, demanding to be free and inside her, but I stop myself just before tipping over the edge. With a frustrated growl, I press my forehead against hers, my eyes squeezed shut as I try to regain my composure.
“I don’t know what’s worse,” I mutter against her lips. “Taking this shit slow or going completely without feeling your warm pussy wrapped around me. It’s fucking impossible to keep my hands off you, even when we’re just kissing.”
She pulls back just enough to raise an eyebrow at me, a teasing grin playing on her lips. “Do you want to stop kissing, then?”
I snarl softly against her mouth, the heat between us only growing more intense. “Don’t test me with your brave bullshit. You’re not out of my bad books yet, even if you let me ruin your perfect cunt and asshole with my mouth tonight.”
Her playful expression fades, her face falling as she realizes where this conversation is headed. My forehead stays pressed against hers, my grip on her tightening as I search her eyes.
“You confronted them, didn’t you?”
I can see the guilt flashing across her features, confirming what I already know.
“Yes.” She whispers, barely audible.
I inhale deeply, trying to keep my frustration in check. “Why? I told you not to.”
She hesitates for a moment, clearly weighing her words. “I wanted them to leave us alone. I told them I don’t want their fucking protection if it means losing you.”
My brows lift in surprise. “You said that?”
She gives a small, emotionless nod. “I said a lot, and I wasn’t nice about it either.”
I close my eyes, feeling a pang of guilt stir within me for the hundredth time tonight. I don’t want her to be fighting with her folk because of me, even if they’ve been shitty.
“Wren…”
“They needed to know, Arlo,” she cuts in. “They needed to know that if they ever fuck with us like that again, I won’t hesitate to cut them off completely. That means never speaking to them and them never seeing Lumi either. No one messes with my little family, not even family.”
My brows furrow, and I search her eyes, trying to understand.
“What do you mean by “they?”
“My father isn’t Ghost.”
I lift my head, confusion washing over me.
“My mom is.” She confesses.
I snicker, doubtful, but her serious gaze doesn’t shift. She brings her hands up to my face, locking eyes with me.
“I’m not lying. It’s my mom. She’s ghost.”
I’m stunned into silence as I process what she’s just revealed.
“But promise me you won’t tell a soul. Even though you owe her nothing, I don’t want anyone to know.” She asks, looking at me sincerely, her eyes pleading.
My jaw clenches under her hands, but I give a small nod, my mind racing.
“Okay.”
I straighten up and wrap my arm around her shoulders, pulling her close to my chest. “Come on. Let’s get some sleep. We’ve got a busy time ahead.”
