Chapter 0045

His breath is hot against my ear. "Let me show you pleasure like you've never known." His bare skin presses against mine, the mattress soft beneath us. Those skilled hands explore every inch of me. His lips trail fire along my neck, my collarbone, teasing my earlobe. A whimper escapes my throat. My fingers trace the hard planes of his sculpted torso, drawing a satisfied hum from me. I crave the taste of him. Need to feel him claiming me in ways no other man ever could.

His erection glides against my sensitive bundle of nerves, sending electric shocks through my body. The slick heat between my thighs betrays how much he affects me. A soft moan slips out as I arch toward him, desperate for more. His fingers slide inside, curling just right. "Oh gods—" Pleasure erupts through me as I rock against his hand. "Don't stop."

"You want more, little wolf?" His voice is dark honey.

"Yes. Please." My voice breaks.

His teeth graze my earlobe. "Should I take you properly?"

"Gods, yes."

A sharp nip sends sparks down my spine. "I want to hear you scream my name. Want to feel you coming around me every night. Would you like that, my beautiful Guardian?"

"Adrian—"

"Louder." He withdraws his fingers and thrusts deep in one smooth motion, lifting himself so I see those smoldering eyes. "Say it!"

"ADRIAN!"

I jolt awake, gasping, sheets tangled around my legs. My hands fly to my pajamas—still on, thank the Moon Goddess. The bed is cold and empty.

What in the actual hell? That wasn't Sebastian in my dream. It was Adrian. Again. First at the window replaying memories with Sebastian's face replaced by Adrian's, now this? Even my traitorous body is responding to thoughts of him. Could he really—

No. I scramble out of bed before that thought finishes. Cold shower. Now.

'Selene?' I reach for my wolf spirit.

Only sleepy contentment echoes back. Maybe she favors Theron, though she certainly enjoyed Dorian's company last night...

'Mate bond comes first,' she mumbles before drifting off again.

After scrubbing away sinful thoughts, the clock reads 3:17 AM. Training starts at 4. Coffee first. Always coffee.

Dressed in workout gear, I open my door to find an enormous velvet box on the doorstep. The attached card bears elegant script:

My dearest Evelyn,

This final gift awaits your acceptance. Wear it tonight, and I shall reveal myself before the entire pack. The time for secrets is over. Let them all see who claims your heart.

Yours,

No Longer A Secret

My stomach somersaults. Tonight? Sebastian's cryptic comment yesterday makes sudden sense—he knew about this. Which means...

Hands trembling, I lift the lid.

The peacock-blue dress glimmers under the lights. Off-shoulder neckline dripping with crystals. Flowing chiffon skirt designed for dancing. Beneath it, a jewelry box reveals emerald earrings and matching pendant—real stones if I'm not mistaken. The price tag could feed a small pack for months.

A smaller note flutters down: The emeralds match your eyes when you come for me.

I nearly drop the necklace.

How does he—

The realization hits like lightning.

Only one person has seen that particular shade of green in my eyes.

And he's been watching me far longer than I ever guessed.