Chapter 18
Elijah doesn’t hesitate. He slips an arm around my waist, pulling me tightly against him. With his other hand, he softly cradles the back of my head. In the next instant, his lips meet mine, and it feels like fireworks are bursting. He moves his mouth over mine, fingers weaving through my hair.
I give in to the moment, my hands reaching up without thought to encircle his neck. Rising onto my toes, I pull myself even closer to him, but it still doesn’t feel close enough. I just want more.
After a few seconds, we pull apart to catch our breath. I’ve never experienced being so winded and yet so full of life simultaneously. It almost feels as if I’m floating. “Wow,” I murmur.
Elijah rests his forehead against mine, his breathing still uneven. “Let’s head inside.” He lingers a bit longer, and I’m in no hurry to move either.
At last, we separate and make our way into the pack house. The hour is late, and a hush falls over the place as we cross the threshold. I’m thankful for the peace and quiet. My comfort level around Elijah has grown, but I’m not quite prepared to face the rest of the pack just yet. I hope I can ease into that when I’m ready.
When we arrive at the third floor, Elijah halts at the stair’s summit. “Where do you want to sleep?”
“Your room.” My reply leaves little room for doubt, but I appreciate that Elijah doesn’t presume. His patience and respect make me feel even more certain I made the right decision.
We walk into Elijah’s room, fingers intertwined, but as soon as the door closes, he releases my hand. He heads over to his dresser and takes out a t-shirt, offering it to me. “You can use this for tonight. Emma’s probably asleep already, otherwise I’d ask her for something else.”
“This is perfect. I really should have brought an overnight bag.” I accept the shirt and hold it against myself, not quite sure what to do next. Tonight, I’m more anxious than I was before. Last night, my choices were made half-asleep, but after our kiss, I’m keenly aware of everything happening.
Elijah points to a door at the back of the room. “There’s a bathroom if you want to freshen up or change. You’ll find a spare toothbrush on the counter.”
“Thank you.” I head for the bathroom, grateful for his thoughtfulness. I slip out of my dress and put on the t-shirt he lent me. It’s a bit oversized, but comfortable, and it carries his scent.
I could get used to wearing it. I wash my face and spot the extra toothbrush, wondering if Elijah anticipated me staying over again, or if he just keeps an extra one just in case.
When I return to the room, Elijah has already changed into plaid pajama pants and a tank top. He heads into the bathroom next, and I slip into his bed to wait for him. My heart races as I sit there, listening to the sound of water from the sink.
Being alone makes me realize how quickly things are moving with Elijah. We’ve only just met a few days ago, and now I’m already in his bed. I’m falling faster than I ever expected, and suddenly, anxiety washes over me. Am I making the right choice?
Elijah comes out of the bathroom and walks over to the other side of the bed. Doubt clouds my mind, and I can’t bring myself to meet his gaze. Everything feels almost too perfect, and I worry it could all
vanish in a heartbeat.
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< Chapter 18
Elijah pulls the blanket back but hesitates before climbing into bed.
“What’s bothering you?”
Is it really that clear?
“Are we rushing things?”
“Would you rather I sleep on the couch? If you’re feeling uneasy-”
Before I can answer, my hand finds his.
“No, that’s not it. It’s just that I’ve been standing alone on the edge for so long. Now it feels like I’m falling. Actually, I jumped off that edge, and I can’t see what’s waiting for me down below. I’m scared I’ll hit the bottom if I’m not careful.”
Elijah sits down on the bed at last, looking closely at me.
“That can’t happen. I’ll always be there to catch you; you won’t fall.”
His words make me laugh.
“You’re so corny, and honestly, you seem too good to be real.” I pause for a second.
“Just promise me you won’t disappear. I don’t want to wake up and find out this never happened.”
“I’m not going anywhere, not as long as you want me here.” Elijah leans forward and kisses me again, this time much more softly.
I still feel a strong desire burning inside, and I know I have to pull away sooner than I’d like, or my body will betray me.
“We should try to get some sleep.”
Elijah gives a small nod, and we both settle under the covers. I roll onto my side and guide his arm around me.
Part of me wants him to take the initiative, but I can tell he’s making sure not to cross any boundaries or make me uncomfortable.
Held in Elijah’s arms, I quickly start to drift off.
