Page 17 of A Kiss From a Wolfman
“Why?”
“I don’t know.”
My hand slowly reaches up and cups his cheek. His soft fur slips between my fingers.
“Well, I’m glad you came back. Are you hurt?”
Ciaryn shakes his head. “Are you?”
“No, Timson, he—well—you stopped him before anything could happen.”
A low growl slips from his lips as his hands reach for my waist. Their warm weight soothes my fragile nerves.
“I’ll always protect you. It’s the least I could do after?—”
I wrinkle my nose. “You don’t have to repay my healing with personal protection.”
“It’s not repayment, Stella. I want to keep you safe—need to.”
The heat in his gaze burns me alive. Warmth spreads along my cheeks. Even though being in his arms is wonderful, I can’t help but focus on the carnage littering my front lawn.
“I’ll have to move. I’m sure people will come looking for them.” Taking his hand, I lead him towards the door. “We should get inside. More could already be on their way.”
Ciaryn’s hand tightens in mine.
“I won’t leave you to deal with this mess alone.”
I nod, my eyes snagging at the dried blood on his mouth.
“Come,” I say. “Let me clean you off.”
Just like the previous night, he settles onto my small wooden chair. After locking the door, I find a clean rag, wet it, and clean off the blood along his mouth and hands. Moving to his chest,I’m happy to see his wounds fully healed. Once I’m satisfied he’s clean, I drop the rag onto the kitchen table. My eyes take in the previous night’s mess, and everything hits me at once.
Ohgods, how terrible tonight could’ve gone if Ciaryn hadn’t shown up. If Timson hadn’t been stopped, he would’ve—I would’ve—tears pool in my eyes and fall down my cheeks. My strength leaves me as the fear from this evening washes over me. Before I can clatter to the floor, Ciaryn is there. He catches me against his chest, and I curl against him.
With steady strides, he walks us towards the side of my bed. His warmth leaves me only momentarily as he kneels before me and unlaces my boots. My numb fingers find the lacings of my dress and undo them. Tossing the heavy gown over my head, Ciaryn rids me of my socks. In a daze, I fall against the soft sheets.
Gathering the quilt in his hands, he gently pulls it over me.
“Sleep, Stella. I’ll keep watch from the floor.”
Before he can turn away, my hand snags his wrist. I don’t want to be alone in this bed. Not after tonight—not ever. Ciaryn makes me feel safe. His scent and warmth are a comfort—one I desperately need right now.
“Stay,” I whisper, tugging him towards me. “Please.”
Ciaryn looks conflicted for a moment. I tug at his hand again, and he pulls back the sheets. I slide back to give him room. His pine scent invades my lungs. The evening chill is remedied when his warmth seeps into my side.
I’ve never been so forward in my life, but I can’t bring myself to care. My arms wrap around his strong middle, and I snuggle deeper against his soft fur. His claws skim up and down my back, as he growls softly. The sound soothes me almost as much as his presence.
Like last night, I feel safe—even more so now that I am in his arms. The horrors of this evening finally leave my mind.Something unfurls in my chest—permanent and all-consuming. A fresh wave of warmth spreads throughout my body. Pressing my cheek to his chest, I let the rhythmic sound of his heartbeat lull me to sleep.
6
CIARYN
Being this close to Stella is beautiful torture.
All night, my body was painfully aware of her closeness. Her supple curves pressed softly against the muscles of my side. Her smooth thigh rested atop my legs. Stella’s lovely face is relaxed in sleep and close enough for me to count each freckle decorating her nose and cheeks—all one-hundred-and-thirty-seven.
