Page 22 of A Kiss From a Wolfman
“I’ll find something for us to eat. The stream should be warm enough if you want to wash up.”
I sigh.
“That sounds wonderful.”
Digging into my small bag, I fetch a bar of lavender soap. Unbraiding my hair, I take the leather tie and secure my tresses into a messy bun at the top of my head. Turning towards theroaring stream, I kick off my shoes and unlace the back of my gown. Letting it and my shift pool at my feet, I scoop them up and hang them from a low branch of a nearby tree.
A low howl cuts through the clearing and goosebumps break out along my flesh. Turning to look over my bare shoulder, my eyes connect with Ciaryn’s. The noticeable bulge in his pants makes my mouth water. I look at it pointedly and raise a brow.
“Do you want to join me?” I ask, skimming my hand down my naked sides.
Ciaryn growls again before shaking his head.
“Must feed you,” he rasps, his voice deeper than before.
A smile curls my lips. “Suit yourself.”
Walking into the stream, a soft moan slips from my lips. The water is a perfect temperature and laps against my bare skin. My nipples harden instantly. I walk deeper into the water until it reaches my shoulders—the soft bottom of the stream squishes between my toes. The rushing water soothes my muscles.
Ciaryn disappears briefly before reappearing with a few dead rabbits. My stomach rolls partly from hunger but mainly from the sight. I’ll tell him I prefer a more plant-based diet when we are more settled. He makes quick work of skinning them and setting up a fire near the edge of the stream. His eyes return to me once the meat rests over the flames to cook.
I smile, reaching for the soap to begin lathering my body. Ciaryn’s hungry gaze tracks every movement, and I shiver under the intensity.
“So,” I say. “How much longer until we make it to our destination?”
It takes a moment for him to register I’ve asked him a question. Shaking his head, he prowls closer to the edge of the stream.
“Not much longer. We could’ve made it there tonight, but I wanted you to rest.”
The soap foams in my hands. I use the suds to clean under my arms and along my neck. The lavender scent surrounds me as I scrub away the day's dirt.
“Do more of your people live there? Your pack?” I ask.
Ciaryn makes a low noise before nodding once. I float the bar of soap towards him as he washes the blood off his hands from the rabbits. His eyes devour me as I walk closer to the stream’s edge. The water is lower over here, barely covering my breasts.
“You don’t like talking about them,” I whisper. “Or where you’re from.”
Ciaryn’s eyes shudder as he lowers his head.
“It’s complicated. I left when they needed me most.”
My hand snakes out from the water to wrap around his. With a gentle squeeze, I guide his gaze back to mine.
“Tell me.”
Ciaryn stares at me for a moment. The silence stretches until I’m nearly certain he won’t continue. Then, I feel his hand tighten on mine before he moves quickly, pulling my soaking body from the water and rubbing me against him. I gasp at the sensation.
“What are you doing?” I giggle.
The evening air is cool against my damp skin, and Ciaryn is so warm I can’t help but wrap my arms around his neck and hold him closer.
“Getting you dry,” he replies, running his arms down my sides.
“Hmm,” I sigh. “How chivalrous. I’m sure this has nothing to do with the fact that I’m naked and dripping wet.”
Ciaryn chuckles, nuzzling into my neck. Despite how good he feels, I can’t get swept up in him just yet. I need some answers first.
“Tell me where we are going, Ciaryn.”
