Page 54 of Night Call


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Blake nodded, letting a playful smile creep over his face. “Your instincts seem fine to me. You won Val over easily enough…” There was a pause, then: “…and me.”

If Pember’s heart rate had only been mildly elevated before, it was like a stampede of wild horses now. “W-well,” he squeaked, “perhaps I slipped you something in the apple pie. Made you more amenable to my charms.”

The words came out in a hurried jumble, because Blake’s thumb had taken to pressing against his lower lip without him even noticing. Pember leant into the touch, inadvertently parting his lips and letting the tip of his tongue glide over his teeth. Blake’s eyes darkened when it touched his skin.

There were no sinister mothers, or dead sisters or cheating ex-wives in that moment. There was no murder case, heart conditions and certainly no office gossip. In that moment, there was only a pool of desire rippling deep within Pember's belly as Blake tilted his chin and pressed their lips together.

CHAPTER 12

LEMON CHEESECAKE

Blake

Pember’s scentwas so perfect it caused a rush of saliva to coat Blake’s tongue. His mouth was watering, actually fuckingwateringat the feeling of the omega’s bottom lip slotted between his teeth. A breath passed between them, but it was impossible to tell who owned it.

He stared down through heavy eyelids, breath catching as he saw Pember’s long, dark lashes up close. A breathy sigh left Pember’s throat as Blake caressed his earlobe between his thumb and forefinger. It was so fucking soft, and Pember’s lips parted around the sound. It was taking all of Blake’s self-restraint not to claim his mouth entirely.

It had become painfully obvious over the last week that Pember had absolutely no idea of the effect he had on people. How his voice, his expressions, his quiet strength drew in everyone around him. Made them want to be in his orbit. Made Blake want to be in his orbit.

Pember’s hands were trembling as they gripped his T-shirt, causing guilt to punch through Blake’s gut like a boxing glove. He pulled away, taking half a step back. He’d been selfish—takenadvantage of a moment’s vulnerability just to satisfy his own desire.

But, Pember followed, pressing up onto his tiptoes and capturing Blake’s mouth in a kiss all of his own. His mouth was hot and pliant, carrying an urgency that had Blake gripping Pember’s chin again, tilting his face up and parting his lips. Their tongues touched, drawing out another soft sigh from them both.

“Alpha…” Pember whispered, so quiet it was nearly lost on Blake’s lips.

And if that one word didn’t stir up something fuckingprimalin him.

He wanted more, wanted to devour the sensual little creature in his arms until he was a shivering, whimpering mess. He wanted to wrap him up in cotton wool, keep him in his bed and fucking destroy everyone who tried to hurt him.

A snarl pulled at Blake’s throat, drawing out his canines as the possessive thoughts threatened to take hold.

Pember’s eyes popped open, and with a gasp he pulled back, fingers touching the red welt blossoming at the corner of his mouth. A blush crept up his neck, pushing past his hairline and curling around his ears. Blake lurched forward, ready to drag the omega back into his arms, but halted when he saw how Pember’s eyes flitted nervously around the room.

“I-I’m… Oh God, I’m so sorry,” Pember stuttered. “I don’t… I never… I absolutely shouldnothave done that.”

Blake swallowed, mind fuzzy as he huffed out an incredulous laugh. “Sorry, what?”

“I-I shouldn’t have kissed you. You were telling me about how heartbroken you are over your ex-wife, and I bloody kissed you!” He turned towards the sink, rubbing the back of his neck. “Jesus Christ, Pember, read the room,” he muttered.

Blake crossed his arms and leant against the counter. Rubbing the stubble on his chin, he tried to keep his voice even as he said, “I think you’ll find I kissed you.” His voice still cracked a little.

Pember’s head snapped up, expression stricken. “Don’t be absurd.”

A low rumble bubbled in Blake’s chest as he uncrossed his arms and pushed himself upright. He moved towards Pember with a measured stride, making the omega back up until his spine hit the fridge.

“You’re quite bossy, aren’t you?” Blake said, stopping just before their toes touched. Leaning a hand on the overhead cabinet, he dipped his chin to look Pember in the eyes. “Would you like me to leave?”

Pember drew in quick breaths, his eyebrows making some utterly delightful shapes across his forehead. “So you can go back to work?” he said, crossing his arms and setting his jaw. “I don’t think so.”

A half grin tugged at Blake’s lips, and he was not at all ashamed to admit that he was rather enjoying the way Pember’s focus drifted to his fangs. The satisfaction was short lived, as Pember ducked under his arm and grabbed a bag of lemons from the table. He reached for something in one of the drawers, and in one fluid movement placed the lemons and a zester in Blake’s hand.

Tilting his head towards a bowl on the side, he said, “The lemons aren’t going to zest themselves.”

Val and Cherry were, true to form,loud. The parrot danced across the backs of their chairs, nipping and pecking at their heads whilst they ate.

“She’s just combing your hair,” Val said, swatting at Cherry as she nipped Blake’s ear.

“No, she’s using my earlobe as a chew toy,” he grumbled. “Don’t you have any cuttlebones left?”