Chapter 25
ARIA
Holy crap. I just kissed Jace Carter. THE Jace Carter. Alpha of Moonshadow Pack and possibly the most dangerous werewolf in three states. What the actual hell, Aria? Get it together!
My heart raced as he held my waist. What was 1 thinking? After only ten days here, I was kissing the Alpha in his private training room. Gabriel would be furious if he found out. His kiss surprised me–not aggressive or dominant, just perfect.
I had no experience with werewolves. Or anyone, really. I’d jumped into the deep end. Yesterday I was just a trainee. Now, as his fingers touched my bare skin where my shirt had lifted, couldn’t help but shiver.
The words formed in my mind before I could stop them. And then- my god–I actually said them out loud. I must be completely
insane.
Aria smiled softly. “I think I need a shower.” I paused, heart racing. “Would you like to join me?”
Where did THAT come from? Did I seriously just invite the Alpha of Moon Shadow Pack to shower with me? I’m definitely losing my
mind.
He brushed my hair from my face, his breath warm against my ear. Yes, sure. Then stay. Not just to help you relax. I promise I won’t cross any lines. Say stop, and I’ll stop immediately.”
Shower with him? Gabriel would kill me. Or him. Probably both of us But my head nodded anyway, before my brain could intervene.
Without hesitation, Jace swept me into his arms. His scent enveloped me as he carried me through the training area. My brain
screamed this was insane, but my body refused to protest.
His bedroom was exactly what I expected from an Alpha – spacious and tastefully decorated with ancient tribal weapons mounted
on walls. A massive wooden bed dominated the center, covered in dark furs that looked impossibly soft.
“Second thoughts?” Jace asked, setting me down gently.
I shook my head, unable to form words.
His fingers worked at my training gear, carefully unfastening the leather armor Gabriel had custom–made for me. Each touch was deliberate, respectful. His fingers barely grazed my skin, yet every contact burned.
“You can change your mind anytime,” he said, his voice deep but gentle.
I stood before him in just my underwear, feeling exposed yet strangely unafraid. His gaze remained fixed on my face, not wandering down my body as I’d expected.
He pressed a soft kiss to my lips before lifting me again, carrying me to the bathroom. Once inside, he set me down and turned his back to me
a gesture of respect I hadn’t anticipated from an Alpha.
–
“I’ll go in first,” he said, removing his jeans and underwear before stepping into the shower.
The bathroom was stunning all marble and stone with a shower big enough for four people. Steam already filled the space as water cascaded down.
I took a deep breath and removed my remaining clothes, feeling vulnerability wash over me. I was human. No enhanced strength. No supernatural healing. Just me, about to step naked into a shower with the most powerful Alpha in the region.
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Chapter 25
I entered the shower, grateful that Jace kept his back turned. The warm water felt incredible against my skin.
“Use anything you need, little one,” he said.
“Thanks,” I whispered, barely audible over the water.
“May I turn around? I promise to keep my eyes on yours.”
“Okay.” The word escaped my mouth before I could reconsider.
Jace turned slowly, and true to his word, his gaze remained fixed on my face. No Alpha I’d ever known showed such restraint.
He tilted my chin up with gentle fingers and kissed me softly yet possessively. Then he guided my hand to his chest, placing my palm against his warm skin.
“I don’t mind you exploring, Ria.” His voice rumbled deep in his chest.
