“
He doesn't know how lucky he is that I didn't come sooner to obliterate him until he was chunks of meat ground into the floor. It's only because I'm the bigger man and carry actual respect for pack hierarchy. You don't deserve disrespect, not when you're one of the most caring, intelligent, brave Omegas in the pack."
He reached out tentatively to touch my cheek where tears had dampened it. His fingers were warm against my skin, sending shivers down my spine.
"If he does a damn thing…Aria, I won't let him touch you again. We'll figure it out, okay? This isn't permanent."
Without thinking about it, I leaned into him, seeking solace in his strength. He pulled me up to my feet, straightening me as I wobbled a bit. Unable to meet his concerned gaze, I swore under my breath.
"Ugh, I'm a mess. I'm sorry. I just need a second."
"Shh, it's no problem. You take your time. Don't worry about it or me."
He wrapped his arms around me gently, pulling me close until we were chest-to-chest. I numbly wrapped my arms around his slightly squishy waist and nuzzled into him. The scent of his cologne wafted up, mingling with the earthy undertones of his natural musk. Each breath seemed like coming home.
His scent was intoxicating, making my head spin with safety, comfort, joy. My nose filled with him.
I had smelled him a million times, this was nothing new.
But now? Something inside me unclenched, while at the same time, my cells twisted with a new emotion.
Something deeper, darker, primal. An urge that unlocked inside me, twisting a sense of familiarity into something so much more.
From hot tears to a cellular connection that quaked all the way down to the tips of my toes.
My fingers spasmed around him. My mouth both dry and salivating as the same time.
Was I losing my mind? Had I finally hit a mental breakdown?
”
”