I try again. Same result. His phone is off, or he’s ignoring it. Probably the latter. He does that when he’s brooding.
I jab the button for Jasper. The kid picks up instantly.
“Hello? Seth?”
“Jasper,” I snap. “Find Billy. Look everywhere. The barns, the creek, the fence lines. Tell him to get to the main house immediately. It’s an emergency.”
“Is it the parasite? Are you okay?”
“Just find him, Jasper!” I hang up and shove the phone back into my pocket.
I walk back into the bedroom. The sight stops me in the doorway.
Sedona is shuffling on the bed. She has kicked off her shoes. Her hands are fumbling with the button of her jeans, her movements frantic and uncoordinated.
She’s whining, a low, pitiful sound that scrapes against my nerves. She arches her back, her chest heaving, her body seeking friction against the mattress.
“Seth,” she gasps, turning her head toward me. Her eyes are wet now, tears leaking from the corners. “Please.”
I walk to the side of the bed and crouch down, bringing myself to her eye level. I have to be the steady one. I have to be the brother who thinks with his head, even if every cell in my body is screaming to take her.
“What do you need?” I ask, though I know the answer.
I know exactly what her biology is screaming for. She needs an Alpha. She needs a knot. She needs to be filled until this fire burns itself out.
She reaches for me, her hand sliding around the back of my neck. Her fingers are hot, burning against my skin.
“I need...” She trails off, her gaze dropping to my mouth. She licks her lips. “I need you to put it out.”
My breath hitches.
“Tell me,” I say, my resolve crumbling like wet paper. “Use your words, Sedona. Tell me what you want.”
“I want you to touch me,” she whispers, and her voice drops into a register that makes my cock jerk against my zipper. “I want you to put your mouth on me. I want you to fuck me until I can’t think.”
The words hang in the air between us, lewd and undeniable. In my mind, I see flashes of her thoughts—filthy, desperate images that match the ones running through my own head.
I see myself pinning her down. I see myself burying my face between her legs. I see her screaming my name.
Fuck.
I squeeze my eyes shut, fighting for control. I’m losing this battle.
“Sedona,” I groan, opening my eyes. “I’m trying to help you.”
“Then help me,” she begs, tugging me closer. “Please, Seth. Make it stop.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
Billy
I runthe curry comb over Whiskey Jack’s flank, watching the dust motes dance in the sunlight. The water in the dip is cool, rising up to the horse’s knees. He splashes, tossing his head in enjoyment.
It’s quiet down here. Just the sound of water and the horse breathing.
I needed this. A moment of peace.
Then I hear the engine.
