Up until now, I didn’t realize how tensely Juliet held herself. As if she were constantly braced for a blow. In this moment, she is loose and relaxed and glorious.
For a few more seconds, I simply watch, reveling in my librarian’s happiness. Then the music starts to penetrate my muscles, making them twitch along to the rhythm. Encouraging me to join.
Juliet and I are alone right now. And she doesn’t have to be dancing on her own.
Slipping my feet out from under the covers, they begin tapping the second they touch the floor. Then, a moment later, I’m standing in front of Juliet, bobbing to the beat. My attempt is nowhere near the realm of her mad gyrating, but when Juliet blinks up at me, pure delight on her face, I know I’ve done the right thing.
“Yes!” she cheers, then grabs my hand and twirls herself under my arm.
Juliet’s fingers slide from mine, and I’m tempted to grab her back. But this dancing is for her, not for me, and I’m simply honored to be included.
Backing up a step to give her space, I work on easing all my muscles. My joints are stiff at first, as if confused by this activity, searching for meaning in my movement. But the point is to have no purpose.
A new concept to me.
I close my eyes, longing for the same pure abandon Juliet embraces. A freedom I’ve never felt in my human form. When I’m an animal, I can let go. But when I’m a man, responsibilities weigh down on my shoulders. Constantly grounding me.
When I try to think of the last time I allowed myself to be uninhibited, I come up blank. Looking back over my past, all I can seem to remember is doing my duty by the pack. Again and again, until I have trouble identifying what sets me apart from my role.
I am the pack leader, but that’s not all I am.
Right?
There are needs that pound in my chest in time with my heart. Ones for me alone. Ones I want to listen to. Ones I long to answer.
This mindless dancing convinces me I deserve this freedom.
Then, suddenly, there’s a sharp sting on my jaw. Not painful exactly, but surprising enough to have my lids blinking open, searching for the cause.
“Owwww,” Juliet moans, clutching her hand to her chest. She stares up at me, gaze worried. “Oh gods. I’m sorry, Roderick! I just punched you in the face!”
Was that what that was? A punch?
“I only ever dance alone, so I didn’t know I was dangerous.” Juliet steps up to me, tracing her finger over my jaw while wearing an apologetic pout.
A snort escapes before I can stifle it. Anyway, I’m more concerned about her hand. But before I can ask to see it, Juliet has her arms around my neck, pulling me in close to kiss where her knuckles rapped me a moment ago. The soft, caring brush of her lips elicits a groan, and I pull her tight against my chest.
As the music continues to pump in the background, I tilt my chin to capture Juliet’s mouth. She tastes like toothpaste and wild dreams. She hums happily, and my dick twitches at the noise. But this morning isn’t about getting laid. I want to establish a foundation for an actual relationship.
I’m so fucking thankful to my wolf that I wish I could shake the creature’s paw. One morning dancing with the woman, and I know I never want to wake up without her. Juliet is who I need. Someone who will stand up to me and make me enjoy life.
Plus, the way she strokes her tongue over my bottom lip has me feeling lightheaded.
“You sure I didn’t hurt you?” The words are murmured against my mouth, and I feel light fingertips tracing my unaffected jaw.
“Take more than that to knock me out.”
She smiles as she kisses me again. “I’ll make a note of that.”
32
JULIET
Maybe it’s weird,but I’m certain I can sense when Roderick enters the library. Not that I know it is him immediately, but more like I feel a shift in the air. Like his power is a physical presence, pushing outside his skin and taking up all the extra space.
Up on my stepstool, which I’m using to return books to their spots on the upper shelves, I spot him over the heads of other patrons. His eyes scan the library, and his chin tilts up. Like he’s scenting the air.
Who am I kidding? He definitely is. And for some reason, that fact has me blushing.
