Page 19 of Rescued by the Alpha

Elam gasped from the freezing, wet cloth of Nic’s down jacket against his body, the icy chill of Nic’s lips as they moved over Elam’s, his mouth warming the longer their clinch lasted.

Nic ended the kiss with one final press to Elam’s mouth, then let him go. His gaze traveled down Elam’s form before he locked eyes with him.

“Sorry. Got you wet.”

Elam chuckled. “It was worth it.”

Nic finished freeing himself from his outerwear while Elam changed into a dry shirt. By the time he’d made his way back to the main room of the cabin, he was startled to see Nic pacing in front of the fireplace, running his fingers through his hair and mumbling to himself in Russian. When they’d shared their backgrounds with each other, Nic had told him of his Russian ancestors, how they’d traveled across the Bering Sea to begin a new life in Alaska. Elam had gotten the impression that something had driven them to leave their homeland, but Nic hadn’t gone into detail.

Regardless, something was eating at Nic and Elam ached to help him. Nic’s head snapped up as Elam drew closer. Elam frowned at the worry emanating from his expression. The crease of Nic’s brow was deep, his eyes wide with his lips held in a severe line.

Elam reached out, laying a tentative hand on Nic’s arm. “Hey. Is everything okay with your family? Nothing bad happened, did it?”

Nic shook his head. “No. Everyone’s fine.” He stared at him, his gaze never wavering to the point that it made Elam uneasy.

“That’s good to hear. What is it then?”

After glancing down for a moment as he mumbled more words in Russian, Nic raised his head, his worried expression changing to one that was pained. Elam trembled, something deep inside alerting him that they were at a pivotal moment.

Nic held his gaze. “I need to tell you something. Something very significant.” He sighed. “And we can’t move forward together as a couple until I do.”

Oh God. I knew he was too amazing. He’s probably a fugitive or has a wife and kids stashedaway somewhere.

Elam struggled to keep his voice steady. “I see. Well, thank you for being honest. I’m sure you realize how much of a hot button that is with me.”

Nic covered his eyes for a moment, then let his hand drop to his side. “I do. But once you hear…” Nic coughed into his fist as he moved from foot to foot. “Actually, this is something you need to see more than hear. Then I think you’ll understand why I didn’t come out with it right away.” He

sighed. “At least I hope you do.”

Elam swallowed hard. “I hope so too.”

Nic averted his eyes then glanced around the room as if gauging something. Elam thought he should be making an escape plan, just in case, yet he couldn’t deny that the pull from Nic was as strong as ever—despite the potentially ominous nature of whatever it was he was about to reveal.

Nic turned back to him. “Look at me, Elam. I need you to really hear me right now.”

Elam nodded. “S-sure.”

Nic clasped his upper arms. “You’re safe. No matter what happens in the next few minutes, you’re completely safe. All right?”

Okay. That was creepy. “And why do you feel the need to tell me that?”

Nic regarded him, his eyes still locked on Elam’s. “Because, in a moment, you’re going to assume you’re in danger and I won’t have the ability to reassure you the way I’d like to. Please believe me, Elam. You mean more to me than you can possibly imagine, and I’ll protect you no matter what.” Nic groaned. “I’d better get this over with, I can tell I’m only succeeding in freaking you out.”

As he unbuttoned his shirt, he jerked his chin toward the dining set. “I think you’ll feel better if you stand behind the table.”

Elam frowned. What? And why is he taking off his shirt? His eyes widened. And his pants.

Deciding that following Nic’s advice by putting the table between them was a good thing, he did as Nic had suggested and moved to the other side. With his heart thundering, Elam watched in confusion as Nic continued to strip. Once he’d removed his final piece of clothing, Nic straightened, the continuing pain in his expression breaking Elam’s heart.

“Don’t be scared, baby. I’d never hurt you.”

Elam gasped, jumping back, knocking over a chair and sending it crashing to the floor as the impossible unfolded before his eyes. “Wha…” His chest tightened, his insides liquefying as Nic’s body jerked and twisted. The bizarre metamorphosis continued as Nic’s limbs shortened, as— fur? —

sprouted on his skin until he was no longer Nic, until he was…

Fuck this shit. Elam whipped around, bolting for the door.

“Elam, wait!”