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My eyes fly from one of them to the other. Finally, I blurt, “Would somebody please tell me what the hell is going on? What affair is Hayden going to settle?”
Dylan only cuts me a look and doesn’t answer. I turn to my aunt, and her brows knit like she’s going to cry.
“Just tell her, Dylan,” she whispers. “She might as well know.”
Dylan’s lips tighten, and she strides to the portable wet bar. I watch as she takes a crystal tumbler and fills it with an inch of whiskey, which she immediately drains.
“Yes, please tell me, Dylan.”
Her eyes flash when they meet mine again. “As usual, you’re acting like a spoiled brat. Probably why he moved up the timeline.”
I can’t hide my anger at her accusation. “Stop saying that and tell me what’s happening!”
She shakes her head and pours another whiskey. “You’re so sheltered. You have no idea the pressure of maintaining a female-alpha pack.”
“You’re right, I don’t. Because you’ve never included me in anything!”
“Back in the day, when it was easier—”
“Are you attempting to imply there was ever a time when being a magical creature was easy?”
She shakes her head, walking slowly to the window. “No. It’s never been easy.” Lifting the glass, she takes another sip. “Our leaders hate strong men, but they fear strong women. Fear is a far worse enemy than hate could ever be.”
Holding the tall curtains open, she gazes up at the orange moon. My forehead lines as I consider her words. They explain nothing.
“What does any of this have to do with you and Hayden?”
Her arm drops along with her chin. “I’m tired,” she says softly. “I’m going to bed. I’ll explain it to you tomorrow.”
With that she leaves the room. I watch her swirl out in a sea of blue-green and brown hair. Glancing back at Penny, I see her watching me, still looking like she might cry.
“Well?” I say, hoping she’ll give me some insight.
She only shakes her head and looks down. “Goodnight, Mercy.”
Shoulders drooped, she walks out, leaving me with my spoiled dinner and a glass of wine. I finish it in two sips and retire to my own bedroom. The sooner this stupid night is over, the sooner I can find Koa and try to explain. Only I’m not sure how to explain what I don’t understand myself.
My eyes pop open just as the dawn is lighting the sky, and I jump out of my bed. Not even the birds are chirping as I fling open my balcony window, whip my nightgown over my head, and spring into my lynx form.
Running as hard as I can, one word beats over and over in my mind. Koa. I want to see him. I need to see him. I need him to understand why I did what I did — why I had to stay away last night. Only… my stomach clenches at the thought. Am I brave enough to say it?
When I reach the steps to his apartment, I pause and listen. It’s still early enough that everyone is either asleep or still in bed. I quickly hop up the steps and shake off my magic, turning the doorknob quietly as I slip into his room.
He tells me not to run around alone at night, but he’s the one always sleeping with his door unlocked. As if anyone would be stupid enough to try and break in on him. For a moment, I stand at the door and watch him sleep.
He’s lying on his back in the center of the double bed. The white sheet is draped across his waist, and the early morning light deepens the lines across his gorgeous torso. One muscled arm is behind his head, and my insides pull toward him.
I love stretching my body along the length of his, skin on skin. It’s the most incredible feeling — his hard warmth against my softness. With hesitant steps, I walk to his bedside. This could go one of two ways, and I hold my breath hoping with everything in me it goes mine.
Carefully, I crawl in beside him, easing my body down next to his, placing my cheek against his chest. A tiny quiver of fear moves through me as I reach an arm across his waist, pulling us together chest to chest, stomach to stomach, touching all the way to our toes.
He moves so quickly, I don’t even have time to scream. I’m on my back, and he’s above me, looking down at me with a burning intensity I can’t interpret.
“What do you want, Mercy.” It’s not a question. It’s only a notch above a growl. He’s angry, and he has every right to be. I only hope he’ll let me explain.
“I said what do you WANT?” His voice is louder, and I do shudder this time. Angry Koa is scary as fuck.
Trusting my gut, I answer with complete honesty. “You.”
