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I’d known she was special the moment I first saw her. I wanted to protect that spark of innocence. That sweetness. Despite the way we had met, what had happened since, and the differences between us, she was the one I wanted at my side. The one who would keep me human in a world full of animals.
Even though she thought I was some hardened criminal, or worse. Maybe because of that. I could show her who I really was, if she gave me the time.
I wanted Cadence to love me. To need me as much as I needed her. The past month without her had been torture. I’d driven myself crazy, and I didn’t want to go through it anymore.
She moved to pull away and I reluctantly released her. Turning to stare up at me, her eyes searched my face before she ducked her head, focusing on the ground as her fingers tangled together in a show of nerves.
“I can’t be involved with you, Leo. It’s not safe. For me, or my family.”
I closed the space she had put between us, lifting my hand to grip her jaw. Forcing her head up, I got lost in the dark irises reflecting the light from the streetlamp beside us.
“I’ll protect you. And your family. I’ll keep you safe. Make you happy. You won’t be involved with anything that could put you in danger.”
My other hand moved to circle her hip, thumb rubbing the wet material over her stomach. I wanted to say more, tell her I’d claim her, make her my mate, but I didn’t think she was ready for that.
“It’s been a month since our night together. I don’t want to wait any longer. Have you had any symptoms of going into heat?”
I should have kept the question to myself, but I needed to know. Her lips parted with a gasp, and she gave a jerky shake of her head.
The punch of disappointment made me growl. I wanted to claim her.
Leave my mark on her neck.
Fuck a baby into her.
I wanted her tied to me so tight she couldn’t even think about leaving. I’d be a part of her she could never run from.
“No, I haven’t. I’m not…”
She couldn’t get the words out, but it was clear my intentions were obvious and had scared her. Thinking about her in heat had me rock hard and ready to rut her until all the fucking and hormones kickstarted her cycle. A grin pulled up my lips at the thought, but Cadence shook her head.
“No. No way, Leo.”
She struggled to pull away again, but I didn’t let her. Sliding my hand around to cup her head, I kept hold of her hip and yanked her tighter against me. Slotting my lips over hers, I thrust my tongue between them when they parted to protest.
I poured every bit of my desire and need into that kiss. Every ounce of the possessiveness I felt when I thought of her. Every moment of pain I’d felt while forcing myself to stay away.
There was no reason to question or analyze the way I felt for her. It wouldn’t change anything. I was an alpha, I had been raised to be decisive, and I’d decided Cadence was mine before she ever stepped foot on that stage.
Once I’d had a taste of her, she lost all chance of getting away. I was addicted, and I had no plans to put an end to it.
Her body softened under the onslaught, and soon she was kissing me back, arms thrown around my neck to keep me in place. Her passion was astounding and caused an answering flare of lust in my blood. I wanted more of it, but I knew it wasn’t the time. I was going to have to woo my innocent omega if I wanted to keep her.
And that meant giving her time to think. She had to decide this was her idea, because no bargain I offered would convince her.
Ending the kiss, I let my hand slip from the back of her head, although I only moved it to her hip. She gasped for breath as she leaned against my chest, and it rumbled with a purr again, but I could tell when sense returned, and she started pulling away.
“We’re not through, Cadence, but I’ll give you more time. I can’t promise how long I can wait, though.”
She let out a huff, straightening herself as she stepped back. I let her have the space, releasing her despite the need to hold on.
“Why can’t you just let me go and move on to the next girl? I’m sure you can find another omega to…” She waved a hand before finishing the thought.
“To buy.”
Sighing, she hung her head again as her shoulders slumped. I watched the fight drain from her and the exhaustion creep in. She worked too hard and gave too much. She needed help, but was too proud to ask for it.
“I can’t let you break me, Leo. I definitely wouldn’t let youclaimme. My family needs me too much.”
