Liam

“This was absolutely the best night of my life, Liam. I wouldn’t change a thing. Thank you so much,” she said. Her words conveyed one thing, but her voice another. A surge of joy flooded me, knowing she'd enjoyed herself. But it was quickly replaced by doubt. Was she worried this wouldn't last once we had answers?

“I guess I should probably go…” she began, but I wouldn't let her finish. I cupped her chin, tilting her face toward mine, and kissed her. I’d been wanting to all night, but hadn't found the right moment. I paused, savoring the feel of her soft lips.

I moved my hand to her waist, then to the small of her back, pulling her closer. My hand left her chin, moving to the back of her head, tangling in her silky hair. I deepened the kiss, wanting to show her my growing love. Our lips moved sensuously together; she never pulled away. A soft moan escaped her lips, sending a jolt through me. I knew I had to stop, or I wouldn't be able to control myself.

We finally broke apart, foreheads touching, breathless. Her lips were already swollen and red, which thrilled me. I didn't want to leave, but knew I couldn't stay; that would be too soon. Slow down. Keep this at her pace.

"Wow," she whispered, pulling me from my thoughts. I smiled.

"Tonight was incredible. Thank you for letting me spend it with you, Azalea. I hope I made your first date a good one," I said, pulling back. I leaned in and kissed the top of her hair. "Good night," I said, turning to leave.

Walking back across the inn's yard, I felt her eyes on me. A smug smirk played on my lips. I was definitely making her fall for me, and I wouldn't stop until we were mated.

Back at my car, a dull ache settled in my chest. Leaving her was becoming harder, and my wolf was growing restless. The longer we were together without mating, the harder it would be to control the urge.

"You shouldn't be leaving, Mate," Gavin intruded in my mind.

"We can't just stay. She didn't even ask us to!" I argued, climbing into my car.

"But Mate isn't safe without us!"

"I want to be with her as much as you do, but we both know nothing will happen here in human territory. There hasn't been a wolf scent around except the old man all day!"

"But she has no wolf to protect her! It's our job!"

"Just stop it! I want to be with her too! We have to be patient!"

I blocked him out as I took my keys. Before starting my SUV, my phone rang. I answered, not recognizing the number.

"Hello?"

"Um, hi, Liam?" a small, sweet voice said.

"Azalea? Is that you?"

"Uh, yeah. I was just…"

"What is it?" I asked gently.

"Well, I was… I was sort of wondering… Have you left yet?" My heart quickened.

"No, I was just about to leave. Why? Did something happen?"

"Well, kind of… I don't know… It's silly…"

"No, tell me, kitten. What's wrong?"

"When I got back, it seemed like someone had been in here, gone through my things. And I thought…"

"What else, Azalea? Tell me," I said, unbuckling my seatbelt and opening my door.

"I thought I saw someone at the window. But it could have been a shadow; it's silly. Never mind."

"No, stay there. I'm coming." I sped back to her apartment, scenting for others, using my wolf hearing to listen. I sensed familiar scents from the inn, but nothing unusual.

I knocked quietly at her door. "Azalea, it's Liam. Open up."

I heard shuffling, then the door opened slowly. Azalea stood barefoot, still in her dress, her hair in a messy bun. She looked breathtaking, despite the fear on her face. My heart clenched; Gavin was definitely thinking I told you so.

I stepped inside; she stepped back, letting me in. I closed the door, opening my arms. She immediately came into them, burying her face in my chest. I held her close as she sobbed, until her sobs turned to hiccups and sniffles. Without letting her go, I asked, "Do you want me to stay?"

She nodded. Even though she was scared, I couldn't help smiling. I loosened my grip to pick her up, carrying her into her small bathroom and setting her on the counter. I held her face, brushing her hair from her eyes.

"Why don't I run you a hot shower? You can wash up and warm up. I'll wait outside."

She nodded shyly. I turned on the shower, setting it to hot, then turned to her. I gently helped her down from the counter.

"Do you need anything?" I asked, unsure where she kept her towels. She shook her head, giving me a shy smile.

"Okay, I'll be right here. Call if you need anything." She nodded, and I left. I went to her tiny kitchen. She probably rarely cooked here, mostly eating at the inn.

I rummaged through her cabinets until I found hot cocoa. Coffee was too late, but cocoa always helps. I made some for us. As I poured it into two mugs, I heard the shower turn off.

I heard the doorknob turn and grabbed the mugs, turning to the bathroom door. My jaw dropped. Azalea stood there in a tiny towel; I hadn't thought to grab her clean clothes. She shyly looked up.

"I, uh, need to get some clothes," she said, avoiding my gaze. I nodded.

She went to her dresser, grabbed some things, and went into her closet, closing the door. I exhaled. My pants felt very tight; I hadn't considered she'd need a change of clothes. I busied myself cleaning the kitchen, setting down the drinks.

After a moment, I heard the closet door open. I grabbed the mugs, but something in the kitchen window caught my eye—a person-shaped shadow behind the curtain. I paused too long; the shadow moved before I could open the curtain. I peeked through a crack, but saw nothing. Maybe Azalea had seen something earlier.

"Is something wrong?" I heard her small voice.

"Nothing at all," I said, turning. I didn't want her to know I'd seen someone. But those thoughts vanished as I looked at her. Her ginger hair was braided, her cheeks rosy, her eyes no longer puffy. She wore a white tank top and light green plaid pajama bottoms that hugged her curves. In her hand, she held my grey sweatshirt, making my heart swell.

"Uh, here, I made you this," I said, handing her a mug. She set the sweatshirt on the bed and came to me, taking the mug. She sipped it, closing her eyes with a smile.

"This is great, thank you," she said softly. I think she was still embarrassed.

"Of course. It'll warm you up."

"Thank you, Liam. I really appreciate you coming back," she said.

"I told you, Azalea, I'd do anything you asked."

She looked down at her cup, avoiding my gaze. In a quiet voice, she finally said, "Even stay the night?"

Gavin howled in my head.

I set down my cup and went to her. Wrapping my arms around her waist, she looked up at me with huge eyes. I could never say no to this woman, even if she wanted me to. I would spend my life giving her anything she wanted.

"Of course, I'll stay. It would be my pleasure." I took her mug and set it down. She laid her head on my chest, and I held her close. She smelled incredible, which wasn't helping my arousal. We stood there a moment while I tried to calm myself.

Her arms slowly moved around my neck. She lifted her head, looking into my eyes; I bent down slightly.

"Kiss her now!" Gavin growled. For once, he was right.

Slowly, I lowered my lips to hers. She met me, rising on her toes. I growled at her eagerness as the mate sparks surged through me. Our lips met in a sweet, passionate kiss. I licked her lower lip, and she opened her mouth. I bent down, lifting her as I deepened the kiss. She wrapped her legs around my waist, hugging my neck tighter. I held her as we kissed in the middle of her apartment.

Soon, I smelled her arousal, making me smile into the kiss. I walked to the bed, still kissing her, and sat down, settling her in my lap. We finally broke apart, catching our breath. A shy smile touched her lips.

"Should we lay down?" I asked.

She nodded. Without letting her go, I moved us onto the bed. I got a blanket for her and lay back, and she settled on top of me. I pulled the blanket over her and hugged her close.

"Are you comfortable?" I asked.

"Mmmhmm," she hummed, her eyes fluttering closed.

"Are you warm?"

"Mmmm," she hummed again, nodding slightly. I smiled. Even if I couldn't mate with her yet, this was the best day of my life, and I knew it would be the best sleep I'd had in years.