Alpha's Revenge (Shifter Ops 3)

He gives me a searing look, and I drop my hand before I do something ridiculous. Like kiss him.

Is the night still cold? I’m burning up.

Rafe turns off the road and starts hiking up the side of the hillside.

“What are you doing?” I ask as he plunges us into the woods.

“This way is faster,” he mutters.

“Maybe if you’re some sort of macho extreme mountain man.” Oops, I said that out loud.

“Macho extreme mountain man?” he repeats and grins. A real grin, not a shadow of one.

“You heard me.” I lock my arms around his neck and lay my head back on his shoulder. “Thank you for coming for me,” I add quietly.

He hitches me closer. His jaw brushes the top of my head as he murmurs, “I’ll always come for you.”

6

Adele

Back at the lodge, there’s a black square in the driveway where Rafe’s Humvee is usually parked. “Deke and Channing took your car?” I don’t pretend I haven’t noticed the badass vehicle Rafe drives.

“It’s got good tires,” Rafe says. “Handles great in the snow.” His lips press together like he’s trying to keep them from curling up into a smile.

“‘That was almost an I told you so. You must be feeling more yourself.” His jaw is still clenched, but he’s not even breathing hard.

I loosen my grip on Rafe’s shoulders as he starts up the path. It’s been fun being carried, but it’s over.

“Guess we missed the guys, hiking through the woods like that,” I chatter. “How did they know to drive down to get my truck?”

“I told them to do it.”

I squint at him. “Because you had a feeling.”

“Yes.”

Hmmm. Something isn’t adding up, but I’m too distracted to think it through. Maybe I did hit my head.

Sadie opens the door right as Rafe walks up to it.

“Oh my God, Adele,” she gasps. “Are you okay?”

“It’s all right,” I say, waving to her. “I’m fine. I slid off the road, but I think it’ll be fine.”

Her brow is still furrowed, but she lets out a sigh of relief. Rafe strides into the house, right past her. He doesn’t look left or right.

“Rafe, put me down.”

“No.”

I start to struggle. “What will Sadie think?” She’s still standing by the door. Now she looks like she’s about to laugh.

“We’re adults, remember? We can make our own decisions.” He keeps carrying me through the house.

“I don’t think this is a good idea.” Me. Rafe. Alone.

“It’s an excellent idea.”

“Just put me down.” I start to squirm but get nowhere. God gave Rafe extra muscles and almost none to me. “Rafe–”

“Stop talking,” he mutters.

So annoying! If it were any other man I’d slap him. But...I want to see what he does next. I shut my mouth and let him carry me up the stairs, down the long hall to the bedroom at the end. Looks like I’m going to get to see Rafe’s bedroom after all.

It’s massive. There’s a fireplace on one wall. A huge four poster bed with a leather headboard dominates the space. There’s a leather chair on the side, angled so it can take in the view of the mountains. The back wall is mostly windows. There are no curtains, just an amazing unadulterated view of the mountain range covered with snow-covered pines. The outside feels close enough I could reach out and touch it.

“Rafe, you're getting slush everywhere,” I fuss. I don't want him to ruin this beautiful wood floor or the thick rug. He has a great taste in decor, I have to give him that. The space is striking and masculine yet comfortable at the same time.

He sets me down in front of the fireplace, but his big hands keep hold of my coat. “I need to see if you're hurt.” He unzips me and tugs my coat off before I know what's happening.

“I'm okay, Rafe. It was stupid, and you were …” The word sticks in my throat. “You were right about the tires. About the snow.” I grab his wrist.

“Let me do it, princess,” he says. “Let me make sure you're not hurt.” He lifts the hem of my silk shirt, peeling it up over my breasts.

“Oh,” I choke in surprise. I lift my arms to allow him to pull it over my head. I’m wearing a pale pink silk and lace bra that makes my brown skin glow. The demi cup offers up my breasts while leaving most of my skin bare.

An animal-like rumble leaves his throat as his green gaze drinks it in. “That’s pretty.” He works the zipper on my pencil skirt. “So damn pretty.” His voice sounds thick and guttural. There’s no mistaking the hunger in his movements, in his gaze.

“Wh-what are we doing?” I meant to say what are you doing, but I admit I’m a part of this. I’m the one letting him undress me in front of his fireplace. My pussy clenches as thrills of excitement run through me.