“I’m no’ keen on moving away anytime soon.”
I laughed softly and continued to drag my fingernails gently along his scalp. “I’m okay with staying like this.” And I was.
In this hazy moment where sleep still slightly clung to me, and where the night enveloped us, and where there was nothing but the sound of our combined breathing, it was as if nothing else could touch us; nothing else could touch this experience.
He held me for another second before he pulled back, his expression showing disappointment and reluctance to let me go. I let my fingers slide off him and ran my palms over his scruff-covered cheeks, then moved my thumb along his bottom lip. I stared at his mouth, this hunger filling me.
He was just so big and strong, still standing between my thighs. I noticed the change in him instantly, the way his breathing increased, the fact that his pupils dilated, his mouth slightly parting. Gods, his canines were getting longer, his eyes flashing blue.
I shifted on the seat a little bit more, moving closer to him, feeling the hard, massive length of his erection pressing right against me. I felt my entire body flush, felt heat and wetness saturate the area between my thighs. His nostrils flared as he inhaled, and I knew he smelled my desire for him.
But he didn’t move, didn’t touch me back. So I found myself kissing him gently on the lips, nothing too deep-delving, just the lightest brush of my mouth against his before I pulled back and smiled at him.
“It’s late. Let’s get ye settled.”
His voice was husky, and it felt good knowing he sounded that way because he was aroused… because of me.
“First thing in the morning, ye let me know what ye want tae do, and that’s what we’ll do.” He cupped the side of my face and stroked his thumb over my mouth, then gently pulled the flesh down before letting it go so it went back into place.
And then the moment was broken as he stepped fully back and held his hand out for me. Once out of the vehicle, he led me toward the sprawling estate. I felt my eyes widen, my mouth going slightly slack at the house in front of me, if something so big could even be called a “house.”
It was massive, with three stories, and the structure was made of stone and wood with an arched doorway and stained-glass windows. I could see the lush forest and rolling hills of the highlands spread out all around the property.
We walked up the landscaped pathway, small pebbles being kicked up by the soft soles of my shoes. Decorative lighting lined our way, and although I couldn’t see anyone else, I sensed others around, hidden within the shadows, tucked away behind the thick trees.
Guards, protectors.
“Lycan sentries,” Odhran answered as if he read my mind.
I had a feeling they were here because of me. It was doubtful Odhran had Lycans watching over his property on any other occasion. He was strong enough to handle that himself.
“You’re taking extra precautions with me.” I didn’t phrase it like a question.
“Aye, lass. I will no’ fail ye again.”
Once inside, I found myself frozen in place as I looked around, my head tipped back as I took in the large cathedral-style ceilings, the exposed wooden beams, the rustic, lodge-like feeling of his estate. There were massive furs covering the floor, and a huge staircase right in front of us that curled and wound its way up to the second and third levels. The walls were decorated with his family’s tartan and stuffed animal heads, boars and deer, pheasants and an array of Scottish themed decor.
There were doors upon doors on either side of me, and my gaze landed on the large opening to my left. I felt the heavy weight of Odhran’s hand on the small of my back, and it didn’t move as I walked forward. My constant protector and shadow.
I stopped when I got to the entrance, the library unlike anything I’d ever seen before. Shelving lined each wall, reaching all the way to the arched ceiling. There was a massive fireplace situated in the center, leather chairs and couches in front of that. A roaring fire was already blazing in the hearth.
“I’ve never seen so many books,” I murmured, not moving from my spot, Odhran’s hand still on my back.
“Would ye like to explore?”
I turned and tipped my head to look at him. “I’m tired, and I know we’ll have all the time to explore all the things.”
He didn’t speak, but there was a soft look on his face and a small smile on his lips.
He led me to the stairs, and I spotted a few staff moving around, some carrying vases of fresh cut flowers, others holding laundered sheets and blankets. They smiled politely at me, showed respect to Odhran by inclining their heads, but otherwise they kept to their task.
Once on the second floor, we walked down the grand hallway, over the hardwood floor that was covered with a thick, plush rug, and finally stopped in front of twin doors at the end of the hallway. He pushed one of the doors open and allowed me to enter first.
The first thing I noticed was the scent. It had a dark and spicy aroma that saturated the slightly chilled air. It was Odhran’s scent, and it was the most incredible smell. The curtains were drawn open from the large picture window, and although I couldn’t see much outside because it was so late, I could envision the view would be spectacular in the morning.
A second later, Odhran turned on the light, and the room was washed in a warm glow. The color scheme was a rich navy and soft cream, which accented the natural wood of the floor and the beams that ran along the ceiling.
A large four-poster bed sat in the center of the room, and a marble fireplace was situated across from that, with a single leather chair and a small end table positioned before the mantel.