Alpha's Rescue (Shifter Ops 5)

A yawn overtakes me—so big my jaw cracks. I try to hide it, but Teddy sees.

“All right, babygirl. Time for bed.”

“What? Already?” The sun has set while we were talking.

“C’mon.” He scoops me up. I’m a big girl, but this giant Viking lifts and carries me effortlessly. Seriously, he must do biceps curls with tree trunks. I throw my arm around his neck and enjoy the ride.

“You know,” I say as he carries me to the bedroom. “I could get used to this. You carrying me. I’m sorry I missed it the first time. Being unconscious and all.”

He eases me down to the floor. “Yeah, about that. I wouldn’t have moved you except–”

“Oh I’m not mad. I’m just sorry I missed our first cuddle.”

“What? No. There was no cuddling.”

“I’m just teasing you. Although I’m sure you give good cuddles, even if it’d be a little scratchy. Cause, you know, your beard.”

Teddy cocks his head, staring at me like I’m some sort of strange new creature.

“Your beard is so big, it looks like it chews up razors and spits them out.” Acting on impulse, I reach out and touch the overgrown bristle on his chin. “Oooh, it’s soft. I didn’t expect that. You know, because your Resting Murderer face.”

“Okay, enough.” He catches my hand but doesn’t pull away. “You need rest.”

“Night, Viking.” I stroke his jaw again. “Nighty-night, Viking’s beard.”

He rolls his eyes and points to the bathroom. “There’s a new toothbrush still in the packaging in the drawer beside the sink. Borrow anything you like from my closet–if you toss your things out the door, I’ll put them through the wash, so they’ll be ready by morning. Call me if you need me.”

The toothbrush is right where he said it would be. I eagerly open the wardrobe and grab a pair of soft, faded boxers and a t-shirt to sleep in. And damn if they aren’t the comfiest thing I’ve ever put on. The boxers make my ass look cute, so I go with it.

Forget nightgowns and lounge wear. The next line I design for GoddessWear™ is going to be boyfriend-style clothes. Perfect for your man to wear and you to steal.

Once I’m dressed, I crack the door open and peer into the dark cabin. It takes a moment for me to spot my Viking. He’s crouched by the hearth, banking the fire.

I pad towards him and set the bundle of my dirty clothes on the coffee table. “Teddy? Where are you going to sleep?”

“On the couch.”

Can he even fit on the couch? “But–”

“I’ll be fine, babygirl.”

It’s on the tip of my tongue to ask him to tuck me in, but I’ve already borrowed the man’s clothes and stolen his bed, so I leave the door open and settle into bed. The pillows hold Teddy’s scent. I’ve never been into a guy’s smell before, but Teddy’s is divine. Fresh mountain air, something herbal like rosemary, and salt from sweat. Good sweat that comes from a long run in the forest followed by an epic sex marathon.

And now I’m horny. Scratch that, I’ve been horny since our moment on the couch. The couch Teddy is crammed on right now…

I roll to the left, then to the right. I can’t get comfortable. If I’m not comfortable, Teddy’s gotta be suffering, too.

“Teddy?”

“I’m here.” His voice is a lot closer than I expected, coming from just outside the door. “You’re not sleeping.”

His shadow figure is in the doorway. I hold my hand out to him, and he comes in and takes it. He moves silently for such a big guy.

“I’m not feeling well,” I say.

“You’re not?”

I squeeze my eyes shut and remember my daily affirmations. Be brave. Ask for what you want.

I clear my throat. “I’ve got a fever. And the only prescription is more cuddles.”

“Is that so, babygirl?” His head is bowed, but I hear a smile in his voice.

“Yes. It is so.”

“All right. Scoot over.”

Squee!

His weight dips the bed, and he positions me where he wants me, in front of him, on my side facing the wardrobe. The bed is big, but so is Teddy, and for us both to fit, he has to wrap himself around me.

Which is not a hardship. At all. I’d trade all my dates with lame highschool boyfriends for a ten minute Teddy snuggle.

“This comfortable?” he asks.

“Yes. You're a good cuddler.” I can’t stop my excited wriggle. After a few seconds of squirming, Teddy tightens his grip around me.

“None of that.”

“Okay.” I try to fall asleep, but I can’t stop giggling.

His sigh gusts over the back of my neck. “What is it now?”

“I was just thinking. You’re so big, you have your own gravitational pull. Whenever you sit next to me, I fall into you.”

Silence.

I wait for him to answer and get nervous when he doesn’t. “That’s okay, right?”