Chapter 6: Chapter 6

NOAH

The moment my fingers grazed Evie’s bare skin as her shirt rode up, I almost lost it. I quickly withdrew my hands, studying her face. She was fiercely independent, stubborn to a fault.

It was a trait that could be our undoing.

Sawyer was trying to make amends for his previous blunder. He had mind-linked me about Evie’s arrival, warning me that she needed help scaling the wall.

Dressed in tight jeans and a curve-hugging purple T-shirt with a plunging V-neck, Evie was a sight to behold. I was torn between desire and a possessive urge to shield her from prying eyes.

“Would you like something to drink?” I offered as we strolled along the beach.

“Just water, please,” she replied, and I complied.

After opening a bottle of water, I handed it to her.

“I can open my own water, thanks,” she grumbled, taking a sip.

~I’m not doing great tonight.~

“Would you like to find a seat?” I suggested as the pack began preparing the bonfire.

“I don’t know, things didn’t go so well last time,” she replied.

I was concerned she was upset until I caught the playful smirk on her face.

“I assure you, things won’t go south this time,” I promised.

“So, you’re not going to punch anyone today?” she teased.

“Absolutely, I promise.” I chuckled, guiding her toward the bonfire.

I took a seat on the edge of the log, leaving it up to Evie to decide the distance between us. She chose the middle of the log, her leg brushing against mine.

Even through our jeans, I could feel the electric charge of our mate bond.

As we watched the fire grow, casting shadows on the sand, I noticed Evie rubbing her arms. She didn’t have a jacket.

I slipped out of my coat and draped it over her shoulders. She jumped, startled by my touch.

“You seemed cold,” I explained.

She clutched the edges of my jacket, pulling it closer. Seeing her in my clothes brought a grin to my face.

“I know your secret,” I whispered, leaning in close.

She shivered as my breath brushed her cheek.

“My secret?” she stammered.

“~Mhm~, Ms. Everleigh Bellamy.”

Her eyes widened in surprise, and I couldn’t help but laugh. She playfully slapped my arm.

“How did you find out my name?” she groaned.

“The bartender told me the name on your credit card.” I shrugged.

“I’m going to file a complaint,” she huffed.

“Good luck with that. I hear the owner’s a real jerk.” I smirked, earning a curious glance from her.

She rolled her eyes, seemingly deciding not to hold a grudge. The firelight danced on her face, and I found myself captivated by her beauty.

“I lied to you, Everleigh,” I confessed suddenly.

“About what?” she asked, looking up at me through her dark lashes.

“I promised I wouldn’t punch anyone today, but I can’t really guarantee that,” I admitted.

Her brow furrowed, her eyes filled with concern.

“Why not?” she asked, her tone edgy.

“It might sound odd, but I have this overpowering need to protect you. I’ll do whatever it takes, even if it means punching someone,” I confessed.

It might have been too much, too soon, but I couldn’t hold back. I needed her to know how much I cared.

She blinked at me, taken aback. She turned her gaze to the fire, and for a moment, I thought I saw a tear glisten in her eye.

“You shouldn’t feel that way about me,” Evie whispered so softly that a human might not have heard her.

I gently touched her arm, sending a flurry of sparks between us. She glanced at her arm, then at me.

“Why not?” I asked, studying her face.

“I’m too broken,” she admitted, her words hitting me like a punch in the gut.

“That’s not true,” I countered firmly.

“How would you know? You don’t know me,” she retorted, her tone shifting.

“Not yet, but I know you’re too strong to be broken,” I assured her.

“I think I’m losing my mind,” she mumbled, looking at my hand on her arm.

“You’re not going crazy. I feel it too,” I reassured her, smiling.

She looked up at me, her eyes filled with questions.

“What are you feeling?” she was pushing me for answers.

“Every time we touch, I feel sparks. Your skin leaves a trail of warmth on mine, and you ignite a fire within me,” I confessed, my gaze locked with hers.

“Is that ~normal~?” Her voice wavered as she asked.

“Perhaps not for you,” I replied with a light chuckle.

“I’ve experienced it before,” she admitted under her breath.

I was taken aback, a pang of hurt evident on my face. I knew humans often spoke of a metaphorical spark when they believed they were in love, but that was nothing compared to the supernatural mate-bound spark.

She had to be aware of that. She had to ~sense~ the difference.

Before I could say anything, a howl echoed through the bayou. I sprang off the log. My eyes darted toward the treeline.

“Alpha! We’ve got rogues!” A patrol wolf sprinted toward me.

***

~No, no, no, not now. Not when she’s just beginning to trust me.~

The gathering dispersed swiftly, my wolves leaping into action. They dashed toward the woods, the howling intensifying.

Sawyer and Greyson were by my side in an instant.

Evie rose, clutching my jacket that draped over her shoulders.

“~Wh…what’s~ happening?” Her lips quivered at the sound of the howls.

I turned to her, seizing her arms and holding them firmly.

“Everleigh, you’re going to be okay. Remember what I told you about keeping you safe?”

She nodded, her lip caught between her teeth.

“I meant it, okay? Sawyer will escort you to the guesthouse, and I’ll join you there shortly.”

As I began to turn away, Evie’s delicate fingers wrapped around mine, drawing me back to her. Her eyes searched mine.

There was so much she seemed to want to say, so many questions she must’ve had.

“Be careful,” was all she said, her hand squeezing mine.

A rush of energy surged through me at her touch.

“Absolutely,” I flashed her a grin before shifting my focus to Sawyer. “You will guard her with your life,” I commanded him.

He placed his hand over his heart.

“Without a doubt, Alpha, on my honor.”

I gave Evie one last look before grabbing Greyson and sprinting toward the woods.