Chapter 25: Chapter 25

SLADE

I didn’t mark her that night, and stopping myself from going all the way was the hardest thing I had ever done. Honestly, I was planning on doing it, but I needed to tell her about my past first.

I didn’t want to go into this keeping secrets from her. But we definitely went far last night. And this morning, waking up to her next to me, she was all I could think about.

Her body curled into mine, fitting together like a puzzle. I could smell her all over me, and holding her soft form was intoxicating.

Addison’s eyes flitted open, and she gave me a sleepy smile before pressing her face into my neck and giving me a couple of light kisses that shot sparks through me.

Wrapping my arms around her, I kissed her forehead. “Good morning, Luna.”

“Hmm, good morning, Alpha,” she said with a smile.

“Help me shower?” I teased, which made her chuckle.

“No.” She sat up, stretching, and looked over at the clock on the table. “I have a meeting at the school in an hour, and I need to go gather my things.”

I rolled back and groaned. “I now fully regret giving you any luna duties.”

Addison laughed. “I wouldn’t have to if you hadn’t left the school in such a hot mess. It’s your own fault really.” I enjoyed her teasing and realized that I should probably get up for the day as well.

We both went down to the common area and grabbed some food to go before I headed back to my office and Addison headed out the door. I definitely made sure to grab her and give her a head-spinning kiss.

After lingering for a moment, she swatted me away, giving me that smile I loved so much.

“I’ll be back in just a bit,” she said with a wave and walked out the door. I could tell she missed teaching and was excited to have some contact with a school.

I looked at my watch, it had been two hours. I knew she would be returning soon. I wanted to do something special with her, and I needed to talk to her before things went any further.

After making some plans, I wandered downstairs and into the kitchen to grab a water. Sitting down at the island, I relaxed for a minute before the lunchtime bustle began.

Suddenly I felt a warm hand on my shoulder, and the shock it sent me let me know exactly who it was. “Have fun?” I asked as I turned toward her.

“Mhm,” she mumbled, sitting on the stool next to me. “The school is struggling a bit, so we spent some time brainstorming ways to pick things up. I also may have signed up to be a substitute teacher.”

She squished her nose, and her whole face told me that it had made her happy. I grabbed the edge of her stool and pulled her close to me.

“Go out with me tonight.” It came out as more of a statement than a question, but I knew I got my point across.

Addison smiled and gave me a quick peck on the lips. “Okay. Where are we going?” She was almost whispering.

“It’s a surprise.”

She grimaced. “But if it’s a surprise, I won’t know what to wear.”

I chuckled, using my hand to raise her chin. “Get dressed up, something really nice. Meet me downstairs at seven.”

I planted a firm kiss on her lips, which was met by several whistles from the audience of pack members we didn’t know we had.

ADDISON

That man knew exactly what to do to practically unravel me. And his little act today before lunch had definitely earned him a point up on me.

I could play dirty too, though. I knew exactly which dress I was going to wear.

The rest of the day went by quickly. I had spent an hour in my office working out some plans for the upcoming pack meeting and the BBQ that was to follow.

I would need to sit down with the pack chefs to hammer out the menu details. And then the rest of the day I spent talking with Hannah about ways to help the school.

Checking the time, I knew I had two hours. Saying goodbye to Hannah and receiving several innuendos from my friend, I made my way upstairs to get ready.

I pulled my dress out of the closet to make sure it was in good shape. I laid it on the bed and made my way to the bathroom. Mine didn’t have a tub, so I had to make do with a hot shower.

After shaving my legs and using my oils and lotions, I emerged from the bathroom fresh and soft, my tanned skin glowing. I carefully applied my makeup.

I wasn’t big on makeup, but I knew how to use it well to enhance my features. I kept it natural-looking but with a nude, smoky eye. I curled my hair, keeping it down.

Dropping my robe, I grabbed my dress and slipped it on. I slid a couple of gold bangles onto my wrist and slipped on my shoes and looked in the mirror.

~“Damn, girl!”~ I heard my wolf yell.

I was dressed in a black bandage dress that hugged every curve of my body. It was short-sleeved and went down to my midthigh.

It had beading at the hem of the rounded collar that continued around the back. It was a fully open back. Finished off with some black heels, I looked good.

I came down the stairs and stood in the entry of the pack house, not quite sure where to go.

“Girl!” I heard Hannah yell from across the house. “You look like dynamite! I hope you know I’m stealing that dress.”

I laughed. Hannah was the best kind of friend. After wishing us fun on the date, Hannah left the pack house just as Slade entered. And gosh did he look amazing.

He was in a gray suit with a black shirt underneath. The suit was perfectly tailored to him, and it accented the strength in his body.

Slade stood there in the entry staring until he reached his hand up to rub the back of his head in bewilderment.

“You look good,” I said, breaking the silence.

Slade gave a light chuckle before finally speaking. “Babe, you look amazing.” I enjoyed hearing him call me that.

“What, this old thing?” I said coyly. And I decided he should have the full effect. I spun around, showing him the back of the dress as well, smirking when I heard him take in a deep breath.

“Well heck, Addison, should we just cancel the date and go upstairs?”

I laughed out loud before walking to him. Giving him a light kiss, I asked, “So, where are you taking me, Alpha?”

“You’ll see,” he said as he took my hand, leading me out the door.