Chapter 25
Chapter 25
It wasn’t soft or tentative. It was fierce, hungry, full of ten years of missed moments and buried feelings. His hand tightened at the back of my neck, pulling me closer, and I found myself responding, matching his intensity as I melted into the kiss. Memories flooded back–the stolen glances, the quiet promises we’d made, and the ache of those days when he
was someone else’s.
When we finally broke apart, both of us were breathing hard, and he kept his gaze fixed on me, his expression unreadable.
I stepped back, breathless, my heart pounding. “I…I just came for the files,” I managed, my voice barely a whisper.
He didn’t answer, but his hand lingered on my arm, as if reluctant to let go.
I swallowed hard, struggling to pull myself together. “Let’s…just get the work done.” I tried to sound steady, professional, but I could feel my resolve crumbling with every passing
second.
Ethan’s eyes held mine, and I felt the depth of everything that had been left unsaid between
us, the weight of all the moments we’d lost. But for now, I forced myself to turn away,
focusing on the task that lay ahead, even as my heart ached to stay in his arms a little longer.
I didn’t pull away. “Can I get closer?” he murmured, his voice rough, like gravel scraping my skin, heating my blood.
My wolf yearned to draw near, drawn to him with a primal, magnetic pull. The mate–bond
between us was intense, so overpowering that I could hardly breathe. Everything in me
screamed to close the gap, to surrender to the burning need to be near him.
But logic was louder. Somehow, it forced me to pull back, to resist the all–consuming desire.
I bit my lip hard, the pain grounding me, and pulled myself off him, trying to keep my face neutral, indifferent.
“Control yourself…and your cock.” I shot back, my voice steadier than I felt.
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Forsaken Mate: Alpha’s Second Chance at Love
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Ethan looked momentarily speechless, his eyes darkening as if he was fighting an internal
battle. Without a word, he turned away, unbuttoning his shirt as he walked toward the bedroom, his shoulders tense, his breathing still uneven.
When he returned, he tossed me a weathered manila envelope. I caught it smoothly, though the brief contact with his fingers sent an electric jolt up my arm. Ignoring the sensation, I focused on the envelope, pretending that I wasn’t keenly aware of him heading to the fridge.
As I flipped through the documents, I called out over my shoulder, “I’ll be leaving soon.”
Ethan opened the fridge, and to my surprise, I heard the soft clinking of pots and pans. I glanced over. He was pulling out ingredients, actually preparing a meal with a focus that looked almost…earnest. Since when did he learn to cook? My heart gave an involuntary little leap.
Forcing my attention back to the documents, I scanned through quickly, realizing he was fully absorbed in his culinary efforts. If there was a chance to sneak out, it was now.
Confidently, I slipped out of the living room, heading toward the door. Ethan didn’t follow
me, didn’t even glance my way. Perfect. I grinned, feeling a thrill of satisfaction as I turned
the doorknob.
But the door was locked. I tugged at it, rattling it, but it didn’t budge. My stomach sank. l’a
have to ask him for the key. I let out a frustrated breath, but Ethan didn’t even look my way.
Stubborn, I decided to find another exit. I wandered through the hallway, peeking around,
searching for anything that could lead me out. I found myself in the bathroom, the memory
of an old story coming to mind: Bella had once told me how Ethan had been dragged naked
out of the tub because of a well–intentioned report I’d made.
My cheeks heated up at the thought of Ethan, wet and indignant, trying to protect his modesty as the guards hauled him out. I couldn’t help a small smile and had to fight back a
laugh.
After examining every possible exit and finding nothing, I sighed, realizing I’d have to change tactics. I squared my shoulders, clenching my fists, nodding to myself with determination as my wolf perked up, practically howling in encouragement.
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Forsaken Mate: Alpha’s Second Chance at Love
Chapter 23
“Hey, um…” I began, only to feel his hand close around mine. Startled, 1 looked up than was standing there, his face unreadable, his eyes dark and intense,
“Dinner’s ready,” he said, his voice softer than usual, “Come try it.”
I blinked, caught off guard, but he held onto my hand firmly, guiding ze to the small dining area. There, the table was set with four dishes and a steaming bowl of soup–a delicate, lightly seasoned Chinese meal, I glanced at him, both skeptical and inogued
Iremembered how he’d once tried to win me over with food, how I’d turned him down coldly, saying the dish was Vanessa’s favorite. I’d seen the hurt flash in his eyes back then, though he’d hidden it quickly.
As if reading my mind, Ethan spoke, his tone almost vulnerable. “The first time I cooked for you, you said it was Vanessa’s favorite dish. This time, it’s just for you. Try it.”
