Standing at the edge of the back patio, my mind could hardly wrap itself around the scene taking place before me. It had taken every ounce of willpower I could muster to stay inside when the guys began to make their way out to the fire pit. I had a feeling something bad was bound to happen, especially after watching Drew practically pour alcohol down Cade’s throat. That coupled with the way Cade was eyeballing Aiden, I could only imagine the line of bullshit Drew had been feeding him.
I tried to keep Teagan occupied, but it wasn’t long before the shouting began and everyone was rushing outside. I’d grabbed Teagan by the arm and pulled her back before she ended up caught between two very angry alphas. As soon as Cade and Aiden shifted, I turned my attention to Luke. With frustration written all over his face, Luke’s eyes found mine among the crowd, and seconds later, a menacing growl exploded from deep within his throat and Luke transformed, his wolf form completely looming over the two smaller wolves.
Massive and strong, his muscles rippled under his dark fur as he took off toward Cade and Aiden, who were already well into the throes of a massive brawl. As Luke approached, the wolves separated, but only slightly, just enough for Cade to rear up to attack Aiden once again, but Luke was too close. Instead of striking Aiden, one of Cade’s claws caught Luke and sliced its way down the side of Luke’s face. Luke let out a sinister snarl, and the rest of the pack began backing away from the fight as Luke lunged for both wolves.
With his teeth, Luke grabbed Cade by the back of the neck and tossed him aside. Cade’s body flew through the air and landed in a crumpled pile on the ground several feet away. Turning his attention back to Aiden, Luke slowly prowled toward him, a low growl rumbling from his body. When Aiden backed away immediately, I knew the fight was over. Surely Aiden wouldn’t be stupid enough to make another move when Luke looked more than ready to rip someone’s throat out.
With a towel in hand, Alli ran over to Cade. She covered him as he shifted back and then threw her arms around him once she was sure he was okay. Teagan followed suit, but I noticed no one was there to help Luke. No one came running to his aid, and for a brief moment, I’d almost convinced myself to just walk away, but I couldn’t. Operation Cold Shoulder would have to be put on hold for the moment. I hurried inside and grabbed a small blanket off the couch. Rushing to get back, I noticed Cami with a towel headed toward Luke. She gave me a small smile and stopped. She nodded her head toward Luke as if to give me permission to go to him. I didn’t need permission, but it was kind of her to let me be the one to help him.
My human eyes met those of the enormous wolf before me, and I held the blanket out in front of me but diverted my eyes so that he could shift back. Seconds later, he took the blanket, and as his hand touched mine, a chill ran up my back. I didn’t look at him as I began to walk away, but I didn’t get far. His fingers wrapped around my arm, pulling me to a halt.
“Thank you, Scarlett.” Luke’s husky voice sent me reeling. Feelings I barely understood were brewing inside me, but I couldn’t let him see it. I couldn’t let him see how much his touch affected me. When he didn’t let go, I turned to face him. The blanket was wrapped around his waist, leaving his perfectly sculpted chest exposed. My greedy eyes slowly wandered up to his face, and a small gasp escaped my lips when I noticed the cut along his cheek. Blood ran down the side of his face.
More than anything, I wanted to be the one to help him. Resisting the urge to reach out to touch his cheek, I said, “You’re bleeding.”
He didn’t respond. The softness of his expression shifted in an instance as his eyes left mine to glare back and forth between Aiden and Cade. No words were spoken, but the cold, steely look in his eyes said it all. They needed to get the hell out of there. In no time, Cade and Alli headed off toward Cade’s, and Teagan and Aiden were gone just as quickly. The rest of the pack scattered as well, leaving Luke and me standing there alone.
Luke picked up some athletic shorts that someone must have left him from the ground and began dressing. I turned away to give him some privacy and a chance for me to cool down. The anger in his eyes had only dissipated slightly and heat still radiated from his body even though it was freezing outside.
I hesitantly took the blanket from his hand and held it gently to the gash on his face. “Come inside. Let’s get you cleaned up.” Cade’s claw did quite a bit of damage, and even though he’d heal quickly, it needed to be cleaned so that it didn’t get infected.
With a small smile, Luke took the blanket from my hand, and he slipped his fingers between my own and led me inside. We walked hand in hand past Drew, who, now that the excitement was over, appeared to be quite content out on the porch with Becca. He came up for air just long enough to give me a nod of approval; I, in turn, shook my head in disgust.
The house was ominously quiet, and as Luke and I passed the huge grandfather clock in the living room, I noticed it was close to midnight. So much for ringing in the New Year.
We entered the bathroom, and under the sink I found some alcohol, cotton balls, and butterfly bandages. With my hands full of first-aid supplies, I turned to face Luke. He let the blanket drop from his hands, and to my surprise, his hands found my waist and lifted me up to the sit on the counter, positioning his body between my legs.
“There. Now you can reach me, Nurse Scarlett.”
Heat fired its way through my body, and I felt the blush creeping over my cheeks. Diverting my eyes, I opened the alcohol and wet a cotton ball. Trying to hide the fact that his nearness was all but killing me, I teased, “All right, tough guy. Stay still. I can’t promise this won’t hurt.”
I gently pressed the cotton ball to his cheek. Cringing slightly, he sucked in his breath, and before I could stop it, a smile broke out across my face at the thought of this big, strong guy unable to stand the sting. Unconsciously, my eyes drifted back to his, and his intense gaze caused my already racing pulse to quicken even more.
With his lips only inches from my own, I fought back the urge to lean in and taste him, but I wasn’t giving in. I couldn’t handle the rejection if he turned away, even though I wanted nothing more than to wrap my arms around his neck and force his body closer to mine. Tearing my eyes from his, I hastily opened the butterfly bandages and gently placed them over the fresh wound. Suddenly, Luke’s fingers traced their way across my cheek, then through my hair. With his other hand, he tilted my chin up so that I would look at him once more.
The fire in his eyes caused my body to react in ways I’d never experienced before. Desire pooled deep in my stomach and I suddenly found it hard to breathe. Luke ran his thumb over my needy lips as he leaned in slowly. Staying completely still, I closed my eyes and waited for his perfect mouth to press against my own. Though I couldn’t see him, I knew he was only a breath away. I could feel the heat from his closeness, smell that familiar scent that was all his own. I’d never wanted anything more than just one taste of Luke as I stood there breathing him in.
But just before his lips touched mine, Luke’s phone went off, alerting him of an incoming text. We both flinched and my eyes flew open. His phone sat on the counter next to me, and I couldn’t have stopped myself if I’d tried. Without thinking, I peeked at the screen, and my heart sank at what I read.
Where ya at, baby? ur going to
miss my midnight kiss
A stiff moment passed between us and awkwardness filled the air. Trying my best to keep the disappointment out of my voice, I said, “You better go. It will be midnight any minute.” As if on cue, the grandfather clock began to chime announcing that midnight was upon us.
With a deep sigh, Luke looked down and slowly closed his eyes. Barely a second had passed when his hand moved toward the phone, and I knew for sure our moment was over. But he didn’t pick up the phone. Instead he forcefully shoved it aside, and before I could process what was happening his fingers were tangled in my hair and his lips collided with mine.
His kiss was hard and full of need, causing every nerve ending in my body to awaken. With firm hands, he tilted my head to the side, and when a small moan involuntarily escaped from my lips, Luke took the opportunity to deepen the kiss. With his tongue, he explored my mouth while his hands ran down my arms to my waist. He pulled my body forward and pressed himself against me. I wrapped my legs around him as my head fell back. Trailing kisses down my neck, Luke’s hands ran down my thighs and then back up to grab my ass, pulling me even closer. With my fingers entangled in his hair, I gently guided his lips back to mine. I needed more. I needed him. My body ached, called out for him, and I had to force my hands to remain where they were so that I didn’t start tearing my clothes off.
Luke inhaled deeply without breaking our kiss, and I knew he wanted me too. If one of us didn’t pull away, our clothes would surely end up on the bathroom floor. As if he’d read my mind, he kissed me gently one last time and then whispered breathlessly in my ear, “Happy New Year, Scarlett.”