Chapter 42 – Conflicted Alpha (Damian’s POV)
The first thing I noticed upon waking was a dull ache in my shoulder – and the soft warmth of Ivy’s body nestled against me. Morning light seeped around the heavy drapes as I blinked into consciousness. I wasn’t collapsed in the forest bleeding out; I was in my own bed, alive. Somehow. By all rights I should be dead – a silver shot to the chest kills even a werewolf – but here I was, breathing.
I flexed my shoulder gingerly. Only a faint pink scar remained where the bullet hit. My supernatural healing had worked fast. Maybe something else had helped pull me through, too. My gaze drifted to Ivy curled at my side. She was still asleep, looking so peaceful in the early light. One of her hands rested over my heart, as if even in sleep she didn’t want to let go. The sight sent a strange pang through me.
I shifted slightly and felt her stir. Ivy stretched against me with a soft murmur. The friction of her bare skin sliding along mine sent a bolt of heat straight through me; I realized with some embarrassment that I was already half-hard just from holding her. Hell.
“Mmm…you awake?” I murmured, my voice rough with sleep. I tightened my arm around her waist, keeping her close.
She made a drowsy little noise. “Barely,” came her whisper.
I nuzzled into the crook of her neck, inhaling her subtle vanilla scent. She shivered. “How’s my little minx this morning?” I purred, letting my lips graze the sensitive spot beneath her ear.
Ivy gave a breathy half-laugh. “Sore,” she admitted. “You wore me out, you know.”
A satisfied grin tugged at my mouth. Her tone was grumbling, but I caught the hint of pleasure beneath it. “Mmm, as I recall, you gave as good as you got,” I rumbled. My hand slid up her smooth stomach to cup a breast. Her nipple hardened against my palm, making my cock twitch to full attention. “You were insatiable, Ivy.”
She made a scoffing sound and wriggled around to face me, wrangling free of my wandering hand. I let her turn, propping myself up on one elbow so I could take her in. Sleep-tousled dark hair framed her face, and her eyes – those stormy blue eyes – blinked up at me, still heavy with lingering contentment. I could hardly stand how gorgeous she looked.
“Don’t flatter yourself,” she said tartly. But her cheeks were pink, and when her gaze flicked over me and landed on my shoulder, her irritation faltered. “Oh.” Gently, she traced the faint scar on my skin. “It’s almost gone...”
Her touch was feather-light, yet a hot jolt shot through me, straight to my groin. A hiss escaped before I could bite it back. Not from pain – hell no, it didn’t hurt – but from the unexpected flash of pleasure it stirred. My cock went from stiff to downright aching under the sheets.
Ivy’s eyes widened in concern. “Sorry, does it hurt?”
“N–no,” I managed, clearing my throat. “Not at all. I told you, it’ll be gone by tonight. Heals fast.” My voice came out more ragged than I intended. The truth was, any lingering sting from the bullet wound was completely eclipsed by the hunger thrumming through me now.
She looked so worried for me... the same woman who only days ago wanted me dead. The softness in her face as she brushed her thumb over my scar twisted something inside my chest. I wasn’t used to anyone fussing over my injuries – or anyone caring.
I swallowed hard and forced a crooked grin. “Told you, Detective – werewolf perks. Takes more than a little silver to put me down for good.”
Her fingers lingered on my shoulder. “Still,” she said quietly, “I’m... I’m glad you’re okay.” She lifted her eyes to meet mine, and for a heartbeat I saw real earnestness there, raw and unguarded.
It knocked the breath from me. She was glad. I don’t think anyone besides my pack had ever truly cared whether I lived or died – and here was Ivy Romano, my supposed enemy, gazing at me with genuine relief shining in her eyes.
Warmth flooded through me. I caught her hand and gently guided it down to rest over my heart, wanting her to feel that it was still beating strong. “Hey,” I murmured, moved in a way I couldn’t articulate. “Don’t go getting mushy on me now.”
She made an embarrassed snort and tried to pull away, but I kept her palm against my chest, covering it with mine. Her skin was so soft against my scarred knuckles. “Never pegged you for a sap,” I teased softly, trying to lighten the moment.
Ivy rolled her eyes, but there was no venom in it. We were face to face on the pillow now. Her breathing had quickened. So had mine.
I wasn’t sure who moved first. One second I was staring into those mesmerizing blue eyes, and the next my lips were on hers. God, I hadn’t even planned to – it just... happened.
I meant to keep it light, a simple kiss. But Ivy sighed against my mouth, her body relaxing into mine, and a dam inside me broke. I deepened the kiss, tongue sliding against hers in a slow claim. She tasted like mint and sweetness and everything I never knew I craved.
Her leg hooked over my hip, drawing me between her thighs. I could feel the heat of her core brush my rigid cock and it took everything in me not to rut against her. A groan rumbled up from my chest despite myself.
She tore her mouth from mine just enough to whisper, “Damian...”
The needy catch in her voice undid me. With a growl, I rolled, pressing her beneath me and pinning her wrists to the pillow. The thin sheet twisted around our legs and then slithered away, baring her completely. I reared up, drinking in the sight of her naked body – flushed skin, full breasts rising and falling with each rapid breath.
“Fuck,” I rasped appreciatively. My self-control was hanging by a thread. Ivy arched her back in invitation, a wicked challenge in her half-lidded gaze.
“See something you like, Alpha?” she taunted, voice soft as sin.
My vision nearly went red at that. A snarl curled my lips and I dove back down, crashing my mouth to hers. At the same time, I slid a hand between her legs, groaning into our kiss when I found her slick and ready. So ready.
“Always so ready for me,” I muttered, teasing her folds with my fingers. Ivy gasped into my mouth as I brushed her swollen clit. Damn, the little sounds she made... I could get drunk on them.
I needed to taste more. Without warning, I broke away and trailed my lips down her neck, over the swell of one breast. I latched onto a taut nipple, sucking hard. She cried out, thighs quivering around my hips.
Her hand suddenly slipped between us. I nearly lost it when her delicate fingers wrapped boldly around my cock.
She got me!