Chapter 47
Layla's POV
I couldn't breathe. Thor's lips had stolen my every thought, my every protest. His mouth was warm against mine, demanding yet gentle. My heart hammered so hard I was certain he could feel it where my chest pressed against his. The hard length of him beneath me sent a shock of heat through my body that I wasn't prepared for.
When we finally broke apart, I stared down at him, paralyzed between desire and guilt. My hands still rested on his chest, feeling the rapid rise and fall of his breathing. My leg was awkwardly straddling his hip, and the position left nothing to the imagination.
"I..." My voice failed me completely. What could I possibly say? That I hadn't felt anything? That would be a lie. That I had enjoyed it? That would be a betrayal.
Thor's eyes were dark with hunger as he tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. His touch was feather-light, contradicting the intensity of his gaze.
"Don't say anything," he whispered, his voice rough. "Just feel."
I opened my mouth, though I had no idea what words might come out, when sudden laughter erupted behind us.
"Well, well, well," Hunter's amused voice cut through the tension. "I see you two found the real haunted house experience."
I scrambled off Thor so quickly I nearly twisted my injured ankle again. My face burned as Ruby and Hunter stood there, identical grins on their faces.
"We got worried when you disappeared," Ruby said, not looking worried in the slightest. "But clearly you were... preoccupied."
Thor got to his feet with more grace than I had managed, extending his hand to help me up. I took it, avoiding his eyes.
"My fault," Thor said, smoothing down his shirt. "Layla lost her balance when that masked idiot jumped out."
"Uh-huh," Hunter nodded, not believing a word. "And your lips accidentally fell on hers during the tumble? Physics is amazing."
"Hunter," Thor warned, but there was no real heat behind it.
"I'm just saying," Hunter continued, hands raised in mock surrender, "if you two need more alone time, Ruby and I can—"
"We're done here," I interrupted, my voice higher than normal. "Let's just... go."
Ruby linked her arm with mine as we exited the haunted house. "So," she whispered conspiratorially, "on a scale of one to ten, how was it?"
"Ruby!" I hissed, glancing back to make sure Thor couldn't hear.
She just laughed. "Your face says at least an eight."
I couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips, despite my confusion. "Can we please talk about something else?"
An hour later, we were seated in a local burger joint called The Howling Grill. The casual atmosphere was a relief after the tension of the haunted house. The restaurant buzzed with activity, festivalgoers filling nearly every table.
"Their bacon cheeseburger is to die for," Hunter announced, scanning the menu he probably knew by heart.
I was studying my own menu when I felt Thor stiffen beside me. Following his gaze, I saw the cause of his discomfort.
She moved like she owned the place, all swaying hips and tossing blonde hair. Her shirt was tied to expose a strip of midriff, and she wore a miniskirt so short it barely deserved the name, paired with sheer black stockings that drew every eye in the room. As she passed a table of male patrons, they whistled appreciatively, and she rewarded them with a playful wink.
"Jennie," Thor muttered under his breath.
The blonde spotted our table and her ice-blue eyes lit up. "Alpha Thor!" she exclaimed, changing course to head directly for us. "It's been ages!"
Up close, she was even more stunning—perfectly symmetrical features, pouty lips painted crimson, and lashes so long they must have been extensions. The low neckline of her modified uniform showcased impressive cleavage that she clearly had no qualms about displaying.
"Jennie," Thor nodded politely. "Didn't know you worked here."
"Just started last week," she purred, leaning over our table in a way that gave Thor a direct view down her shirt. "Lucky me, catching the mighty Alpha slumming it with the common folk."
Her eyes slid to me, assessing and dismissing in the same glance. "And who's this?"
Before Thor could answer, I extended my hand. "Layla Lunavich."
Her eyes raked over me dismissively, making me squirm under her cold assessment. She sneered, "Thor, I didn't realize your standards had dropped so low. What's so special about... her?"
Ruby cleared her throat. "We'd like to order, if you're actually working and not just flirting."
Jennie's smile turned brittle. "Of course. What can I get you?"
We placed our orders, with Jennie writing everything down while keeping her eyes fixed on Thor. When she finally left, I released a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.
"Ex-girlfriend?" I asked lightly, though something uncomfortable twisted in my stomach.
"Not even close," Thor said firmly. "She's been trying to get my attention since high school."
Hunter snorted. "Trying? She practically mounted you at the last pack gathering."
Thor shot him a warning look as Ruby kicked Hunter under the table.
"What?" Hunter shrugged. "It's true. She's been after Thor since his father was Alpha."
Our food arrived quickly—delivered by Jennie, of course, who managed to brush against Thor's shoulder as she set down his plate.
"Let me know if you need anything else," she murmured, her emphasis making it clear the offer extended beyond condiments.
I stabbed a french fry into ketchup with unnecessary force.
"She's harmless," Thor said quietly once Jennie had moved to another table.
"I don't care," I replied automatically, then realized it sounded like I did, in fact, care very much. "I mean, it's none of my business who—"
"It is your business," he cut me off, his voice low but intense. "Because I'm only interested in one woman."
Our eyes locked, and the kiss from earlier flashed through my mind. Before I could respond, Jennie appeared again, setting down a milkshake Thor hadn't ordered.
"On the house," she winked. "Your favorite—double chocolate."