Chapter Nine
Nerves were getting the best of her and Cassie was seconds from freaking out. The gallery show was a success and everybody who was anybody was in attendance. She wanted to go back to her studio. Even better would be if she could convince Max to take her home and to bed.
The previous evening had been everything she had ever dreamed about.
Perfect, in every way. Until Max had woken screaming for his best friend.
Cassie hadn’t known what to do except give him the space he said he wanted. Since he’d climbed out of bed, they hadn’t had a moment alone. She wasn’t going to get it anytime soon, either, with so many strangers around.
“How’re you holding up?” Alex joined her where she was hiding along a back wall. He passed her a flute of champagne before taking a sip of his own.
“Fine,” she responded. They both knew she was lying.
“Almost every piece has sold. The ones that haven’t will be soon.”
Cassie shrugged. At least she wasn’t allowing the portraits of Max’s unit to be sold off. They were promised to him. She wouldn’t break her word. No matter how much the offers kept increasing.
Alex sighed. “I’m sorry about James.”
She peered over to the wall that should have been holding James’ work. Her assistant had been her friend, but now he sat in a jail cell for attempted arson, breaking and entering and attempted kidnapping. The Council had sent more representatives to deal with the Church. Alpha Shawn had kept his word to the Pack to keep them hidden. Cassie was relieved.
In the short time since the shifters had gone public, there been so much hate. She didn’t want that directed at them. There was a reason she preferred to stay hidden away in the canyon. No one could hurt her or her family.
“Hey.” Alex nudged her. “I lost you there for a second.”
Cassie laughed. “Is it almost time to leave?”
“Another hour,” Alex responded.
“Fine.” Cassie finished off her glass. “Then get me another drink.”
“I’ve got one right here.” Alpha Shawn placed a flute in her free hand before taking her empty glass. “You looked like you needed it.”
“Thanks, Alpha.”
“I’m going to mingle some more,” Alex told her. “One more hour.”
“Yeah.”
Her Alpha waited until Alex was across the room before moving shoulder to shoulder with her. “You look very pretty tonight.”
Cassie glanced down at her simple black dress. The men wore suits and women dresses. She had also kicked off her heels within the first hour of the show. She probably looked ridiculous, especially surrounded by such elegant people. She appreciated her Alpha trying to make her feel better. “Thanks.”
Shawn chuckled. “I mean it. Max hasn’t been able to take his eyes off you.”
She looked up and across the room, seeing Max’s gaze on her. Cassie smiled. “He looks good, don’t you think?” The dark circles under his eyes weren’t as bad as when he’d first showed up and his face had more color. He’d always been fit, but there was just something about the way he carried himself now that showed confidence.
“He does,” Shawn agreed. “I’d hoped that when he helped you it would remind him that he still has something to offer. It worked.”
“Max still has a long road ahead of him,” she murmured. “He might not be ready for what you’re asking of him.”
“He will be,” Shawn stated. “When the time is right. He’ll step up and protect the Pack.”
“I know,” she said. “I guess…”
“What? Tell me. I want to know. I value your opinion.”
“I’m worried that it might be too much too soon,” she confided. Cassie didn’t want to tell Shawn about the nightmares or betray what Max had told her.
“If he doesn’t get the push he needs, Max will lose himself in his past,” Shawn said. “The things he’s seen and witnessed are enough to destroy any man. I don’t want to lose him. I want him to fight.”
Cassie agreed.
“He’s already started,” Shawn said. “Now we just need to make sure we’re there for him when he needs it.”
Across the room, Chase bumped Max and Max smiled wide. The brothers loved each other. That much was obvious, but it hadn’t been enough to make Max happy. She hoped that she’d be able to add a little something to his life to help Max heal. To keep him with family. “What should I do?”
“Listen,” Shawn advised. “Let him talk about the men who were his brothers. Allow him to share stories. You’re keeping them alive for him.” Shawn nodded toward the series she’d painted of Max’s unit. “That’s the best gift you could have given him.”
Cassie would paint him a hundred portraits if that helped Max. Maybe she could even see a picture of how they really looked, in addition to the animal forms she’d created of them based on how Max described each of his friends. “Okay.”
“I better go check in with the security detail,” Shawn said. “I don’t foresee any problems with the Council reps here, but better safe than sorry.”
“Thanks for checking on me,” she said.
Shawn kissed her cheek. “Always.”
After her Alpha left her, Cassie searched out Max again. He was slowly making his way toward her but kept getting stopped by the members of the Pack that were in attendance. He seemed surprised each time one of the ladies would kiss his cheek or the men shake his hand.
Cassie had always considered Max and his family an important part of the Pack. It broke her heart that Max hadn’t felt a part of them. Finally, after several long minutes, Max made it to her side.
“Your brother said I could sneak you away,” he whispered to her.
“Really?” Cassie straightened up. That was the best news she’d heard all night.
“Come on.” He urged her toward the back. “Where are your shoes?”
Cassie looked around but couldn’t remember where she’d left the dreadful heels. She shrugged.
Max’s chuckled was warm. “That’s all right.” He continued to guide her to where she knew the back door was. The store room they walked through was cool, dark and organized. That had been James’ doing. Now they’d have to find someone else.
At the exit, Max pushed open the door before lifting her up. Cassie threw her arm around his neck as he held her under her legs as well.
“I could get used to this,” she teased.
“Baby, I’ll carry you anywhere you want to go.”
And just like that, Cassie saw their entire future. Max carrying her over the threshold after marriage, him holding a baby and even the two of them rocking on the porch, watching the sun set behind the canyon.
If she got a choice, she’d make the dreams a reality.
But she had to take her time.
Max was still healing and he probably wasn’t ready for her to inform him that she was already planning the next sixty to eighty years together.
The black SUV they’d driven in sat close to the back door. Cassie was disappointed the walk wasn’t longer. She really enjoyed being in his arms.
He clicked the key fob to unlock the passenger door before settling her inside.
Cassie grabbed hold of Max’s face then drew his lips to hers. “I’m glad you were there with me tonight,” she told him once she pulled away.
“I enjoyed the show. It’s nice to see all your hard work being appreciated.”
She nodded. It was. After her art was sold, Cassie always imagined where each piece ended up. In a surprising twist, Kurt Moore, one of the Council reps, had confessed he had one of her wolf landscape scenes over his bed. He and his mate had recently moved in together and both had decided to leave it where it was.
Cassie was proud she could touch someone that strongly.
“There’s a couple more nights,” she told him. “Opening night is the only time I have to attend, but the show will continue for three more evenings. After that, we’ll deliver your portraits back to you.”
Max stepped back, still caught by the door, as he peered at her. “I heard what everyone was saying. You had offers on the series.”
“I’m not selling.”
“I can’t let you give up the money for me,” he responded. “Maybe—”
“No. Those are yours.”
“I don’t even have a place to hang them,” he said.
“Yes, you do.” Cassie grinned.
Max blinked at her. “You mean…”
“That you don’t have to leave now that the Church is stopped?”
He nodded.
“I like having you around,” she told him. “If you want to go back to Chase’s house or stay with the Alpha, I’ll keep them safe for you.”
“I don’t know what to do about the Alpha’s offer,” he confided.
“I know.”
Max patted her legs before carefully closing the door. As he walked in front of the vehicle, she watched him. The way he darted his gaze around them to make sure no one was near. Even though the Council was taking care of the threat, Max was still ensuring her safety.
After he climbed inside behind the wheel, she leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”
“I won’t let anything happen to you,” Max stated.
“I have no worries with you around,” she replied.
“Then let me get you home.” He started the SUV.
“You’ll have to carry me inside.”
“Oh, don’t you worry about it,” Max said. “I know exactly where I want to put you.”
Cassie shuddered at the promise that dripped from his tone. She couldn’t get wait to get back to her house.
The ride was quiet, but Cassie didn’t mind. Max glanced all around them as he drove. He was still in protection mode. Once they were behind her locked doors with the alarm system, she’d be able to distract him from all his worries.
She pressed her forehead to the side glass as the scenery passed by quickly. It was only about a twenty-minute drive to her property and she knew the route well.
Too soon, she felt the vehicle slow down.
Cassie sat up. “What’s wrong?”
“Do you have your cell?”
“No, I didn’t bring it.”
Max shoved his into her hand. “Call the Alpha.”
“What’s going on?” She peered through the windshield but all she could see were lights from oncoming vehicles. Several. And one vehicle was in their lane heading right toward them. Cassie dialed Shawn’s cell phone number.
“Put it on speaker,” Max ordered.
She complied just as Shawn answered.
“Max?” Shawn barked.
“Mile marker fifty-three,” Max said.
“On my way,” Shawn responded. “Stay safe.”
“Hurry,” Max demanded.
Through the phone, she could hear Shawn issuing orders including one to call Kurt or Clint.
They were barely creeping along now. Nowhere near the seventy-five miles per hour speed limit.
“Max!” Her voice shook as fear flooded her.
“It’s going to be okay.” He looked at her. “If I say run, I want you out of that door and on the move. Run until you get to a safe place, then shift.”
“What about you?” Cassie did not want to leave Max behind.
“I’ll be fine,” he said. “I promise.”
She gripped his hand. “You have to be. I need you.”
Max pulled over off to the side. The other vehicles were still headed toward them. Maybe it was just regular drivers. Maybe there was no threat.
Not that she believed that.
It was dark and she could feel in her bones they were in trouble.
Max put the SUV in Park before turning to her. “Do whatever I say. Get to your house and lock yourself inside. I’ll meet you there.”
“Swear!” she demanded. “Swear that you’ll be right behind me.”
He kissed her quickly. “I swear.”
“Okay.” She took deep breaths and peered out of the window. There was nothing around. Just low, dead grass. Not even a place to hide. About five hundred yards away, there were some large boulders and jagged rocks. She could make it there. Cassie was fast. She’d have an advantage over any humans. Unless they had guns. Yeah, the humans could just shoot her and Max, leaving their bodies before Shawn reached them. “Oh God.” She bent over and wrapped her arms around her stomach. She couldn’t do this. Cassie wasn’t made for all this fucking drama.
“No!” Max gripped her head and dragged her up. “You will not give up on me. You are going to do exactly as I say. We’re going to be fine.”
Cassie couldn’t control the shaking in her hands. She wrapped her palms around her knees and squeezed.
“After this we’re going to lock ourselves in your house for days. I’m going to make love to you over and over. We’ll only get out of bed to shower and eat. No, fuck that—we can eat in bed.”
She laughed. “That sounds good.”
“They’re here,” he said. He let go of her and straightened in the seat.
There were three dark vehicles blocking them from moving forward. From the middle SUV, the driver’s door opened and a man stepped out. Both she and Max leaned forward but Cassie didn’t recognize the stranger.
“We just want to talk!” the stranger shouted.
Max rolled his window down. “Then talk.”
“There’s been a misunderstanding,” the man said. “And my nephew is paying the price.”
Cassie gasped. “It has to be James’ uncle.”
“Yeah,” Max murmured. “That’s my guess.”
“You’d have to contact the police,” Max yelled. “We have nothing to do with that.”
“It’s already being done,” the man replied. “But my nephew is upset. He didn’t mean to scare Ms. Wilson. He’d like me to talk with Ms. Wilson. To allow her to hear what she needs to.”
“There’s nothing that she needs to hear from the people who tried to burn down her house and kidnap her,” Max argued.
“Please,” the man said. “Just talk.”
Max cracked open the door.
“What are you doing?” Cassie asked in a panic. Max should not be getting out of the SUV.
“Buying us some time,” Max replied. “Just stay next to me.”
He slipped out of the vehicle before helping her over the console and into the driver’s seat. Cassie did not want to get out, but she’d promised she’d listen to him.
Max helped her down but moved his body to block hers.
“Ms. Wilson.”
“Who… What do I call you?” she asked.
“You may call him Jeremiah,” the stranger replied. “It is my Church name.”
“Jeremiah,” she repeated. “I want to go home. Please let us pass.”
“I wish I could, young lady,” Jeremiah responded. “It’s not safe for you there. You’re trusting the wrong people. Or things.”
“We just want to stay on our property and live our lives,” Cassie said.
“My nephew thinks the world of you. I offered to show you the light,” Jeremiah told her. “Come with me.” He held out his hand.
Cassie had no desire to go near the man. He repulsed her.
“She’s not going anywhere with you,” Max said.
“I thought you’d say that,” Jeremiah said. He pulled out a black gun at the same time as the doors of other the vehicles opened.
The strangers spread out. Eleven men joined Jeremiah.
“I must insist Ms. Wilson comes with me, though. She’ll tell the police that James’ involvement was just a mistake. My nephew will be released. Then we will educate her on what she’s been associating with.” Jeremiah waved the gun. “Now, come here, Ms. Wilson.”
“Get ready to run,” Max whispered.
“Okay.” Cassie took a few steps back. She could dart around the SUV then run full out. She’d have to trust Max to keep his word.
“I don’t have all night,” Jeremiah shouted. “Now, Ms. Wilson.”
Cassie was seconds from making a break for it when a long, loud howl broke through the silence.
The humans yelled before pulling out more weapons.
“Hurry,” Jeremiah ordered. “Grab the girl and let’s get out of here.”
One of the men started toward her. Max pushed Cassie back before growling at the humans.
“He’s one of the monsters!” Jeremiah called. “Take him out.”
Cassie hit the ground when she heard the first bullet. She rolled and rolled until she was under the SUV and on the other side. She started to scream when her momentum was stopped by a body.
“Shh,” Alex covered her mouth with his hand.
“Oomph.” She sagged against her brother.
There were more growls, the sound echoing around them. Coming up from the side of the road were dozens of wolves. Wolf shifters. Her Pack. They were coming to help.
She pushed Alex’s hand off. “Max! I think he was shot.”
“He’ll be fine,” Alex told her. “Shawn is with him. Now, let’s get you out of here.”
Cassie tried to stand, but her legs were shaking and she was sick to her stomach. The events from earlier still had her reeling.
“Come on, I’ll help you.” Alex kept one arm around her waist as he led her to a dark BMW that she hadn’t noticed parked behind her.
She tried to look over her shoulder to where Max was but couldn’t see anything. Alex bundled her into the passenger side before he raced around the front. Before she even had his seat belt on, he was backing up fast.
“Where are we going?” she asked.
“Home,” he replied. “Just taking the long way.”
“Home,” she repeated. “I want to go home.”
Max’s arm burned where the bullet had grazed him. If it hadn’t been for Kurt, Clint and a couple of other guards coming out of the dark and jumping the humans, he’d be dead for sure. Being killed would had have him breaking his promise to Cassie. He would return to her.
“You okay?” Shawn asked, joining him.
“Fine.” He rotated his shoulder. It was just a flesh wound and he’d had worse. “Where’s Cassie?”
“Alex took her home,” Shawn said. “She doesn’t need to be involved in this.”
“Thanks.” He turned at a sound close to him to see Kurt Moore approaching. “Hey, man, everything good?”
“The cops are on their way,” Kurt said. “These men are human, so we have no jurisdiction to hold them.”
“They shot my man,” Shawn said with a growl.
Kurt started to examine Max. “Are you okay? Where’s the wound?”
“I’m fine.” Max shrugged Kurt off him. “Just a scrape.”
“Of course,” Kurt stated. “We’ll get things handled here. Why don’t you head back to the ranch? I’ll give the cops your number, so they can schedule an interview.”
“I’m not going to argue with that,” Max responded. He was tired. And all Max wanted was to see that Cassie was safe.
“I’ll give you a lift,” Shawn offered.
“Thanks, Alpha.” Max strolled to the same passenger seat that he’d helped Cassie into earlier. When she hadn’t had shoes on. Jeez, he’d barely gotten them out of there alive. He’d had many guns pointed at him but never had he felt fear like when Cassie had been in the line of fire.
“There’s a first-aid kit in the back seat,” Shawn told him. “You should take care of that wound before Cassie sees it.”
“Good idea.” Max reached behind the seat and dug around until his hand landed on a smooth box. He removed his suit jacket and tossed it into the back. He took the sleeve of his shirt and ripped the seam. Shifter strength sure did come in handy.
With his uninjured arm, he opened the case and removed what he needed. They bumped along a dirt road which made his arm ache, but Max clenched his teeth and endured. He wouldn’t show weakness in front of his Alpha.
He did the best job he could cleaning the wound then applying a thick layer of cream. They were just entering the Wilson property when he attempted to bandage himself.
“Leave it,” Shawn ordered. “I’ll do it when we park.”
Max nodded before pulling out the bandages he wanted.
Shawn pulled up in front of Cassie’s house. He turned the ignition off then flicked on the interior lights. “Let me see.”
Max passed him the bandages before sticking out his upper arm. There was some meat missing but Max would make a full recovery.
“This might sting a bit,” Shawn said before he pressed the bandage against his arm.
Max pressed his lips together but didn’t utter a sound.
“There that should do it. And just in time.” He motioned to the front of Cassie’s house. “Someone’s waiting on you.”
“Thanks, Alpha,” Max repeated then climbed out of the SUV.
Cassie walked down the steps. At least she had flip flops on. He opened his arms and she launched herself the rest of the way. Max caught her and held her close to his body.
The sound of Shawn backing away barely registered as he kissed her with all the passion he held inside.
“You kept your promise,” she whispered, pulling away.
“Always.”
He kissed her again as he walked up the steps. Cassie wrapped her legs around his waist, allowing him to carry her. Just like he’d planned all along. It had taken him longer than he’d wanted to get her home and safe.
The front door was already open for him to stroll through. As he locked it and set the alarm, Cassie nibbled on his neck. Holy shit, he was so fucking horny. Max needed Cassie like never before.
“Take me to bed,” Cassie whispered. “You promised that we’d only leave my bed to shower.”
He had said that. “And I’ve already shown I keep my promises.”
“Please.”
Max stopped at the fridge and leaned down. “Grab a couple of bottles of water. We’re going to need them.”
Cassie laughed. “You don’t really have to carry me everywhere.”
“But I do,” Max told her. “You will not be walking anytime soon. I’ll even carry you to the shower.”
“I guess it’s a good thing that I already turned the sheets down on the bed.”
It was indeed. Max strode down the hall and right into her bedroom. Not only had she folded the sheets back, but she had also lit candles, placing them all around the room.
“It’s beautiful,” he said. “Just like you.” Max gently placed her on the mattress.
“Make love to me. Just like you said you would.”
“Wait.” He held up his finger then walked over to the stereo in the corner. Max hadn’t owned anything other than his iPhone for music in years. But as he pressed the Power button, smooth jazz came though the speakers in the corner of her bedroom ceiling.
“Oh nice,” she praised.
Max strolled back to the bed to stand over her. “Now let’s see about me keeping my word to you.” He slowly undressed her before taking the time to bare himself. Max tossed the clothing onto the floor, not really caring where it landed. They could clean up later. Much later.
Once he was naked, he climbed onto the bed, between her legs.
Cassie arched into his touch when he cupped her breasts. “I love the feel of your hands on me.”
“Almost as much as I love touching you,” he replied.
“Touch me more,” she demanded.
Max skimmed his hands up her legs while bending to kiss her neck. Cassie gasped and clutched at him. Even as she dug her nails into his back, he didn’t raise her head. He licked and teased both of her nipples before trailing his tongue down to her belly button.
He ignored her whimpering and pleas. This part was all for him.
She tasted sweet, like apples and candy. The sounds coming from her mouth were even more satisfying, as he savored every sip taken from her skin.
“Mine,” he murmured. Max ran a finger through her slick folds until he thrust one digit into her pussy.
Cassie moaned, then lifted her hips, shoving his digit further inside. He played with her clit with his tongue while taking her over the first crest of orgasm. Max didn’t stop until she was begging him.
“Please, Max!”
He moved up to his knees then wrapped his hand around his cock and stroked. Fuck. He was already so close to coming.
Apparently tired of waiting for him, Cassie reached up and tugged him down on top of her. Max grunted from the impact then lifted enough to drag his cock over Cassie’s stomach. He trailed precum onto her soft skin.
“I know you want me,” she murmured.
Max gripped his shaft before positioning the tip at her entrance. She looked up at him and he held her gaze as he plunged deep.
Cassie bowed up, but that just let him slide in even farther.
“Yes!” she shouted.
He withdrew before thrusting again and again. Max kept a steady pace. The exhaustion he’d felt earlier was gone and the only thing that mattered was showing Cassie how much she meant to him. That he loved her.
It might be too soon to declare what he saw as his future, but Max still imagined it.
He’d never allow Cassie to doubt how much he needed her, wanted her. She’d always know she was loved.
Max rocked in and out of her until Cassie was clawing at his back and shouting with her second climax. He rode her through her body tightening and clamping down on his cock. Finally, he couldn’t take it anymore and yelled as he came.
“Fuck!” Max didn’t think he’d ever released so much seed before. He barely managed to pull out before he collapsed down beside her.
“That was great,” she praised.
“Give me ten minutes and it’ll be time for round two.”
Cassie patted his naked ass. “Whatever you say, dear.”
Max closed his eyes before he yanked Cassie closer. She cuddled up to his side then laid her head on his chest. He slid his fingers through her hair. This was how they belonged. Forever.
It was hot. So fucking hot. Max couldn’t wait until he was back home, grilling out and drinking a cold beer. Evan would get drunk and have to sleep on his couch, but Max really didn’t mind. He missed Chase, and Evan was like a brother as well. Of course, Evan wasn’t the same as Chase since he couldn’t shift and run under the full moon. A brother was still a brother.
“I need a stiff drink,” Evan bitched.
“One double shot coming right up,” Max said with a chuckle. He tossed his canteen to his best friend. “Drink up.”
Evan chugged the water then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “Doesn’t taste like any double I’ve ever had.”
“It washes the sand down anyway,” Max quipped. He wanted to leave this fucked-up country and never come back. They’d been out for over forty-eight hours with no idea when they’d get the final push to begin their mission.
Max blinked the dirt from his eyes. They ached, from tiredness to wariness.
He opened them back up and he was standing in the middle of the canyon. The full moon illuminated the same spot that Cassie had shared with him. But instead of the woman he loved, his best friend stood peering back at him.
“Evan,” he whispered. Max didn’t know why. It just felt as if he spoke too loudly, Evan would leave him again.
“So many secrets,” Evan responded. He shook his head even as he smiled. “I always knew there was something special about you.”
“I’m sorry I never told you. I was going to, after our last mission.” A tear escaped. “But you never came home.”
“Oh, but I did, old friend.”
Max swiped at his tears. “I failed you.”
“No, I failed you.” Evan always did love to argue.
“I let you die!” His voice echoed around the empty canyon walls.
“I died, yes, but you’re not alone.”
“I need you by my side,” Max confided. “I miss you.”
“I miss you, too, brother. But you have a chance at something wonderful.”
The scenery changed again.
Max was in bed with Cassie with her practically lying on top of him. His fingers were still buried in her hair as he held her as close as he could.
“She’s beautiful, perfect for you,” Evan stood beside the bed. “I always knew when you fell in love, it’d be with a strong woman.”
“I love her,” he confessed.
“Of course you do. So why are you doubting your abilities? Why haven’t you answered your Alpha?”
“I’m not worthy of his offer. The Pack will not follow a non-shifting shifter.”
“I think you underestimate them. They’ll follow you because you’re the right person for the job. You’ll protect them in this time of chaos.”
“And if I fail them like I did you?” Max asked. It was the question that was haunting him.
“The only way to fail is by not trying,” Evan replied. “You know this.”
Max nodded. He did. Their missions were never guaranteed. It took the entire team, each one a master at their craft, to survive. “I need people I can trust.” Just like those in his old unit.
“It’s a good thing you already have that. Your brother, her brothers, the guards who’ve followed our lead so far. All you must do is accept. Everything will fall into place.”
“I hope you’re right.”
Evan flashed him that same cocky grin Max knew so well. “I’m always right.”
“I’m sorry,” Max whispered. “I’m so fucking sorry.”
“You have to stop punishing yourself. Embrace this opportunity.”
Max gasped as he sat up in bed. He peered around the room, but of course Evan wasn’t there. It had only been another nightmare, or dream. He wasn’t used to this peaceful feeling after dreaming about his unit or best friend. Was it a sign? Could Max be ready to finally move on with his life? Evan had come to him and given his blessing so it sure as hell seemed as if he needed to figure his shit out once and for all.
He knew it hadn’t really been Evan talking to him, but Max still believed he had his best friend’s blessing to stop living in the past. Max needed to embrace his future.
Not wanting to wake Cassie, Max slipped his arm out from under her. He rolled out of bed gently before tugging the comforter over her.
Cassie made a small sound of protest before she turned onto her stomach. She wiggled around until she dug her face into his pillow. He smiled before he left, closing the door behind him.
The studio door was right there and all Cassie’s work was currently at the gallery.
Max pushed the door open. The space seemed so much bigger without the numerous canvasses lined up against the wall. He strolled over to the balcony, stopping only to turn off the alarm from his phone, before pulling open both doors.
The night air was cool and a soft breeze ruffled his hair as he stepped into the darkness. Lights shone out from Alex’s house and it reminded him that he had the people he needed to talk to. But first he would have to accept the new position.
The Alpha prodigy or some shit like that. The successor. The future Alpha.
All those titles sounded odd and unbelievable.
Max wasn’t ready, but he’d make damn certain that when the time came, he was the best fucking Alpha anyone had ever seen.
“I find my lover standing outside, naked, and I don’t know if I want to jump you or paint you.”
Max whirled around to lean against the balcony. “Why don’t you do both?”
Cassie chuckled. She walked over, just as naked as him, to kiss him deeply.
“Mmm,” he murmured. Max slipped his hands down her back.
She pulled back and it almost took his breath away, she was so stunning. “What are you doing out here?”
“Just thinking.” He turned so she was in front of him with him warming her from behind. The entire Wilson ranch was spread out before them.
“About what?”
“My future, our future,” he replied. Cassie stiffened, but he nuzzled her neck. “All good, I promise.”
“You want to talk about it?”
“I’m going to allow Shawn to train me as the future Alpha,” he confided.
“Max! That’s great.” She tried to turn around, but he held her in place. “Just listen.”
“Okay.” She laid her head back on his chest.
“I’m going to tell Shawn that I accept until he finds someone else, changes his mind or I’m convinced I can do the job.”
“You can.”
“Thanks.” He chuckled. “I appreciate the vote of confidence.”
“I’ll always believe in you.”
“In the meantime, we still need to talk about us,” he said.
“Us?” she repeated. “I thought we’d already decided.”
This time it was Max making her spin around, so he could see her face. “I want more.”
“More?”
“I don’t just want to see if we can work out. I want us to,” Max said. It was time to put all his cards on the table. If he scared her away, he’d give her space, while making sure she knew he meant every word.
“What are you saying?” she questioned. “Be specific.”
“I don’t want to leave,” Max said. “I wish for my paintings to hang on the walls here. Where I can look at them every day.”
“You’ll stay here with me?” she asked in excitement.
“If you’ll have me.”
“Yes!” Cassie kissed him. “Yes!”
“Fair warning,” Max told her. “I can be a pain in the ass before my coffee.”
“I can be a pain in the ass all the time,” she retorted.
Max laughed. “I can live with that.”
“Me, too.”
He kissed her again, this time lifting her so he could take her back to bed. Max had made a promise to make love to her for forty-eight hours. It was time he got started.