\[William’s POV\]
The next morning comes much too soon, and I lay awake, staring into Elise’s sleeping face. She looks so peaceful as she lies here in my arms. I almost don’t want to wake her, but I know that I have to.
“Hey,” I murmur, brushing some hair behind her ear. “It’s time to get up, sleeping beauty.”
“Mmmm.” Elise groans, swatting at my hand. “Five more minutes; I’m still tired.”
“I could let you sleep five more minutes or even five more hours, but then Marty or Charlie may come hunting us.”
At my words, Elise’s eyes fly open, and she shoots up so that the blanket that covers us slides down to her waist, exposing her bare breasts.
Immediately, I feel my dick throb as desire rushes through me due to the perfection that is in front of me.
Dammit. Would it really hurt to keep her trapped here with me, where I knew she was safe?
Yes. It would, and the one who would do the killing would be Elise, because I was trying to control her.
“Get your fill, sweetheart, because you won’t be laying eyes on these breasts for a while.”
Frowning, I lean forward and let my lips wrap around her nipple, then flick it a few times with my tongue before nipping it with my teeth. To my satisfaction, a moan of pleasure escapes Elise, and the scent of her arousal reaches me.
“And you,” I say slowly, pulling away and grinning. “Won’t be able to feel that or this, I continue, lifting the blanket to show my erect dick. “For a while.”
I watch in amusement as Elise’s amused expression falls and her eyes darken.
“I’ve got to get ready.” She sighs, jumping out of bed and moving while I watch her round ass jiggle with each step. “Enough of your teasing.”
“But you like it when I tease.” I counter, propping myself up on an elbow.
Instead of responding, Elise just shoots me a glare before disappearing into the bathroom, so I’m left alone. When she returns, she is fully dressed in a pair of leggings and a loose-fitting shirt.
“Shouldn’t you be getting dressed too?” She asks, passing me and heading to a chair that sits in the corner with her things piled on top. “Or are you planning on occupying my room while I’m gone?”
Honestly, I wouldn’t mind doing just that since it was filled with her delicious scent. With her gone, this was the only way I would be able to get my fill.
“Would you be opposed to me staying?” I ask.
For a moment, Elise doesn’t speak as she takes me in, and when she simply shrugs, I know that she was actually agreeing.
“Do what you want.” She says, hefting her bag over her shoulder. “You can stay here, but I thought you would want to see all of us heading into danger off and wish us protection.”
As the words leave her lips, I feel my heart drop, and a pang of pain shoots through me.
Jumping up, I quickly pull on my clothes and then move forward so that I can pull Elise against me.
“You have to promise to stay safe.” I murmur, burying my face in her shoulder.
“There are no promises in this life.” She points out, only adding to my anxiety.
“Say it, or I won’t let you leave.” I warn, pulling away and staring into her deep blue gaze. “Say it, Elise.”
Growing quiet, I wait as she examines me, and when she seems to deflate, she gives a nod.
“Alright.” She says quietly. “I’ll do my best to stay safe.”
Nodding, I give Elise a final squeeze before releasing her and pulling open the door, so we find Marty standing in the hall just behind it.
“Are you eavesdropping?” Elise asks, raising a brow. “Hear anything good?”
“I heard Prince Charming trying to woo my sweet Elise.” Marty says, pretending to be a sad parent handing over their daughter. “It seems just like yesterday your very stare could freeze someone, and now here you are making a beautiful proclama... Ouch!”
Growling, Elise reaches out and grabs Marty’s chin, slamming his mouth shut before he can spout any more disgusting words.
Chuckling, I wait until she begins to move and then follow.
Together, we head out onto the grounds of the packhouse, where Denali, Uncle Hamilton, and even my father are waiting.
Stopping, I take in the cold man as he watches Elise and me carefully. Instantly, I reach out and wrap an arm around Elise, pulling her against me while she lets out a huff of annoyance.
“What are you doing?” She demands, eyeing me curiously.
“Just making a proclamation like Marty said.”
Beside us, Marty lets out a snort of laughter, understanding what is happening completely.
“You better be ready for the repercussions of your actions.” He warns.
I was more than ready for whatever came from this. I wasn’t going to let anything happen to Elise like what happened to Marigold, even if it meant keeping her beside me at all times.
“Could you be serious?” Elise growls, knocking me off. “I’ve got enough on my plate. I don’t need to deal with angry daddy’s as well.”
“Ugh,” I grimace. “Never say that again.”
“What?” Elise smirks. “You didn’t like it when I called you that, and now you don’t like it when I call others it either? Don’t be such a prude.”
Opening my mouth, I prepare to argue, but stop as a cold aura appears behind us.
“Stop fucking around and get moving.” Charlie growls, pushing past our trio. “This isn’t the place for flirting.”
“What?” Marty chirps, beginning to follow Charlie. "Jealous it isn’t you getting a bit of action?”
“Shut up.” Charlie huffs.
Shaking my head, I begin to move again, pulling Elise along beside me until, finally, we reach the group that is waiting for us.
“Elise Gregory is reporting for duty.” Elise announces, saluting Denali. “I never expected to see my sister taking the place of Alpha for her hubby.”
“Desperate times.” Denali shrugs, trying to hide just how exhausted she is. “I’m sorry to even ask this of any of you, but...”
“There isn’t any other choice.” Elise finishes for her. “I get it. Don’t apologize for wanting to protect what is important to you. Just continue to do what you must to eliminate the threat. Now, let’s get this show on the road. I’m itching to cause some trouble.”
“We just have to wait for a few others.” Denali responds just as voices reach us.
Turning, I watch as Jose, Warren, Elise’s old guard, and the prisoner we managed to capture begin to make their way toward us.
“Oh goody!” Elise chirps, clapping her hands. “My old buddy!”
“Maybe I will keep you here with me.” I growl, clinging possessively to Elise.
"Sorry, we’re late.” Jose says when he reaches. “Since everyone is here, should we head out? The sooner we move, the sooner this ends.”
“The sooner the better.” My father agrees, giving me a pointed look.
I don’t need to ask him what he means by that since I knew. He was all but saying that the sooner this ended, the sooner I could return to Crystal Fang to take my rightful place as alpha. Little did he know that when that happened, Elise would be with me.
“I’m not good at goodbyes.” Marty begins, looking around our group. “So, I’ll just say see ya later when we return victorious.”
“Please do.” Denali smiles, though her smile doesn’t reach her eyes. “We’re counting on you.”