Alec’s

The room feels too small, the air too thick. Alec is only a few feet away, and even from here, his scent is a dark, potent cloud that wraps around me, sinking deep into my lungs, into my blood, until I feel like I'm drowning in it.

I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to block him out, trying to will my body to stop reacting, but it's useless. My skin tingles, every inch of me acutely aware of his presence. I take a slow, shaky breath, but it does nothing to calm the storm raging inside me. The full moon is like an hour away, and everything feels sharper, more intense—his scent, the heat coursing through me, the primal need clawing at my insides.

When I open my eyes, Alec is moving through the room, his dark gaze scanning the pack as he strides forward with that easy, commanding confidence that comes so naturally to him. His shirt clings to his shoulders, his sleeves rolled up to reveal strong, tan forearms, the veins running beneath his skin taut and pronounced.

I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly dry.

He reaches my table and lowers himself into the chair beside me. And just like that, the rest of the room ceases to exist.

All I can see is him.

All I can feel is him.

His scent is so strong it's like he's wrapped around me, surrounding me, holding me. My muscles tighten, and my fingers dig into the table, trying to keep myself from reaching out, from touching him.

I drag in a shallow breath, but it's like inhaling fire. The heat inside me flares, scorching me from the inside out. My thighs press together, and it's a monumental effort not to lean closer, not to close the gap between us.

Alec's arm brushes against mine, just the barest contact, but it's enough to send a shockwave through me. I bite down hard on my bottom lip, willing myself to stay still, to stay in control. To not give in to my sexual desire.

But then he speaks, and the low rumble of his voice hits me right in the chest, vibrating through my skin.

"Sadie?"

I blink, realizing he's been talking, and I missed every single word.

He's staring at me now, one brow arched, a small, knowing smile curving his lips. The look in his eyes is dark, almost hungry, as if he can sense exactly what I'm feeling.

“What?” I manage, my voice coming out embarrassingly breathless.

Alec leans back slightly, his eyes never leaving mine. "I asked if you're alright. This is your first heat cycle, and I was wondering how you are holding up"

Damn him and damn this. I'd forgotten that this is not his first rodeo when it comes to heat cycles. He had one with Lola if I remember correctly, and that, right now makes me angry and bitter.

For a moment I feel like bashing his head in for not recognizing that Lola was a damn fake. Now here I was, when we should be experiencing this together for the first time instead it's one-nill.

"Sadie?" he calls again, this time, he puts his warm hand on mine. "How are you holding up?"noveldrama

The moment his hand touches mine, I forget everything. My cheeks flush hot, and

I press my lips together, my jaw tight.

I could lie. I could brush it off, pretend like I'm fine. But there's no point. He can smell it. He can see it.

So instead, I sag back in my chair, letting out a long, frustrated breath.

"No, I'm not alright," I say, the word coming out harsher than I intend. "All I want right now is to jump your bones."

།

Alec blinks, clearly taken aback by my bluntness. For a moment, he just stares at me, his eyes darkening, his jaw Clenching, and I can see the way his throat bobs as he swallows.

Before he can respond, Brian slides into the seat across from us.