Free Sentinel: Reckless Desires (Wolf Shifter Romance) (Alpha Protectors Book 2) by Olivia Arran

answers.
    “Come here, Chloe,” I drawled, patting my knee and flashing her a grin.
    Her eyebrow shot up as she blinked at me. “What are you playing at, Angel?” she asked, her tone full of suspicion.
    I shrugged, forcing my body to stay easy and relaxed. “Nothing. You just look like you need a hug.”
    She pursed her lips, considering me. “Nothing? You’re never up to nothing.”
    “Jeez! A guy offers a hug and gets an interrogation.” It might have come out a little harsher than I’d intended, but did she really have that low an opinion of me?
    She blinked at me through suspiciously watery eyes, her throat working as she swallowed back a sob unsuccessfully. “I’m sorry… I’m not usually... I can’t—”
    I was on my feet in seconds, rocking to a stop by her feet. Throwing myself down onto my knees, I gently grasped her jaw, turning her head up to meet my eyes.
    “Don’t ever tell me you’re sorry, you don’t ever need to say that word to me,” I growled, wanting to smack myself around the side of the head and meaning every goddamn word. When we finally faced the reason for her keeping Maisie from me, it would be so we could move on with our lives. Together. I didn’t need apologies, just explanations, and I couldn’t bear to see this strong woman reduced to tears. “You don’t have to be strong with me, Chloe. You can lean on me. I have to be useful for something.”
    I leaned closer, thumbing away the single tear that slid down her cheek. It was killing me to see her cry and to know I was a part of it.
    “Chloe—”
    “Angel—”
    We both spoke at once.
    Her hand drifted up to rest on top of mine where it still cupped her cheek.
    Her breathing slowed, her tongue darting out to lick at her lips as her body leaned toward mine. She was silent, her eyes begging me to take away the pain screaming at me through the bond, so I did the only thing I could think of.
    I brushed my lips gently against hers. Her lips parted under my gentle caress, opening in an invitation that I couldn’t resist. My tongue swept in, coaxing a response.
    With a groan I smoothed my thumb across her cheek, encouraging her, entreating her to respond.
    She broke in a whispered moan, her defenses crumbling as she melted against me, her legs parting around me.
    Falling between her legs, I gathered her to me, deepening the kiss until all I could hear, all I could feel, was her. Threading my fingers through her hair, I urged her to lie back.
    She twisted away on a gasp. “I can’t stand it. He can’t die!”
    What the fuck was I doing? This was a new low, even for me. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to—”
    I was silenced by a finger placed gently across my lips. “You don’t say sorry to me, ever.” She repeated my words back to me, and the corner of her lips lifted in a sad smile. “When I’m with you I can’t think.”
    “Chloe—”
    “No. That’s good. I don’t want to think. I want to forget everything that is happening, just for now. Just so I can breathe without the terror crushing me, without the painful knowledge of what might happen.” She licked her lips, her gaze darting to the closed bedroom door. “He’s asleep?”
    My mouth dropped open. Was she asking me to—? I strained my ears until I picked up the deep, slow rhythmic breathing of the alpha. “He’s asleep,” I confirmed, my voice hoarse.
    “Help me forget, Angel. Not forever, nothing permanent, just for this moment.”
    She was!
    I ignored her demands, telling myself they meant nothing, that she didn’t really mean them. I’d be able to change her mind. After all, we had a child together.
    Something fluttered in my stomach, my hands suddenly clammy. Stage fright? I rolled my shoulders back, shaking off the odd feeling. Whatever. This was the most important performance of my life.
    I stroked my hands up her thighs until I reached her hips. Dragging her forward, I nipped at her neck, delighting in the shiver that ran through her.