24. Luxurious Revelations
24
LUXURIOUS REVELATIONS
~KAMARI~
" W -W-W-WE'RE IN DUBAI?!!!" The words explode from me as I watch Ezekiel casually remove his suit jacket, as if being on the other side of the world is perfectly normal. "Like DUBAI?! A WHOLE DIFFERENT COUNTRY?! How did we even get here? How long have I been asleep? Why didn't I even notice when I woke up?!"
My voice rises with each question, the sheer absurdity of the situation finally hitting me.
One moment I was in my apartment at the Safe Haven, the next I'm apparently in one of the most luxurious cities on Earth, watching an impossibly attractive detective prepare for target practice.
"Because you didn't look out the window," Ezekiel explains with obvious amusement, "and the moment I said I was going to a shooting range, you lost your marbles and insisted you come with me."
The reminder makes heat flood my cheeks as I recall my earlier enthusiasm. He's right – I'd been so excited about the prospect of learning to shoot that I hadn't paid attention to my surroundings at all.
"Yeah," I admit quietly, "I'd suck as an agent for that."
His chuckle sends inappropriate shivers down my spine as he begins rolling up his sleeves with precise movements. The action draws attention to his forearms – all lean muscle and subtle strength that makes my mouth go dry.
I try not to stare as he reaches for the protective glasses, but it's a losing battle.
The whole look is devastating – crisp white dress shirt with three buttons undone, sleeves rolled to expose those forearms, gun holster visible beneath his perfectly tailored vest. He looks like he stepped out of one of Kieran's steamier novels, though I doubt even Xavier Knight could capture this level of casual deadly grace in words.
"So are we shooting bullets now or do you want a recap of what happened?" His voice draws me back from my inappropriate musings.
A groan escapes me as I try to focus on the actual situation rather than how good he looks.
"I got the logistics that the smell in the air was some chemical that knocked me out, but I didn't think it was an ambush." The words come out thoughtful as I process everything. "I mean, who would want to kidnap me?"
Ezekiel pauses in loading his weapon, both of us letting that na?ve statement hang in the air. When his lips start to curl into a knowing smirk, I quickly add.
"Don't answer that."
The reality of my situation – multiple powerful Alphas interested in claiming me, a father willing to use any means to control me, enemies and allies I probably don't even know about yet – suddenly feels very real.
But before I can spiral down that path, another thought hits me with devastating force.
Something more frightening than the idea of my Father finding me.
"OH FUCK!" The exclamation echoes through the private shooting range.
Ezekiel's frown carries genuine concern as he watches me rush toward him.
"I need your phone," I explain urgently, the words tumbling out in a rush.
His arched eyebrow isn't refusing – I can see that as he's already setting down his gun to retrieve the device from his back pocket. But the question in his expression demands an explanation.
"I need to call Astraea and let her know I'm here," I clarify quickly, "or that woman will summon the damn CIA of global national security or whatever it's called to find my ass."
"I guess she's one of those friends, huh?" Ezekiel's slow nod carries understanding, though he’s obviously finding it harder to not smirk.
"Best friend," I correct firmly. "She's a real one. I'm gonna have to finesse a little bit or she'll think I'm being blackmailed or something, so let me just do my thing."
"As you wish, princess," he says with a wink that makes my insides melt as he offers the phone.
Another blush heats my cheeks as I try desperately not to check him out again. But it's impossible not to notice how his shirt gapes slightly, offering teasing glimpses of his chest.
No getting horny in an indoor shooting range in Dubai , I scold myself silently.
My inner voice helpfully adds that we can't do anything unless we're married anyway, though the weight of the very expensive ring on my finger reminds me that we're supposedly working on that.
The band itself is a masterpiece of subtlety and wealth – probably worth more than everything I owned at the Safe Haven combined, yet designed to look understated enough not to draw undue attention.
It's meant to help with some alibi about me belonging to their pack, though the exact details are fuzzy.
I blame the chemicals for why none of this properly registered when I first woke up. The fact that I went from unconscious in a van to apparently engaged and in Dubai without questioning it probably says something about either the strength of those chemicals or my growing comfort with how absolutely insane my life has become.
The ring catches the light as I reach for the phone, drawing my attention again. The diamonds are arranged in a pattern that reminds me of stars, with tiny sapphires adding depth that only becomes apparent when you look closely.
It's exactly the kind of ring I would have chosen for myself – elegant without being flashy, unique without being ostentatious.
The fact that they managed to get a ring that perfectly suited my taste while I was unconscious probably should worry me. But then again, these men have proven repeatedly that they pay attention to details most would miss — and somehow got me into this country unconscious.
They notice my reactions to books, my preferences in food, and even the way I respond to different types of touch.
It’s so odd to acknowledge that these men actually care about protecting and learning about me at every chance and instance.
It’s heartwarming.
My bestie is picking up the phone in the first ring.
Which means she has to know its me despite the foreign number.
"Kamari! You know how worried I've been?" Astraea's voice hisses through the phone, and I can picture her pacing wherever she is. "Why has it taken you so long to reach me? Are you okay? Please tell me you're safe. I have your stuff! Well, it's at the guys' place and I'm kind of 6000km away from home, but if you need me, I can fly back so you can get your things."
"Girl, are you crazy?" I groan, watching Ezekiel pretend not to listen as he checks his weapon. "Why would I let you FLY all the way back here just to get my stuff? Yes, I have a lot of sentimental stuff in there, but it would have been in the trash or government property if you hadn't been thoughtful enough to take it with you when you left the Haven. Is Blaze and Ember with you?"
"They're back at home with a 24/7 dog sitter," she tells me. "They fit very nicely with the five other husky pups with them. Form a bit of a pack of their own with Ember being a little dominating bully trying to control those howling beasts."
I can't help but smile, imagining our dogs causing chaos wherever they are. Ember's always been the protective one, with Blaze backing up whatever trouble she starts. If they were human, Ember would definitely be an independent Omega defying all laws and trying to take over a pack of savage Alphas, with Blaze as her loyal supporter.
"Anyways, that's beside the point," Astraea says firmly. "Where are you?!"
"Uh..." I hesitate, catching Ezekiel's knowing smirk out of the corner of my eye.
"Kamari Prava Ahvi," she says in that tone that brooks no argument.
"Okay, okay!" I surrender, though I can't help whining. "And jeez. That's the first time you've said my full name; truthfully, I don't like it. Sounds like you're going to throw a chancla at me."
Her silence on the other end tells me she's waiting for a real answer. Taking a deep breath, I say it.
"Dubai."
The pause that follows is deafening.
"YOU'RE WHERE?"
"Ugh, it's a long story," I whine, watching Ezekiel's shoulders shake with silent laughter. "Let's just say, my ex-fiancé and my family decided to try and kidnap me, which is why they targeted our Haven in hopes of getting it shut down and claiming my passport and documents so I wouldn't be able to find another pack."
I’m a bit thankful Ezekiel had given me a bit of the summarized version when I was struggling to remember Astraea’s number by heart — since I clearly suck at that but can remember the very page number of a specific scene from my favorite books.
"W-W-What?" she gasps.
"But when they tried to shut down the Haven, three powerful Alphas got in the way. One was Knox, who I know is rich with his gym, but I didn't think he was billionaire status rich. There were two others. I think a doctor and then some mysterious guy who's a surgeon in another country? I don't know. They stepped in and backed Velvet so they couldn't shut us down, but they raided the place but realized my stuff was all gone already so the whole passport document thing failed." That’s semi true from what I heard Ezekiel saying on the phone earlier after I woke up, but at this point I have to improvise to not worry Astraea cause she’s dealing with a lot more then what I’ve surely dealt with.
"Why do they need all that?"
"They want to try and deport me to India?” I mean, would I be surprised if they did? No. “Or I guess give off the impression I'm an illegal immigrant and shouldn't be here," I explain, noting how Ezekiel's expression darkens at the mention of the mere idea. It’s kinda cute to see that he’s completely against the idea. "So since that didn't work, they tried the hard way of dragging my screaming ass which lead me to be drugged, and well...everything else is kind of blurry to be fair."
Semi-true, cause they did drug the air, but I obviously failed at the screaming flailing for my life part.
"Kamari..." Her tone carries that warning note that says I better explain better.
"Right, right. I was saved somehow by some Alphas who have beef with my ex-fiancé and his pack and started some sort of mafia war?" I glance at Ezekiel, who raises an eyebrow at my description. "So I'm the prize?"
"You're the prize?" she sounds as uncertain as I feel. "You don't even sound sure!"
Accurate deception but I guess I’ll roll with it.
"Well, I don't know because whoever wins this 'war' gets to marry me basically so I'm kind of technically being kept hostage in Dubai, which doesn't feel like it since this city is filled with millionaires, good food, and anything a girl like me could dream of. Bonus points are my 'captors' feed me well and are far nicer Alphas than I've ever witnessed with my own eyes," I summarize, earning another smirk from Ezekiel. "But yeah. I'm kind of the end game in all this madness, but for now, I'm safe. I have a nest to sleep in and the doctor that was helping Velvet with the haven gave me some patches and stuff that help so I can survive around all this Alpha testosterone, but until this family drama is solved, I'm here."
"I get distracted with life and my best friend lands herself in a whole other country," Astraea sighs through the phone.
"You make it sound like it's only been 24 hours," I protest, unable to keep the whine from my voice. I guess for me, it’s been what? 48? 72 hours give or take. Then again, I’m only now realizing I really haven’t heard from Astraea in a hot minute. "I haven't heard from you!! You should be explaining yourself, young lady!"
"I'm at least still in the country," she points out. "And I somehow landed touring with Blooming Salvation. I only have time with my phone because they're having a serious band meeting talking about the future etc. Can't say much more than that since there are NDAs involved. I'm their temporary Omega so I'm allowed to be around here, but not everyone is pleased with my company and all."
My brain short-circuits at this revelation.
"Hold on," I cut her off before she can continue. "Did you just say you're touring with Blooming Salvation? THEE Blooming Salvation?! The rock band sensation that had to delay their tour a few weeks due to the whole Knot Their Omega Movement and the violence spewing across the city, Blooming Salvation? The band of sexy hot Alphas everyone salivates over and would sell their organs to get tickets, Blooming Salvation?!"
A deep growl from behind me makes me squeak in surprise. Turning, I find Ezekiel looking distinctly unimpressed with my enthusiasm about other Alphas.
"Listen!" I defend myself. "You don't know what it's like to be an obsessed fan of music. Don't get all growly because there are other sexy Alphas in the world. Jeez." I can't help muttering under my breath, "Did I compare you to them? No."
"Hurry up with your phone call. We gotta go," Ezekiel says, his tone carrying that edge of authority that makes my Omega instincts want to submit instantly.
"Awww, don't be mean!" I try pouting at him. "I haven't talked to my best friend in weeks. Have pity on me."
"No." His response is immediate and firm.
"Please." I attempt my best puppy eyes.
A quiet chuckle from the doorway draws our attention – making us realize Kieran is back. It doesn’t look like he’s going to stick around for long cause he’s pushing off the door after giving Ezekiel some sort of signal.
Maybe he’s patrolling or something.
"Be nice to her, Boss. She did earn this phone call."
"Whatever," Ezekiel grumbles, though I catch the slight softening around his eyes.
"You sound like you're in jail," Astraea complains through the phone.
"Ugh, it's not that bad," I assure her, watching Ezekiel's expression shift between annoyance and amusement. "Now back to you! Girl, I want all the fucking tea when I get back because you're touring with the hottest band in America right now! Though, I guess with the drama going on, not sure if they'll officialize their tour."
"Drama?" She sounds confused. "What do you mean?"
"You said they're in a meeting now, right? About the band's future."
"Yes," she confirms.
"Well, even though they announced they found an Omega, I think two of the band members want out. The guitarist and background singer." I lower my voice slightly.
I guess it’s a good thing I keep up with drama whenever I can, making the drive to the safe haven before the drugging ‘let’s go to Dubai madness’ transpired is helping me.
"Wait...why?" Astraea sounds genuinely surprised. "None of the guys had mentioned that when we were on the tour bus today. I met the guitarist, James, and the background singer, Rex, and they both were friendly and welcoming." She pauses before adding, "I mean, neither of them brought anything up when we've been on the tour bus together the last few days."
"Hmm, honestly, it may have to do with you, bestie."
Now that I know she’s touring with them, it’s obviously clear she’s the Omega in question. Which I’m proud as fuck for her, but it’s also worrying.
"M-Me? What did I do?"
"It's not about what you did," I explain, noting how both Alphas in the room have taken interest in this gossip. "They're the problem. The guitarist...what's his name again...James? I think that's what it was. He's in a pack already. The Omega is very picky and a bit of a bitch honestly. She's the daughter of a big clothing firm so she's financially well off compared to James. I'm sure she's not going to be too thrilled with the idea of him traveling on a tiny tour bus with half of the member's Omega on board."
"Well..." Astraea hesitates on the line. "And Rex?"
"Packless, but if you want my honest opinion, I think he wanted to leave the band a long time ago." I notice both Ezekiel and Kieran exchanging glances at this information, clearly finding it relevant to something I'm not privy to.
"Why is that?" Astraea asks. "They seemed pretty distant when I try to even make convo with either of them."
I lower my voice, though I know it's pointless with Alpha hearing.
"Rex is gay, which is fine, but I guess he wants a male Omega." The silence in the room grows heavier at this revelation. "Not too sure if it's true. I haven't kept up with the gossip and revelations in the forums like I used to, but when you go down the grapevine, Rex had met a male omega in the past and they had a one-night fling. Since then, he's craved those connections, I guess, but has never been able to find that male Omega since."
"That's kind of sad," Astraea says softly.
"Mhmm." I glance over to see Kieran is gone and we’re back to being just me and Ezekiel. "It was a bit heartbreaking since male Omegas are extremely rare but if discovered the government kind of captures them."
"C-Captures them?" The shock in Astraea's voice mirrors what mine had been when I first learned this information.
"I only know about this cause the pack I'm with was just talking about it." I shoot a meaningful look at Ezekiel, remembering our earlier conversation about trafficking. "Feels like an underground black market if you ask me, but there are Omega hunters who trek across the world, trying to find male Omegas they can sell underground. They easily go for millions."
My voice drops even lower, though the tension in the room rises with each word.
"I stopped searching about more when one of the forums said the male Rex had been interested in had been captured and was a slave for some rich pack that gets off on that. Really dark shit."
"That's...depressing." Astraea's voice carries the weight of this new understanding.
"So imagine being in Rex's position," I continue, watching how intently both Alphas are listening now. "Finding out your 'fans' are searching for the whereabouts of someone you had a one-time fling with but secretly carries feelings for? They may have thought they were doing him a favor by trying to find this mysterious male Omega, only for them to find out he may be a captive slave to a group of rich tycoons who will probably use and abuse him until he's dead."
"Resentment," I whisper into the phone. "Would build every time you hear whispers in the crowd of your fans or scroll on social media and see their commentary. At the end of the day, you wouldn't want their pity, but that can't be erased from the internet or the fans' minds."
"Then are they paying attention to your talent or the sad story attached to you?" I ponder, watching Ezekiel's subtle reaction to my words. "The thing is, some people speculate Rex wanted to do his own thing ages ago but held back because of Nate."
"Held back?" Astraea sounds genuinely curious.
"Yeah. Rex is a strong singer honestly. Sometimes even stronger than Nate." I lean against the wall, getting comfortable as I explain. "A few people noticed they were having a bit of a dispute when they would sing certain songs. Not one that is necessarily obvious, but unless you know the melody and riffs of the song, you'll tell if one singer is overpowering the other at certain bridges and key change chorus."
"You've helped me a bunch, Kamari," Astraea says warmly. "Thank you, bestie."
"Hmm? I did? I'm super glad I can help," I smile, catching Ezekiel's amused glance at my enthusiasm. "Are things okay there?"
"Yeah. Just don't know what will happen with the band, you know?" She sounds worried.
"I'm sure if they don't work it out, they'll just find replacements," I suggest, trying to sound optimistic.
"But that's going to be difficult with the tour already delayed," she mumbles. "Guitarist may not be hard, but a second lead singer? That would be tedious. Plus, if they try to reveal it publicly, things could get messy."
"Well, why don't you go check on the progress?" I shift my position, noting how Ezekiel's attention keeps drifting to me despite his pretense of cleaning his gun. "I know us trying to think of the possibilities won't get us anywhere, but I'm sure if you're there with the pack, maybe it can ease any tension?"
After she agrees to try, I add.
"Okay. You can text this number, though it's one of the guy's phones so nothing crazy."
"No drunk photos at 3 AM with me trying to twerk. Got it," she declares.
"Astraea," I groan, catching Ezekiel's raised eyebrow at our exchange. "Your ass can't get drunk without ME!"
"Yes, yes, yes," she dismisses me. "Though no promises cause I am on a tour bus and I can't stop myself from having a shot or two to get in the mood."
"Get in the mood of riding every band member's pony," I huff, then immediately blush as I remember Ezekiel can hear everything.
"Hey! Have some hope here?!"
"Nah. You're gorgeous and once you have alcohol in your system, you become a dominant beast who loves to give lap dances and shit," I complain, watching Ezekiel's shoulders shake with silent laughter. "Those Alphas are doomed."
"No," she groans. "Don't rat me out like that, Kamari."
"Mhmmmm," I smirk. "Please keep in touch at least once a week, thanks."
"Likewise, bitch!" she retorts. "Last time I checked, I called you?"
"Yes, and the notification came into my email since my phone is probably one with the Atlantic Ocean or whatever body of water we're near."
"We're near lakes, Kamari. Not oceans. Unless your phone was thrown out of a plane."
"Well..." I glance at Ezekiel with a smirk, wondering if I should go along with it just to see my besties reaction. I love riling her up cause I know whatever she’s going through may be a tough cookie to handle and a bit of distraction gives her a breather, but I don’t want to keep her too long on the phone either.
"You know what, I ain't even going to ask for the details," she decides wisely. "I'll keep in touch, bestie. Stay safe. Love you lots."
"Love you more, bestie. I will. Be good and don't become a trending topic unless you're revealing 'you know what', okay?"
Truthfully, I just hope she continues to be safe because it’s clear Omegas are being hunted — like me, just for different reasons — but Astraea is vital in this society, and I don’t want anything happening to her.
"I ain't revealing shit."
"Sure," I sing teasingly. "Bye!"
"Bye,” she replies and hangs up.
A deep sigh escapes me as I end the call, the weight of everything Astraea's dealing with settling heavily on my shoulders. Making my way over to the shooting booth I was going to play around with, I offered Ezekiel his phone with a quiet "thanks."
His dark eyes study me for a moment before he says.
"You have a good friendship with this Astraea girl."
"Yeah," I agree, warmth filling my chest at the thought of my best friend. "She's my true friend. Not like the fake people in this world." My fingers trace patterns on the smooth surface of the shooting booth. "Only she and Velvet are worthy of my time and affection, though I wish I could help Velvet more, especially with what she's dealing with at the Safe Haven."
The thought of the Haven potentially being locked down until this targeting situation gets figured out makes my heart ache. So many Omegas depend on that sanctuary, just as I did when I had nowhere else to turn.
Ezekiel bobs his head thoughtfully, his expression shifting into something more calculated – the detective I first met emerging beneath the Alpha I'm coming to know.
"I can see what strings I can pull to make sure they have support from my police force unit."
The casual way he offers such significant help makes me blink in surprise, but he continues as if suggesting police protection is perfectly normal.
"We can offer some 24/7 surveillance for a few days and provide other resources under the premise of the new movement and ensuring stability and safety."
My eyes widen in shock.
"Is that okay? Or super expensive?" The words tumble out before I can stop them. "I'm not rich like Astraea or anything but I can pay you back."
His hand moves with swift grace, pressing gently against my lips to stop the flood of offers. Our eyes lock, and something electric passes between us in that moment of contact.
Then he's leaning forward, closing the distance until our lips barely brush – a kiss so light and sweet it feels more like a promise than a passion.
When he pulls back, his expression carries both tenderness and authority.
"I'm not doing this for you to pay me back." His voice drops lower, more intimate. "As an Alpha, it's supposed to be my duty to take care of you and anyone you cherish."
The sincerity in his words makes my heart skip. This isn't the carefully controlled detective or the dangerous Alpha – this is just Ezekiel, showing me a side of himself I suspect few people get to see.
"If this Velvet woman is important and the Safe Haven is a vital part of your life and survival until we got to meet you," he continues, each word carrying the weight of absolute conviction, "it's my duty to ensure its protection and ongoing continuation of services."
His dedication to protecting not just me but the things and people I care about strikes something deep inside me.
This isn't about control or ownership – it's about understanding what matters to me and wanting to preserve it. The Safe Haven represents more than just a building or organization; it's a symbol of hope for Omegas seeking escape from oppression and abuse.
The fact that Ezekiel recognizes this, that he's willing to use his position and influence to protect that sanctuary, tells me more about his character than any words could.
He doesn't just talk about caring – he acts on it, finding practical ways to provide protection and support.
Looking at him now, I see layers I missed in our earlier encounters. Yes, he's a powerful Alpha and a respected detective, but he's also someone who understands the importance of community and protection.
"I appreciate it," I say softly, genuine gratitude coloring my voice. A playful smirk tugs at my lips as I add, "And for a detective, you're a surprisingly soft kisser."
Ezekiel stares at me for a solid five seconds, his expression unreadable as he processes my teasing. The look makes me snicker – I can practically see the gears turning in his head as he debates how to respond.
"I'm not saying you're a bad kisser," I clarify, unable to stop grinning. "Just a soft?—"
He cuts me off mid-sentence, his lips claiming mine with an intensity that makes my previous assessment seem ridiculous.
This kiss holds nothing of the earlier gentleness – it's pure passion and precise control, drawing a moan from me that I couldn't suppress if I tried.
My arms find their way around his neck without conscious thought, my body moving on pure instinct. Somehow I've managed to climb him like a tree, legs wrapping around his waist as if I belong there. When we finally break apart for air, I'm breathless and a little dazed.
"I take it back," I manage to say, noting his satisfied smirk.
"I'm not used to approaching a woman as strongly as I would a man," he admits, something vulnerable entering his expression. His hands support me effortlessly, but there's tension in his frame as he continues. "I should probably tell you... I wasn't sure about your ideology regarding one of your Alphas being intimate with another in the same pack, especially after your conversation with Astraea, but...me and Damon have a thing."
The hesitation in his voice makes my heart ache. Here's this powerful Alpha, worried about my reaction to something so natural.
"I have no problem with that at all," I assure him immediately. "Actually, it's super hot." A grin spreads across my face as I add, "Though I did notice you were a bit jealous when he wasn't bending to your regulations on protecting me."
A blush colors his cheeks – an absolutely adorable sight on someone usually so composed.
"We have a power dynamic," he mutters, clearly flustered. "And I'm obviously giving 'top' energy."
"Mhmm," I agree, giggling as I tighten my hold around his neck. Feeling bold, I press closer to ask, "Between us, what energy are you portraying?"
His surprise at my dominance is evident in the way his breath catches.
"Are you a top dominating psychopath?" he asks, sounding both impressed and mildly concerned.
"I am NOT a psychopath!" I gasp in mock offense, though I can't help grinning. "I'm just crazy sometimes." My expression turns thoughtful as I add, "Though I have no clue how I'm gonna act with my heat ‘cause I haven't had it yet."
The confession brings a different kind of tension to the air between us.
I can feel his grip tighten slightly, protective instincts warring with the need to maintain control. Being this close to him, I can sense the subtle changes in his scent – how it deepens with desire but remains carefully leashed.
"It won't be long before we figure that out, it seems," Ezekiel says, his tone carrying professional concern beneath the casual delivery.
"Really?" I tilt my head, curiosity piqued.
"The doctor mentioned your first heat is closer than we'd like," he explains carefully. "He's given you a special suppressant to buy us some days, but with you being so close to a pack, it may intensify and start earlier."
"So it's like when two girls hang out with one another enough that their cycles sync?" I suggest, drawing on what limited knowledge I have of these matters.
Ezekiel's expression turns absolutely dumbfounded, making me giggle. The sight of this sophisticated detective looking so confused over basic biology is somehow both endearing and hilarious.
"Alright, I get it," I add, before a thought strikes me. "Is that why you were upset about Rhett and me going against the doctor's orders?"
"Yes," he admits, then adds more quietly, "but also because I met you first."
The blush that colors his cheeks at this confession is adorable. This powerful Alpha, admitting to something as simple as wanting to be first in line – humanizes him in a way that makes my heart flutter.
"Well," I smirk, glancing at the ring on my finger, "technically we're 'married' now, at least on paper."
"We could still face legal consequences if we're not careful," he points out, ever the detective.
"Hmm, you're right. Perhaps we should wait until we're back where the laws are in our favor."
A groan escapes him.
"Let's change the subject before I lose my professional composure entirely,” he admits and quietly mutters, “I’m getting hard already.”
I can't resist stealing another kiss, quick and playful before he can redirect the conversation. When we part, his eyes carry that mixture of desire and restraint that I'm beginning to associate specifically with him – the perfect balance of passion and control.
"A few rounds of shooting practice first?" he suggests, voice slightly rough.
"You're stalling," I accuse playfully, but I pick up the gun, and tilt myself back enough so I can out-stretch my arm with firm possession of the weapon in my grasp.
Taking careful aim, I fire five rounds in quick succession, hitting each target dead center.
I may only be good at photography in my “family’s” eyes, but I never miss when it comes to shooting my shot.
"There," I declare triumphantly, lowering the weapon with perhaps a bit more flourish than necessary. "I think that proves I can handle myself."
The way he looks at me now carries respect along with the heat, and somehow that makes everything between us feel more real. This isn't just about physical attraction or pack dynamics – it's about two people seeing and appreciating each other's strengths.
“Mhmm,” he hums in approval as his eyes seem to darken with unmistakable passion that can probably get us locked up if we’re not careful. “So no Rain check.”
I grin, letting the gun drop to the counter after putting the safety back on before my arm snakes around his neck, bringing him close.
“Stop stalling Detective and fuck me.”
One thing I’m about to find out is my Detective is good at following orders.