Chapter 31
RODERICK
Very rarely does someone get the jump on me. But the morning I wake up in Juliet’s bed, I realize I’m lying alone, and there’s a presence looming over me.
Luckily, my nose saves me from doing anything regrettable, like striking out at my audience. The scent of lemons and paper drifts from the figure, and when I crack an eye open, I discover Juliet grinning down at me.
“Are you ready for this?” she asks, voice delighted.
“Hmm?” I make the questioning noise in the back of my throat as I roll to my side and reach out for her.
Why is she out of bed? I want her warm body pressed to mine.
Last night, when we slowed down and just spent time together, I’d never felt so relaxed in my life.
And when Juliet invited me to stay the night after we finished eating pie, I knew the trust we needed was solidifying.
When she settled beside me in her bed, I immediately tucked her into my side and fell asleep.
Was I disappointed we hadn’t had sex? Not really. That’s not to say I don’t want to feel what it’s like to be inside her. To have her orgasm while she’s taking me deep.
But I want more than that from my librarian. And last night, I got more. She trusted me to hold her all through the night.
Now it’s morning, and I’m not done cuddling her. But Juliet dodges my grasping hand with a laugh and holds up her phone.
“Nuh-uh. If we’re going to do this”—her fingers flick between us—“then I need to do this.”
With that, she presses the screen on her phone, and a song blares from the speakers. The beat is poppy, some kind of techno. Then a heavy beat joins in, and a woman starts singing about dancing on her own.
Which is exactly what my librarian is doing.
Juliet Adair may have some secrets, but she was being completely honest about her dancing. The movements are wild and disjointed. Sometimes, she stumbles into a sexy hip thrust or an enticing hair flip, but for the most part, she looks like a demented cheerleader who overdosed on team spirit.
Our mate is playful, my wolf declares, his delight clear.
And he’s not the only happy one.
This is a completely carefree version of the woman.
Our woman, my wolf insists.
Not officially. Not yet. But this display is a good sign.
Up until now, I didn’t realize how tensely Juliet held herself. As if she were constantly braced for a blow. In this moment, she is loose and relaxed and glorious.
For a few more seconds, I simply watch, reveling in my librarian’s happiness. Then the music starts to penetrate my muscles, making them twitch along to the rhythm. Encouraging me to join.
Juliet and I are alone right now. And she doesn’t have to be dancing on her own.
Slipping my feet out from under the covers, they begin tapping the second they touch the floor.
Then, a moment later, I’m standing in front of Juliet, bobbing to the beat.
My attempt is nowhere near the realm of her mad gyrating, but when Juliet blinks up at me, pure delight on her face, I know I’ve done the right thing.
“Yes!” she cheers, then grabs my hand and twirls herself under my arm.
Juliet’s fingers slide from mine, and I’m tempted to grab her back. But this dancing is for her, not for me, and I’m simply honored to be included.
Backing up a step to give her space, I work on easing all my muscles. My joints are stiff at first, as if confused by this activity, searching for meaning in my movement. But the point is to have no purpose.
A new concept to me.
I close my eyes, longing for the same pure abandon Juliet embraces. A freedom I’ve never felt in my human form. When I’m an animal, I can let go. But when I’m a man, responsibilities weigh down on my shoulders. Constantly grounding me.
When I try to think of the last time I allowed myself to be uninhibited, I come up blank. Looking back over my past, all I can seem to remember is doing my duty by the pack. Again and again, until I have trouble identifying what sets me apart from my role.
I am the pack leader, but that’s not all I am.
Right?
There are needs that pound in my chest in time with my heart. Ones for me alone. Ones I want to listen to. Ones I long to answer.
This mindless dancing convinces me I deserve this freedom.
Then, suddenly, there’s a sharp sting on my jaw. Not painful exactly, but surprising enough to have my lids blinking open, searching for the cause.
“Owwww,” Juliet moans, clutching her hand to her chest. She stares up at me, gaze worried. “Oh gods. I’m sorry, Roderick! I just punched you in the face!”
Was that what that was? A punch?
“I only ever dance alone, so I didn’t know I was dangerous.” Juliet steps up to me, tracing her finger over my jaw while wearing an apologetic pout.
A snort escapes before I can stifle it. Anyway, I’m more concerned about her hand.
But before I can ask to see it, Juliet has her arms around my neck, pulling me in close to kiss where her knuckles rapped me a moment ago.
The soft, caring brush of her lips elicits a groan, and I pull her tight against my chest.
As the music continues to pump in the background, I tilt my chin to capture Juliet’s mouth. She tastes like toothpaste and wild dreams. She hums happily, and my dick twitches at the noise. But this morning isn’t about getting laid. I want to establish a foundation for an actual relationship.
I’m so fucking thankful to my wolf that I wish I could shake the creature’s paw. One morning dancing with the woman, and I know I never want to wake up without her. Juliet is who I need. Someone who will stand up to me and make me enjoy life.
Plus, the way she strokes her tongue over my bottom lip has me feeling lightheaded.
“You sure I didn’t hurt you?” The words are murmured against my mouth, and I feel light fingertips tracing my unaffected jaw.
“Take more than that to knock me out.”
She smiles as she kisses me again. “I’ll make a note of that.”