Page 44 of Plus-Size Sold Mate
Everything in me is screaming to pull her closer again, and to spend the entire day in this room with the doors locked,allowing the bond to form even tighter until there’s no room left for any doubt between us.
But I can’t. I’m the Alpha, and as big a moment as this is, I’m needed out there. Responsibility doesn’t pause just because my instincts are screaming.
Instead, I pull in a breath and hold her gaze.
“I’ll be gone for the day. Pack stuff.”
Tension pulls in her just enough for me to notice, like she’s waiting for the distance to come, or for regret to shatter all of this. Though none of it will.
As her lips press together, I feel her trying to regain her footing again, likely reminding herself she’s still angry and resistant. Maybe some part of her is, but I hope it doesn’t last forever.
Pushing my luck, I lean down and press a slow, deliberate kiss to her lips. I keep it intentional rather than frantic, wanting to ground us both in this moment. More so, I can’t resist tasting her.
When I pull back, her breath leaves her unevenly, and a new flush enters her cheeks as she looks slightly bewildered and irritated.
“I’ll be back before dinner,” I tell her, unable to fight my grin at the fluster coursing through her.
Before she can get mad at me, I get up, and despite her not saying a word, I feel a burst of heat through the bond anyway.
***
I’m not usually one to be distracted by work, but focusing on my tasks feels near impossible today. Everything is so much sharper than usual, almost like the world has brightened in some strange way. Rather, my senses have dialed in, allowing me to notice a depth in my connection with the pack in a way I never have before.
Their emotions brush up against mine like they’re probing for anything that might be out of place, seeking any sort of affirmation. I give them what I can, easing that pack-wide hesitance. Through it all, Sera’s presence remains front and center in my mind.
Even from afar, I sense every subtle shift in her mood. It’s distracting, and even if I know I shouldn’t be focusing on it, I instinctively want to reach out and know what she’s thinking. I want to do everything I can to keep her at ease.
The true agony comes from not being right with her and not feeling her skin against mine. The memories from last night are so fresh in my mind that every cell in my body is pleading for me to go back to her. To make her arch and moan for me all over again.
Just thinking about it pushes me into dangerous territory, and not being able to act on it makes me more volatile than ever.
When the necessary tasks have been accomplished, I want nothing more than to disappear with Sera and spend as much time with her as I physically can, but I’m immediately reminded of the dinner plans I made just the other day the moment I reach the house.
Eve and Isaac are already there when I arrive, talking with Sera inside, who seems a bit caught off guard by it all.
Soon enough, the guys come filing in, carrying bottles of wine, bread, and whatever else they feel like contributing. With everyone gathered now, the house smells like roasted meat and well-chosen sides.
Sera’s body language is stiff at the table next to me, clearly uncomfortable with the influx of bodies once again. But I try to soothe her through the bond, at least wanting her to know that I’m here, and this isn’t some kind of attack.
Everything seems to be going well as food is distributed and cutlery lightly scrapes against full plates, but there’s no ignoring the drop in temperature where Dad sits.
The thought was to invite everyone over for dinner and have a normal night to feel a bit closer, but even when he doesn’t scowl or raise his voice, his quiet disapproval is a constant presence.
He feels like a shadow in the room, even if nobody says it out loud.
“This is nice,” Eve says as she lifts her wine glass.
The others nod along, with Isaac not paying much attention to anything around him while he eats.
“I’m glad everyone could be here tonight,” I say evenly, trying not to focus on the slight tension. “This is something I want to do more of.”
“And we should,” she agrees.
“As long as you don’t mind us overstaying our welcome,” Dominic adds, faintly amused, and definitely not caring about stepping over any boundaries.
“Consider that line already crossed,” Eve chirps, but it lacks any real heat.
Dominic cocks a brow at her, then chuckles to himself. “There’s no mercy in the Rourke home, huh?”
