The Dancer (Dark Side of the Moon #1)

Chapter Fifteen

Quinn

I wake wrapped in warmth. It takes me a moment to orientate myself, but the scent around me is one I love. I feel safe and cherished.

Elias.

My memories are a blur of pleasure and pain. My body is stiff, and the air around us reeks of sex. Turning, I face the man sleeping beside me.

He really is beautiful. I know that isn’t a word people usually associate with a man, but it’s true. The dark ink running up his muscular arms, his firm jaw, and even his slightly crooked nose all work together.

“Stop staring,” he mumbles, keeping his eyes closed. “It’s weird.”

“You’re pretty,” I reply.

I find myself pinned to the bed beneath me, the massive Alpha hovering above me.

“You wound my ego, Little Mate. No man, human or shifter, wants to hear he is pretty from the woman he just spent three days fucking.”

“Three days?” I ask in shock.

He hums. “Your heat was shorter than I expected.”

My stomach grumbles loudly, and I feel the warmth of my blush as it infuses my entire face. Elias chuckles, and I feel it throughout my whole body.

“Let’s get you something to eat.”

Elias helps me out of bed, handing me one of his button-down shirts to wear before leading me to the kitchen. Lifting me off my feet, he deposits me on the counter. I watch him as he moves around the kitchen efficiently. He hands me a mug of coffee, and I all but purr as the aroma hits me. Elias grins before continuing with his task.

By the time I have finished my coffee, he has made us a delicious breakfast. Again, he lifts me, carrying me to a seat at the table and serving me a massive plate full of food.

“Elias, I’ll never be able to finish all this food!”

“Eat as much as you want. Or if you want, I can make you something else.” He stands, ready to go back to cooking.

“Sit with me,” I say. “I’m sure whatever you made will be delicious.”

I watch pride fill him, his entire posture straightening a bit more. It’s a massive thing with fated mates, especially males. They’re like cavemen. It makes them happy to feed their mates, even more so when their mate enjoys the meal.

I don’t have to act like I am enjoying the food because it is bloody delicious. I moan at the first bite before swallowing and taking another. Elias watches me eat, only starting with his meal once I am finished with mine.

A peaceful silence descends in the kitchen. I don’t know what thoughts are running through his mind, but I can only guess he is thinking back on my heat by the self-assured smirk on his face. As am I. I don’t remember much, but I do know the sex was amazing. I may have to rethink my stance on not only Alphas but pack life as well. It seems I may have been judging everyone harshly for the faults of a few.

The silence is broken by someone kicking down the kitchen door. A shriek burst forth from me before I could even attempt to keep quiet. Elias is beside me instantly, pulling me close to his massive body, trying to reassure me with his presence.

A man steps inside, glaring at Elias before directing his attention to me. The world around me goes silent, and I can’t hear anything except my heart beating in my ears.

I assess the man openly—dark hair, icy blue eyes, and a similar large build to Elias but taller. I didn’t think anyone was more impressive than the Alpha at my side, but I was clearly wrong. The vacancy in his gaze sets my skin crawling as he glares at me.

“Who the fuck are you?” Elias demands, his voice carrying the weight of his Alpha status.

The man chuckles darkly, never taking his gaze off me. I feel exposed and raw under his scrutiny.

“Why are you here?” I ask softly, not even aware the words are slipping from between my lips.

“My name is Warren, and I am the Alpha of the Northridge Pack. Aldus Smith was the previous Alpha, and you are his last living offspring. I have been looking for you.” He glares at me, and I want to hide behind Elias.

My blood runs ice cold at the mention of the father I never knew. My mother only told me about him to make sure I avoided him and his godforsaken pack at all costs.

“I never knew my father. And I don’t care to know him now,” I say, ensuring I keep my voice even.

“And you have no authority in my territory, pack, or home,” Elias adds with a glare of his own.

“But I do,” Warren says, gazing at the angry Alpha beside me for the first time. “You see, Quinn was promised to me at birth, but her bitch of a mother stole her away.”