Chapter 28

Selene

As I ride into the night with Phoenix behind me, holding me tightly, the air around us seems to crackle with sexual tension. The busy city around us fades away into the quiet countryside, where we're the only two on the road.

"This doesn't threaten your masculinity, does it?" I tease, shouting over the roar of the engine.

"I wouldn't be doing this if it did," he answers, and I can hear the smirk in his deep, gravely voice.

Despite the undercurrents of desire, this ride feels relaxing, clearing my head from my inner turmoil of bullshit. I can't believe Zack showed up to the restaurant and embarrassed me like that, but I don't want to think about that right now.

I just want to enjoy being out here, with Phoenix's arms around my stomach and his hot breath against my neck, sending tingling shivers down my spine. I want to learn more about him, I want him to let me in for once.

"Uh, so how was your day? Do anything interesting at the palace?" I ask, feeling slightly awkward by the random topic, but still looking forward to his answer.

"Fine, I guess. Philip's a pain in my ass, but I like knowing I'm the best at the job. He needs me, and I can tell he hates it. I get satisfaction from that fact, but I get so much more when I'm with you," he whispers against the shell of my ear. I inhale deeply, trying to focus on the road. He's going to make us crash if he keeps that shit up. "Philip is in his own little world, as usual. I don't even know the last time he was home. How has Christina been doing at the packhouse by herself?"

Is he really asking about my mom? That's...sweet of him.

"We talk every few days. I think she's enjoying her Luna duties, she's always liked working and helping the pack. Dad loved that about her, how caring she was about others," I say, smiling to myself.

"That must be nice. My mom wasn't very soft and gentle, but she did love me."

Hmm, that explains why he has such a hard time expressing his emotions. That can't be easy when both of your parents don't know how to express love in a healthy way.

Just as guilt sets in for how I treated him last night, he barks out a laugh. It's a rich, baritone sound that makes my heart do a flip. "Wow, if I knew you could actually ride, we could have been doing this a long time ago. Next time, you're in the back. I want to feel your arms around me, little wolf."

I can't help but smile. "You know, you never asked."

"Why don't you have a bike then?" he asks.

"Uh, my mom would fucking kill me. My dad secretly taught me when he had time, you know, when my mom wasn't around to freak out," I say with a laugh.

"Hmmm, well I can tell you right now, he taught you well," he murmurs, his voice dripping with lust. My breath hitches as his hand slides between my thighs to cup my pussy. "I don't think I've ever wanted to ravish someone so badly before. Want me to fuck you on my bike, little wolf?"

I shudder. Yes, very much so.

"W-We should go back to my house," I suggest, my body feeling like it's on fire.

"Okay. Want to take over?"

I gradually come to a stop on the side of the road and let him drive, although he insists that I wear the helmet. I had no problem driving back to me and Makayla's place, but I did want to have a chance at wrapping my arms around him and pressing my face to his back as he drove.

It feels...nice. Like I'm meant to be here. With him.

"Don't be afraid to hold on tight. I drive a bit faster than you," he shouts. The second my hold tightens around him, he speeds up. I squeal, fear, adrenaline, and excitement coursing through me.

The revving of the engine is too loud to talk over, so I just close my eyes, hugging him and breathing in the scent of him and the crisp, evening air.

A hurricane of emotions arise. Despite my attraction and desire for Phoenix, I'm afraid of getting too close. In the past, he's been hot and cold with me. I don't want to get hurt if he decides he doesn't want anything more from me than sex.

But I can't help feeling different about him after tonight. There's so much more than the Alpha/ asshole side of him, he's actually sweet and caring. He also let me handle the situation with Zack without stepping and taking over, like he trusted me to be able to handle myself.

Fuck.

I think I'm definitely falling for my stepbrother, and according to my heart, I no longer have a choice in the matter.

As we pull into the driveway of my house, Phoenix stiffens.

"What's wrong?" I ask, hopping off the bike.

He hops off and kicks out the kickstand. "Stay out here. I'll be right back," he growls. He glances back, pinning me with silver eyes that tell me to obey or else.

Fuck. It must be something serious.

I watch as he strides towards the house, each of his steps measured like a predator closing in on its prey.

The hair on the back of my neck stands up. I can suddenly sense it too, the scent of another male in the house. It's familiar, but I can't for the life of me recall who it belongs to. Perhaps he was from another pack, or someone I just passed by. But why the fuck does the scent lead into my house? Was this just a random break in, or was it intentional?

My heart clogs my throat, crossing my fingers as I wait beside his bike and hope and pray that Phoenix doesn't get hurt.