Chapter 22
Chapter 22
I apologize Ayla. She should not have found out where you were staying and I will send a mind–link out to everyone to stay away from these rooms unless I specifically send them here and you are aware of it beforehand. I sigh, running my hands through my hair while taking a seat at the island again. I feel like I should explain Della’s behavior to Ayla, but I also don’t want to Give her another sing to be bothered with. It looks like I need to have another tough discussion with Della. ‘Della is a friend of mine that gets a little too territorial and needs to be reminded of her place sometimes. She means well. Ayla nods her head in agreement and begins to eat her supper again. “Don’t pay any attention to her comments about needing make up. I mean it when I say that you are stunning and there is nothing for you to hide.” I tell her gently rubbing my thumb over the knuckles of her hand resting on her thigh. I am not sure why, but the action seems instinctual. She picks up the pad of paper and begins writing, then passes it over to me. “She was right about one thing?” I read out loud. “What was she right about little wolf. She takes the pad of paper from me scribbles on it quickly and slides it back over. “This pack is full of beautiful shifters. Eric and Cyrus could melt ice with their smiles.” I read. “Oh, is that right little wolf? My beta and my healer are the beautiful pack hotties? Well, Cyrus would agree with you and probably try to make a competition out of being the hottest of hot somehow or threaten everyone in the running with their early demise unless he won the title. You’re forgetting that I have dimples and wasn’t included in this line up. Is it my beard? I haven’t shaved in a week. Maybe you can’t see my dimples well enough. I will shave and tomorrow you can let me know if I can make the list? She quickly blushes and looks down. “Don’t hide from me, little wolf.” Ayla quickly looks up at me causing a “good girl” to roll off of my tongue. I’m not sure where that phrase keeps coming from, but I like it and I think she does too.
We eat in silence for a while. When we are finished, I get up and start clearing the island causing her to get up as well. It’s alright. I will take care of it; you just sit back down. She doesn’t. Instead, she walks over and hands me her pad of paper. “Thank you for standing up for me and keeping me safe today.” I read it and I’m happy and also sad that this little omega needs to thank me in the first place. Before I can say anything, she slowly walks over to me with her arms out and I realize she is working her way over to hug me. I can tell she is scared and apprehensive. I stand still, slowly starting to raise my arms out at my side and hold them out, giving her the opportunity to carefully wrap her arms around me. I’m sure it has been 10 years since she’s hugged anybody and I can’t put into words how I feel about that hug going to me. I carefully wrap my arms around her, firmly holding her against the middle of my chest. I lean down and bury my nose into her thick, beautiful white hair and catch myself taking a deep inhale, relishing in her lavender scent. Ronan is alert and calm. In fact, he is so calm, he has started to purr, surprising myself. I’ve never heard him do that before. It must be his instincts to protect and comfort an omega. I very softly and very carefully place a kiss on the top of her head. Telling myself it’s just a comforting action.
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.