Chapter 23-We'll Have Five Kids Selene's POV: He groaned, kissing me as if he knew every secret in my heart-and, in truth, he did. His lips tasted of mint and something sweet, melting my thoughts and sending shivers through my body. I clung to his solid frame like it was a lifeline, lost in the moment, until I noticed a small crowd watching us. Startled, I yanked myself from Aaron's embrace. "Don't stop, you two are adorable!" Mrs. Dawson exclaimed, holding up her phone. She was recording! Seriously? Gran, her other roommate, and the two caregivers stood at the door, eyes wide with delight. I slapped my hands over my cheeks, embarrassment flooding me. Aaron let go but didn't step back. Instead, he draped an arm over my shoulder. "Hope you enjoyed the show," he said with a shameless grin. My cheeks burned hotter than a summer day. I wanted to crawl into a hole. Burying my face in Aaron's hard chest, I gave it a light thump, whining. He chuckled softly, stroking my back. & We ordered food and ate dinner in Chapter Unlocked, Enjoy Reading!, Mrs. Dawson took on the role of a mystical fortune-teller. "You two are perfect together," she declared, grabbing Aaron's hand and mine, studying our palms intently. "Look at this-love lines, fate lines... oh, you'll have five kids someday!" Gran laughed so hard she could barely close her mouth. I hadn't seen her this happy in ages. The joy in her eyes made her look years younger. And Aaron... he was a natural charmer. He answered every question with wit, leaving the room in stitches. I had no idea how he'd convinced Gran we were fated mates, but saying she was smitten with him was an understatement. My eyes kept drifting to his full lips, though I hated to admit it. The memory of their taste sparked a gentle heat deep in my core. I kept telling myself it was just his looks drawing me in, that my feelings were a fleeting whim, but my heart beat to a different tune. The pull between us was undeniable; with every heartbeat, it tugged me closer. "Care to share what's on your mind?" Aaron asked as we headed downstairs. It was six o'clock sharp, and Gran had urged me to leave with him. I knew resistance was futile, so I gave in. Before I could answer, he stepped in front of me, facing me. As I moved forward, he slid his hands into his pockets, matching my steps by walking backward. "You had this thoughtful look all through dinner." "Are you the anonymous donor funding Gran's treatment?" I asked, piecing the clues together. 15:45 02.16 His smile said it all. I stopped in my tracks. "Thank you," I said, my voice catching. Tears welled up. "Honestly, it means the world to me." His offer to help was the last thing I'd expected. Shame crept in for assuming the worst of him. "Silly girl," he murmured, pressing his forehead to mine, his sincerity radiating. "I'm sorry I didn't see your struggles sooner. I'll make those who hurt you pay dearly, Selene. I want you to know I'll always be by your side. Whenever you're in danger, think of me first, okay?" I nodded, tears streaming down my cheeks. He gently wiped them away, then took my hand, kissing my knuckles, sending warmth coursing through me. "If you keep looking at me like that, your lips are next," he said, his heated gaze dropping to my mouth. I licked my lips instinctively, and he growled, "Damn." I raised a hand to stop him from pouncing. "Hey! We're in a crowded hospital lobby, not a private resort!" I knew the sounds we'd make if we kissed, and I wasn't ready to star in that show. He grinned. "So, you're saying I can kiss you once I've got you locked in my car?" My throat tightened. "Don't twist my words," I said. He gave a knowing smirk, pulling me into his arms as we walked toward the exit. "So, how'd you spend last night with Vanessa?" I asked. Surprise flashed in his eyes. Was my jealousy that obvious? Damn it! I lifted my chin. "I don't care. Just curious." "Stubborn," he teased. I huffed, tilting my chin higher and looking away. "Well, last night..." he began, rubbing his freshly shaved jaw. I couldn't help but perk up. "She was waiting for me on the bed, wearing some insanely sexy lingerie." He tilted his head, watching my reaction. I tried to play it cool, but the scowl on my face betrayed me. My nails dug into my palms. "But..." he drawled, clearly enjoying my reaction. "I realized she wasn't half as sexy as you, so I walked away." I burst out laughing, relief washing over me. "How'd you figure her out so fast? I thought you'd take at least until tomorrow." He tapped his temple, and I wrinkled my nose. "Any losses on your end?" I asked, remembering Vanessa's plan to bleed his wallet dry. "Besides emotional damage, she burned through about $300,000 at Zenith Mall last night." My jaw dropped into a perfect "O." That's a fortune. 75.15 61.74% He ruffled my hair. "Don't worry. I'll make her pay it back." "How? With a credit card?" I asked. "You'll see," he said with a wink. Before I could ask more, he scooped me up, my body dangling in the air, my head against his chest. A rush of heat surged through my veins. "In case you try to run," he said, his voice husky. "If I really wanted to escape, you wouldn't catch me," I taunted. A low growl rumbled in his throat, and he shot me a sharp look. "Remember this, angel. My wolf loves a chase, and so do I. But next time, when I catch you, no matter where we are, no matter how much you squirm, I'll fuck you senseless right then and there-even if we're out in the open." My breath hitched, my face flushing deeper. I looked up, meeting his dark, intense gaze. I could feel his heartbeat quicken as he picked up his pace toward his car... Leave a comment 1516 62.16%