He’s stock-still and he hasn’t moved a muscle since my backward jump to the other end of the sofa. It’s freaking me out. His eyes are still staring right into mine. I start to squirm. I’m wringing my hands together. Oh shit, is he mad? How the hell do I get out of this room?

“Ugh, where’s Sn... Casper? I’m sure he’ll show me out. I’ll just be going, and you can finish... whatever it is you do. You know the Alpha stuff and the being busy stuff. I don’t even need him to show me out. Really, I can just... you know walk out, to my Jeep that is, and then drive out so you can get to all that stuff...” I ramble. Yeah, and I should probably grab a mop for all that word vomit I just spewed onto his lovely hardwood floor. I mentally slap myself in the face. Shut up, I think, just stop talking.

Oh God, he’s still motionless. I finally take a good long look at him. Dark brows arch over his eyes that are such a transparent blue they almost look clear, and right now, they’re giving nothing away. His black hair is short on the sides and longer on top. He runs his hands through it, pushing the mass back, leaving him looking like a dark James Dean, holy shitballs. I’m in trouble. Shit, shit, I’m in trouble. One side of his full lips starts to turn up, his eyes soften like he knows I think he’s devastating.

He finally speaks. “We have much to discuss, little one. I’m sorry I frightened you. I promise I won’t hurt you.” His eyes look pained for a brief moment. “Please relax. Can I get you a drink? You’ve been out for almost an hour.” His voice rolls over me, and I do exactly what he said and relax. My shoulders fall, and I take a deep breath.

“Yes, please, water would be good,” I softly reply, only now noticing my dry throat. He unfolds himself from the sofa, slowly. Oh baby Jesus, he’s huge, like mammoth size. His white t-shirt looks like it wants to hulk out, barely holding at the seams of his biceps and wide shoulders. It just reaches the top of his dark wash jeans. A thick black belt holds them low, oh so low on his narrow hips. As he moves toward me, his heavy black boots make no sound. Now, I’m the one frozen. He bends close to my ear and breathes out, “I’ll be right back little one, don’t leave this room.” His warm breath on my neck almost makes me whimper, but I’m able to lock my throat down. However, the tingle that makes its way down my spine and the resulting shudder can’t seem to be stopped. When he walks away, I let out the breath I didn’t even realize I was holding.

I can’t let him see how he affects me. I’m embarrassed enough by how I reacted to him earlier. Will he make me leave school? Town? Where is that devil woman? Is she still here? In his room? Maybe she’s with him in the kitchen.