In the Alpha’s Arms Novel

Can You Feel The Heat?

Fucking terrified that this would be amazing, life–changing, the best thing I mer had. I wouldn’t know what to do with that, Lita. I wouldn’t know how

not to fuck that up…” Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“Honestly, I used to watch James and Stacey together. It was a beautiful thing. Shit, I was envious as hell for a long time. But I also saw her after he was gone. And I never want to feel that, Cole leaned back to sit on the ground, saying the last part more to himself than to Lita, “I’m not strong enough to survive that.”

Lita looked at him for a while, trying to find the words to say that would make his fears go away. She wanted him to ignore his mind and just be with her. But the more she thought about it, the more she realized she shared those same fears. And probably even more. She was terrified this was another mistake. Yet another time she ignored all the signs in front of her face. Would he become something else as soon as she got comfortable?

“I probably don’t know how to be loved,” she admitted, feeling the tears welling. “I don’t think I ever learned how. My parents never had a good relationship. Well, that’s not entirely true, they never had a real relationship. More like two strangers who coexisted, I think I could count on one hand the number of times either of them ever said they loved me.”

Water streaked down her face, “And with Brian I ignored so many red flags. I made so many excuses until it was too late. I mean with him, I could really believe that a person might have a split personality. The second I let my guard completely down, he turned out to be a nightmare. I’m terrifed of letting my guard back down, of being fooled twice.”

Cole pulled her down to the floor, bundling her into his lap as if she were fragile. Then he hugged her so tightly she thought she might burst, “I would never. Ever. E–V–E–R hurt you like that or let anyone else touch you. Ever,” he murmured into her neck. A strange sense of calm washed over her. She believed him completely.

“I can’t promise not to die,” she sniffled, “No one can. God, I wish my brother was here every single fucking day but, it doesn’t mean I would take back a sing second I had with him. Like, knowing him, loving him, is part of who I am. It’s maybe the brightest part of my life so far and I wouldn’t want to imagine what I would be like right now if I hadn’t had him for as long as I did.”

Cole inhaled sharply, rubbing her back, “And if he had one rule, it was always that I have to fight. I had to fight against things that weren’t right and fight for the things I wanted.”

She kissed his cheek then pulled away to look into his eyes, “I want you. There I freaking said it, you difficult, frustrating, imitating man, L. Want. You. And I don’t want to pretend like 1 don’t anymore. I’m willing to fight for it, if that’s what it takes.”

“Me too.”

,” he said quietly, grinning as he ran his hands up her arms.

That smile is a thing of beauty,” she laughed, adjusting into a better position on top of him.

“I’ll have to make a note of it,” he smiled harder, “Maybe I do it more often if it gets this type of reaction. When their lips finally met again, the heat wasn’t consuming or distorting. It was warming, comforting, and fulfilling.

Thank you. That was beautifully worded and touching. Well done.