Chapter 27: Composure

The shower was short but exactly what I needed. The ache in my belly and between my legs was dull but manageable now. A distraction was all I wanted.

I brushed out my hair again and let it cascade down my back. I put on a dark blue dress this time that ended before my knees and had small straps holding it in place. My eyes fell on the shoes in the closet but I still refused to put them on. I was going out barefoot again.

I exited my room and stopped close to James' door. His scent was strong and my wolf knew he was just inside. I listened but no sound came from the bedroom, deciding that I was playing with fire I forced myself to walk away. I was not sure where I wanted to go but I let my feet travel. We went down the stair case and before long I was standing in front of the library door.

A voice from inside the library rang through my mind, "Come in, Little Wolf". Was the voice inside my mind or were the words actually spoken out loud I wondered. I opened the door and walked inside. There were book cases completely filled lining the walls from top to bottom all the way around the room. Even if someone lived forever I think it would be impossible to really read all of them.

Chase was sitting on a couch in the middle of the room reading. He peaked up at me with a cunning smile. "Little Wolf, I am glad you could join me", as he spoke he stood up from the seat and came closer. He leaned against a different chair just looking at me. He smelled like night time and roses, it was dark and alluring. My wolf was feeing unease at his presence but I wasn't sure as to why. I heard the warning in my brain saying be careful.

"Where did James go?", he asked in a silky voice. I felt like he already knew the answer but wanted me to tell him. Could he have heard our conversation from the other room? My wolf hearing was extremely good, but not that good. "He went to his room and I came to explore", I said the words as I walked around the library fingering the different titles. Chase's gaze followed my movement around the room. I felt like he was studying me closely, my every movement, every breath, and every word. "How are you feeling?", he asked. As I heard the words I immediately answered, "unfulfilled". We locked eyes and I clamped a hand over my mouth. Why would I ever say that? Embarrassment heated my cheeks and I turned away. I could not lie to him. I turned to face him again gaging his reaction. He smiled dangerously and spoke, "Bold and beautiful. I like it.".

He held out his hand and I reached out to take it. His touch was cold and sent a shiver down my spine. "You're so cold", I blurted our before my mind could stop me. He did not say anything but led me to the couch. I sat down and he sat beside me.

His hand came up and under my chin. He turned my head to face his and looked deep into my eyes. "I could take away that ache for you", his voice was low and husky as he spoke. Instantly that ache was back with a terrible vengeance. I pressed my legs together and took in a long ragged breath. I was so close to taking him up on his offer. He radiated pure sex.

His hand slowly landed on my knee and my body tightened inadvertently. I was not as comfortable with Chase yet as I was with some of the other guys. Chase sensing my unease pulled his hand back immediately. He grabbed a book from beside him on a small table. "Let me read to you then.", he said sweetly. This man was so very strange.