After a while, with so much alpha energy buzzing around me, I decided a lay down would be good. I was hot, breathing hard, and my wolf was clamouring to burst free and play with these hot men, so I let Rawson sweep my leg and landed on the mats on my back, using my free hand and legs to break my fall properly.
I closed my eyes, trying to get my breath back and calm my wolf, happy to stay right where I was when Rawson and Lionel didn’t yell at me to get right up. A little disconcerted at the quiet, I opened my eyes.
“Hey, Firecracker.” Connor smirked, letting his power brush my skin. I inhaled his scent as he leaned over the ropes, peering down at me. I narrowed my eyes. Though his eyes were sparkling with laughter, dark circles shadowed the skin underneath. My gut twisted. What he was doing with Charlie and Drake, was anyone’s guess, he’d even met with Zander a few times, but it was enough to take all of his time, leaving him tense and quiet.
“Hey, asshole,” I whispered, and smiled up at him. Lying flat on my back, gazing up, Connor looked good enough to eat. I didn’t know how to deal with the gratitude that bubbled in my belly every time I saw him. Such emotion left me vulnerable, and I hadn’t been vulnerable in a long time. I flipped up onto my feet and spun to face him.
Stone was at his back today, and he watched me blankly before giving his attention to the room, his eyes resting on Shannon. Shannon glanced over and glared at him, tossing her hair over her shoulder before she got back to training. Shannon had always been a good fighter, but she allowed her temper to get the better of her much of the time. She still hadn’t picked a pack, and though I held no love for her, I could understand Connor’s concern. I almost laughed when she stubbornly refused to look at Stone again who glowered at her like he hated her, but couldn’t look away. I had to wonder if he even knew he was doing it.
Warm fingers wound in my hair. “Do I get any of your attention?” Connor murmured in my ear. Shivers skittered through my body and my wolf surfaced, whining at the restrictive effects of the collar that held her back from Connor’s. Calming her was hard when all she wanted was to see if he was her mate.
I bit my lip and exhaled through my nose. If I mated with Connor and our wolves were not compatible, it would mean them being alone forever. I couldn’t do that to them. I pushed those worries away. Being with Connor right now was all I needed, the future was too precarious.
Past caring who knew about my relationship with their Prime, I slipped my arms around his waist and tilted my head up. I grinned at the disgruntled look on his face, revelling in the fact that he didn’t like my attention on anyone but him. “Of course, but if I remember rightly, aren’t you supposed to be at my beck and call, not the other way around?”
“When we get out of here, I’ll be your willing slave anytime you want.” He gave me a small, sexy smile.
I smirked back and tightened my grip on him. Oh, the possibilities! Just to make a point to everyone watching, especially any female who had their eyes on him, I reached up on my tip toes and kissed him before I gently bit his bottom lip. I delighted in the goosebumps that erupted all over his skin and the soft growl that rumbled in his throat.
I glanced at Stone, who stood behind Connor, and winked. Stone shook his head, and with a grim face looked away to watch the room again. Owen, who stood at Connor’s side, grinned at me before he positioned himself where he could watch the room, too. Myles, D, Kawan and Reed all headed from their own positions around the hall to surround us, remaining casual but alert.
Connor stiffened, his hands tightening in my hair. “As much as I’m really enjoying your undivided attention now, do you really want a target on your back?”
I grinned and met his eyes in a sultry fashion. I shrugged and cupped his sexy behind with my hands. “I’m used to being a target. Besides, you’re mine now and everyone in here, especially