off my face and exposed skin. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Drake walk back into the hall. He glanced at me and raised his hand. I returned the greeting, closing my eyes for a moment. At least he was unharmed after being summoned by Connor.
Connor cocked a brow at me.
“Thanks, Kawan,” I said, ignoring Connor, whose nearness was prickling against my skin and unsettling my wolf.
Kawan took my hand and kissed the back of it gallantly whilst bowing low. “I am yours to command anytime you wish, Ember.”
His dark eyes were so sincere, I actually believed he would come if or when I called him.
Connor watched him with one brow raised and his hands resting on his hips. “Smooth,” he muttered as Kawan sauntered past him.
Kawan grinned. “Well, I have to answer to your commands, but for your...I mean her, I will answer with pleasure.” His eyes met Connor’s and they exchanged a meaningful look. Connor swallowed and nodded.
I had no idea what that was all about so I pretended I hadn’t heard them and stepped up to Rawson. I went to hug him, but he jumped back holding up his hands to fend me off.
“Urgh! No, No, No. No hugs until you’ve had a shower. You’ve been training all day and you stink.” He grimaced and laughed, his brown eyes twinkling though his face looked drawn. My brows dipped. I should have insisted we take more breaks, or made him sit down, or something. He took my hands and gave me an understanding smile.
“I’m fine, Em, but I’m going to take my own advice and shower. Then I’m going to get some clean clothes on and join my…” He hesitated, lines furrowing his brow as he looked to Connor.
“Your brothers?” Connor supplied gruffly.
Rawson swallowed and gave a small smile. “Yeah, my brothers, for some food.”
Connor returned his smile. “You do that.”
It was then I realised even if I showered, I had nothing to change into. My date with Connor wasn’t a date, but I still had some pride. My face flushed at my predicament. I supposed I could go and see if there were any unclaimed jeans and vest tops in the laundry, but it was a first come first served basis in gen pop so I doubted there’d be any left by now.
“Don’t worry, my pack has its own laundry room. We can swing by there first and you can grab some clean clothes.”
Had he read my mind or maybe my face? “I need a shower, too.” I scrunched my nose as my own stink wafted up my nostrils.
“Yeah, Rawson’s right, you stink.” He laughed as he leaned closer and I huffed at him. “But believe it or not, we have showers in my pack wing, too. And you aren’t getting out of our date, you promised me your time.”
I rolled my eyes, but couldn’t help my smile. “Okay. Okay.”
“I’ll see you kids tomorrow.” Rawson grinned and stepped out of the ring.
“Hey!” I yelled at him. “You’re not that much older than us.”
“I guess not.” He grinned and waved. “See you tomorrow, Ember.”
“Bye,” I whispered, watching him go and having to stop myself from chasing him down. An invisible hand gripped my heart until I couldn’t breathe and my palms pressed against my chest. I still didn’t believe I’d see him tomorrow.
“Hey,” Connor said gently. The weight of his attention held me captive, just as it always did. “He’ll still be here tomorrow.” His voice soothed me, releasing that vice like feeling on my chest.
“Will he?” I hated the vulnerability in my voice.
Connor tucked an errant lock of my weird half dyed hair behind my ear, letting his fingertips trail down my neck and over my shoulder. Goosebumps erupted on my skin. He exhaled, noting my response, but he didn’t stop his touch, he merely continued down my arm to my fingers where he entwined them with his. His rough skin grazed mine and I swallowed, gripping him tighter rather than shaking away his touch.
“Yes, Firecracker, he will.”
I looked up and willingly fell into his intense cerulean gaze. “Promise?” I pushed, wanting him to reassure me Rawson’s presence wasn’t a lie.
The strong column of his throat bobbed and he squeezed my hand. “Yes.”
My body was shaking from the day's exertions, but I managed a nod and a weak smile. Before I’d been brought here, I’d trained every few days with Blue, and occasionally with some of Som’s workers. I never asked what they did,