Chapter 21

-Ember-

I go with the girls to a dinner theater across town. Guilt gnaws at me because everything costs a lot, and my friends are paying for everything. I can't seem to pay attention to anything around me. My eyes keep scanning the room, wondering if he could be here somewhere. There are too many scents mingling in the air for me to try to pick his out.

"Earth to Ember," Ainslee waves her hand in front of my face. "You haven't heard a word I've said, have you?"

"Sorry," I mumble, forcing myself to focus on her. "What were you saying?"

"I was asking if you wanted wine or a cocktail with dinner," she says, studying me with a knowing smirk. "But your mind is clearly elsewhere... or should I say with someone else?"

"I'm just tired," I lie, picking up the menu to hide my face.

"Bullshit," Stella coughs into her hand. "You're looking for him."

"I am not," I protest weakly.

"Please," Stella rolls her eyes. "You've checked out every guy who's walked through the door. Your neck is going to snap from all that whiplash."

"Fine," I grumble. "Maybe I'm a little curious."

"A little?" Oaklynn laughs. "You practically undressed that waiter with your eyes until you realized he was too short."

"He could be anyone," Ainslee says teasingly."The businessman in the corner... the bartender... that hot guy by the window..."

"Can we please talk about something else?" I beg, sinking lower in my seat.

When the show starts, instead of losing myself in the production, I'm lost in memories of the night before, desperately trying to hold onto how he felt, smelled, and sounded. The way his hands gripped my hips. The rumble of his voice against my ear. The scent of rain and cedar that clung to his skin.

"You taste so fucking sweet," he'd growled against my inner thigh. "I could feast on you for days."

"That was the funniest part of the whole show," Oaklynn nudges me as everyone around us laughs.

"Hmm? Oh, yeah. Hilarious," I say, having no idea what just happened on stage.

"You haven't watched a single minute of this, have you?" she whispers.

I shake my head slightly. "Sorry."

"Still thinking about Mr. Big Dick?" she teases quietly.

"Shut up," I hiss, but I can't hide my smile.

After the show, we hit several hot spots, including a new club that just opened. The drinks never stop flowing. After too much loud music and bodies bumping into us, we end up at a quiet bar a few blocks from our hotel.

I look around the bar. A small hallway leads to some private rooms. The girls find a corner booth to slide into. There are lots of men in there, and as soon as we sit, a crowd surrounds us. Several guys hit on us—some are hitting on all four of us—but none of them measure up to my mystery man. I don't need to talk to them more than a few seconds to know this. The other girls each find a guy to get cozy with in no time.

"So," a guy with slicked-back hair and too much cologne leans toward me, "what brings you ladies out tonight?"

"Bachelorette weekend," I answer flatly, not even trying to seem interested.

"And which one of you is the lucky bride?" he asks, his eyes traveling down to my cleavage.

"None of us," I reply, finishing the last of my drink and standing. "I'll be back. I need to use the restroom."

"Want me to come with you?" he offers, his smile oily.

"I think I can manage to pee by myself, thanks," I deadpan, making Stella snort her drink through her nose.

They all nod and go back to their boy toys for the night. I step around the corner and down the private hallway towards the bathrooms. I go in and do my thing, checking my reflection in the mirror before I leave. The blue dress still looks perfect, and I can't help but smile thinking about who bought it for me.

I make it a few feet back down the hallway when a hand goes over my mouth.

My first instinct is to panic as the person pulls me back into a broad chest and spins me around into the wall. But then I smell it—rain, cedar, and that third scent I still can't place. My body relaxes instinctively into his.

He's here! Ivy does a happy pounce in my mind. Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit!

"It's me, little wolf," he whispers in my ear, his breath hot against my skin.

I shudder under his touch, my knees going weak.

"I didn't mean to scare you," he says, slowly removing his hand from my mouth.

"It's okay," I nod, my voice breathier than I intended. "Once I smelled you... I knew it was you."

"I couldn't leave once I saw you," he admits, his body pressing closer to mine. "I've been trying to find a way to talk to you."

Butterflies erupt in my stomach, and I lean into his body further. "Did you know I would be here?"

"No. A happy coincidence." He drops his mouth to the curve of my neck, kissing the spot where a mating mark would go. "I tried to keep my word all day. It's been killing me not to go to your room to see you."

My eyes flutter closed as my breathing picks up. "Really?"

"Yes, my little wolf," he flicks his tongue on the spot, driving me crazy with need. "I've been hard all fucking day thinking about you."

I soar with happiness. He's still calling me little wolf... his little wolf. He wanted to see me again.

Lost in the sensation of his mouth on me, I admit, "I've been looking for you everywhere I go."

He sighs, the beat of his heart thumping against my back. His erection grows, and I feel it pressing against me. "You look more gorgeous in this dress than I could have ever imagined. It matches your eyes perfectly."

"I love it," I smile, feeling a blush creep up my neck. "Thank you for getting it for me."

"You deserve so much more," he murmurs against my skin. "You deserve to be fucking worshipped."

I release a breath I didn't know I was holding, realizing I'm gripping the sides of his thighs.

He quietly groans, and the sound stirs the memories from last night. "I need to give you something."

"What is it?" I ask, curious and excited. "Another orgasm? Because I wouldn't say no to that."

He chuckles, the sound vibrating through his chest. "Insatiable little wolf. But no, something else."

"I'm not sure I understand," I whisper, my heart racing.

I feel him messing with something on himself.

"Can I put my tie on you for a moment?" he asks, his voice strained.

"Or..." I turn my head slightly, my voice flirty, "maybe I could just turn around..."