Saving Verakko: The Clecanian Series Book 3 Victoria Aveline (best book club books .TXT) 📖

jolt of electricity shot directly to her clit as she imagined his fangs brushing against the sensitive skin.

He set her back on her feet, but the arm around her waist stayed locked in place. “It’s easier this way. It would’ve taken you ages to climb down.”

Lily balled her fists and glared up at him. It was true. She couldn’t move as fast as he did, and she hated feeling less than. Hated feeling like she was holding someone back or slowing them down. “No one’s stopping you from going on ahead. I can take care of myself. Don’t let me hold you back.”

She could’ve sworn a look of hurt flashed over his face. “The only reason I’m out here at all is because of you. Why would I decide to leave you behind now?”

Gah! She wasn’t some charity case. “Because I don’t want you here!” The lie settled in her gut, cold and heavy.

He scowled, remaining silent, and his scent intensified.

Lily’s eyes drooped before she snapped them open. “Stop that! Whatever that whole smell thing is, turn it to zero.” Lily tried to move away, but he pulled her in closer.

“I told you, I’m not doing it on purpose. You smell whatever your brain wants you to. It just happens. And my scent should only be pleasing to you, not intoxicating.” A wicked grin spread over his face. He wrapped his other arm around her waist and pressed her into his body. Her heartbeat picked up speed. “Are you sure it isn’t just that you find me sexy?”

She sputtered. “No I don’t!” Hell yeah she did.

He frowned again, and a low, rattling growl escaped him. It almost sounded like a ragged, resonant hiss. Although she’d never heard a sound quite like it before, the intention was clear. She’d been warned. “Look, little female. I can’t control it, so stop complaining about it.” His hand shot up to grip the back of her neck, dragging it forward until his mouth was a breath away from her ear. “You don’t hear me complaining every time the scent of arousal floods your cunt.”

Lily choked on her retort as her sex grew wet. His warm breath on her ear, paired with the firm grip on her nape and the massive bulge pressing into her belly, had already muddled her thoughts. Now, hearing those dirty words uttered in a sexy-as-sin voice? If she hadn’t been so shocked by the idea that he could actually smell her arousal, she might’ve melted into him right there.

His grip tightened for a second before he jerked away, putting space between them.

He let out a sound of frustration. “Yes, that smell. You think it doesn’t drive me up a wall?”

Lily was left cold and weak. She’d been just about ready to throw caution to the wind and twine her arms around his neck.

“But I don’t constantly attack you for your smell. I know you can’t help it. It’s a natural physical response.” He stalked past her. “Stop pestering me about mine.”

Lily’s cheeks flamed. Was all that sexiness a ploy to seduce her into making a point? The nerve!

She sped after him. “I haven’t seen any men in a month. At this point, an old, hobbled Davy Crockett would garner the same response. Don’t flatter yourself.”

Lie. Lie. Lie.

Verakko aimed a death glare at her, then stalked forward at a pace she couldn’t match without jogging. Lily let out a pent-up huff and followed.

Forget about him. The sooner you find Alex, the sooner you can get out of here and ditch that overgrown chameleon for good.

The reminder of Alex served to cool some of her anger. The subdued dread she’d felt for days on end before Verakko had arrived replaced it. Maybe it was better to think about Verakko and her anger. Maybe then, the hollow guilt and worry wouldn’t claw at her insides, demanding to be acknowledged.

Lily continued on, taking her time to scan the water and land for any signs of Alex. How realistic was it that she would’ve floated this far? The river had a few spurts of calm, long enough for a floating person to swim to shore at least. Why hadn’t she found any evidence yet? Had it all really been washed away, like she kept trying to convince herself?

Lily swallowed a lump in her throat and tears burned in her eyes. She was grateful Verakko’s back was to her.

There was a possible answer as to where Alex had gone, but she didn’t think she could stomach it at the moment. If she got caught by a boulder or log and it pulled her under… Nausea roiled in her gut, and Lily had to stop. Alex is alive. She was tired and couldn’t make it, so she kept floating, and then the storm washed all signs of her away. That was all there was to it.

Just breathe. In. Out. In. Out.

“Do you need a break already? Water?” Verakko called from in front of her, his tone edged with irritation.

A spark of indignation flared, and she let it overtake her. “No, I’m fine!”

He crossed his arms over his chest and scanned her body in a way that made her skin tingle. “We’ve only been walking for an hour or so. Are you already tired?”

“I said I’m fine. I just had a pebble in my shoe.”

Verakko turned, grumbling about something under his breath, likely her.

They resumed their silent hike, him in front and her trailing behind. He slowed a few times, probably giving her the opportunity to catch up, but she made sure to slow her pace when he did. Sending a clear message that she wanted to walk alone.

Lily replayed what he’d said earlier about his scent. Could he really not control it? He’d compared it to the smell she put off when aroused.