Alpha's Moon: A special forces shifter romance Renee Rose (universal ebook reader .txt) 📖

“I would love to screw instead of going to the reception,” I murmur, watching his eyes heat, “but we have to stay until they cut the cake. And a few dances.”

“Okay.” He removes his hand and smoothes the front of his tux. In his bowtie and cumberbund, he looks like a sexier and more dangerous James Bond. “But it’ll cost ya.”

“I can’t wait until you collect,” I murmur back and obey Brigit’s summons to do pictures with the bride and groom. I can’t help glancing over at him the whole time, and he seems to always be watching me. His eyes flash oddly in the low light.

Later, after the meal and the speeches, Deke and I dance cheek to cheek to Frank Sinatra. Well, not cheek to cheek—he’s too tall. But I lay my head on his chest, and it’s perfect.

“Thank you for coming with me this weekend.” I lift my head to meet his warm gaze.

His eyes crinkle, but he doesn’t quite smile. His smiles are rare, which makes it all the more exciting when I win one.

“I know this isn’t your scene at all. This was a huge favor to ask…” I guess I’m fishing. I feel like last night proved we’ve gone way beyond the fake date thing, but I’m honestly still not sure where we stand. The fact that he doesn’t want to marry and have kids should’ve made me stop hoping for something more, but it hasn’t. I’ve already fallen for this guy.

I want it all.

We dance past the gift table, piled high with everything a couple could want to start married life, including an entire set of Le Creuset cookware.

“Sadie.” Deke looks uncomfortable.

Oh God, he’s going to let me down gently now.

“I can’t be in a relationship. I’m… dangerous.”

I blink up at him. Finally, we’re getting things into the open. “Is this about the, um assault charges?”

“Yeah.”

“What happened?” My heart’s pounding, but I want to know everything, whatever it is.

“I get… protective. Over-protective. I was at a bar, and a woman seemed like she was getting hassled. I stepped in. But I sort of lost control. My wo—” He stops and gives his head a quick shake. “I used excessive force. I didn’t mean to, but I hurt the guys more than was necessary.”

“You don’t know your own strength,” I murmur.

“No,” he cuts me off sharply. “I do. Which is why that never should’ve happened. I should’ve kept control. Especially with civilians.”

I swallow. “It’s part of the PTSD, Deke. You’ve had to kill in the line of duty, right?”

He draws in a sharp breath then lets it out slowly. “Yeah. I… sometimes still do.” His gaze locks on my face, like he’s watching for signs that I’m horrified.

I am a little, but I’m careful to school my features. I should have guessed at this when he mentioned the multi-million dollar government contracts. No wonder they’re not allowed to date. They’re like… government hitmen. Or something.

I try on that idea to see if it makes me want to run screaming from Deke.

It doesn’t.

I lift my chin. “I don’t care,” I tell him.

He cocks his head. “You… you don’t? I mean, you should. Sadie, I’m not safe.”

I stop dancing and reach up, holding his face in both my hands. “You’re safe for me,” I tell him.

He hesitates. “I don’t know, Sadie. Those guys at the bar…”

“You went into attack mode because you thought you had to. It was a mistake. Deke, no one’s perfect.”

“I want to be for you.”

My heart lurches. He said for you.

He wants to be perfect for me.

Deke wants to be mine!

“Perfect is overrated. Perfect is what Scott and my dad want. They don’t care about the inside, so long as the outside looks good.”

Deke looks uncertain.

“You’re a good man, Deke. You protect those who can’t protect themselves. You have honor. Commitment. I don’t want you perfect. I just want you.”

Deke draws another quick breath, his eyes flashing green. His mouth descends on mine. Crashes down on my lips. Claims them. His large palm cups the back of my head, and his tongue sweeps between my lips.

I hear some giggles and murmurs around us. We’re standing in the middle of the dance floor, making out like wild, unruly teenagers.

It feels wonderful.

The kiss goes on forever. Long enough that I’m sure Deke’s forgotten where we are, so I pull away, laughing. “Let’s go upstairs,” I say.

He doesn’t hesitate. He sweeps me up in his arms, like I’m the bride, and carries me out of the ballroom.

Once we’re in the dark hotel room, it feels like everything moves in slow motion. He puts me down and silently unzips me. In the big bay window, the full moon shines her silvery light, gilding the dark earth with a magical aura. Fresh arousal blooms inside me, my pulse a steady drumbeat.

I let the gown pool at my feet and turn to face Deke in nothing but a thong. He’s stepped back, standing in the shadows. In his tux, he’s so handsome, I could cry.

He looks like he’s holding back again.

I take a step towards him. “I want you. You, Deke.” His scent flows over me, making me giddy, spinning me out. I don't know if it’s pheromones or the full moon. I’m going wild.

“Sadie, there’s more—” he says, but I grab him, mashing my mouth against his.

“I don’t care,” I mutter. “Whatever it is, I want you, anyway.”

He growls against my lips and rears up, ripping off his shirt, revealing his stunning torso. Oh yes. My ovaries are twerking. Let’s take this sex train to O town!

Deke

“Sadie-girl. I’m gonna fuck you so hard.”

Whoa. I don’t know where that came from. It definitely fell on the wrong side of the respect line, but Sadie doesn’t seem to mind. Her nimble fingers work the button on my tuxedo pants.

This woman is a gift. A fucking gift.

I stroke my hands up the bare skin of her back, mating our mouths again. I wanted to tell her about