Page 90 of The Denver Alpha

Cole shrugs, glancing down at me with a smirk. “Why not?”

I let out a laugh, shaking my head. “You’re serious?”

I can’t believe he’s being so nonchalant about this; downright impulsive. Maybe I’ve rubbed off on the guy after all.

Cole suddenly stops so abruptly that I’d trip over my own feet if it wasn’t for his hold around my shoulders. He moves in front of me, taking my face in his hands and claiming my mouth in a filthy hot kiss that makes my toes curl. Then he pulls back just as quickly, staring deeply into my eyes while I struggle to catch my breath.

“I’m all in if you are,” he murmurs, liquid gold shimmering in his irises.

My mind says not to rush things. That he already hurt me once, and he might again. That I need more time to think it all over, to consider what being his mate and Luna really means and the impact it’ll have on the trajectory of my life.

But my heart… it’s already his, and my lips part to give life to what it’s telling me.

“I’m all in.”

My palm is clammy nestled in Cole’s, my heart racing as we step through the doorway of the kitchen. I take in the people gathered around the tables across the room; pack warriors, Cole’s advisors. Shay and Sam, at a smaller table closer to us.

I don’t know why I’m so nervous.

I know these people; some of them are my friends. Or maybe that’swhyI’m nervous. Will things change between us, when they realize I’m mated to their Alpha? Will they still talk and laugh with me, invite me to their parties, or will they keep me at arms’ length due to my new position?

Or, even worse, what if they don’t wantme, an outsider, to fill the role of Luna for their pack?

Cole clears his throat beside me, and I think I stop breathing.

“Good morning,” he drawls, unnervingly calm and uncharacteristically chipper.

Eyes.

So many eyes are suddenly on us, everyone in the kitchen turning their attention to their Alpha. I see some of them furrowing their brows in confusion, assessing me beside him.

I realize that I’m still not breathing.

Shit, what if I pass out?

That’d sure make an impression.Hey, that girl who just hit the floor? That’s your future Luna. Don’t mind her.

I force myself to suck in a breath through my nose, exhaling slowly.

“Remember when Juliet first came here, and I let it be known that nobody was to touch her?” Cole barks out. Then he pauses, glancing down at me with the ghost of a smile on his lips. “Well, consider that order to be back in effect. Nobody touches mymate.”

The room draws a collective gasp, and while I still feel the weight of all those eyes on me, it’s Cole’s that I’m focused on. He holds me captive in that dark, unwavering stare, and I wonder if he can hear my heart racing like a hummingbird’s wings.

Then his hands are on me, gripping my waist, yanking me in. A harsh breath shudders out of me as my chest collides with his, and before I can even register what’s happening, his lips descend on mine, claiming my mouth in a possessive, all-consuming kiss. My pulse thunders in my ears as his lips slide against my own, his tongue slipping past the seam. He tilts his head to deepen it, kissing me harder, and suddenly I’m falling, falling…

No, notfalling. His arm is around my back, securing me to him as he dips me backwards, like one of those over-the-top romantic kisses you see in movies. My arms have somehow found their way around his neck, holding on as his body hovers over mine. His tongue twines with my own as our lips pout and twist. He’s kissing me like we’re the only two people in this room, the only two people in the whole world- and that’s exactly how I feel in this moment. It’s just me and Cole, our bodies pressed together, mouths fused, hearts beating as one.

Distantly, I hear something like cheering. The sound grows, swells, and suddenly his lips pull away from mine and I’m slammed back into reality, a crescendo of celebration roaring in my ears. Cole drags me back up, returning me to my feet as I try to get my bearings. I’m dazed, breathless as I look from him to the people in the kitchen, now also on their feet as they whoop and cheer. Heat crawls up my neck, my cheeks flushing.

“It goes both ways, you know,” I breathe, eyes flickering back up to Cole. “Nobody touchesmymate.”

A rare grin spreads across his lips as he gives me a single nod in agreement.

We stare at one another for a heartbeat longer, until Sam comes up to Cole and slaps his back, slinging his arm around his neck to pull him in for a half hug. “Congrats, Alpha.”

I don’t hear what Cole says in response, because Shay practically tackles me with a hug of her own, her high-pitched squeal of excitement piercing my eardrums. “I’m so happy for you guys!” she exclaims, eyes drifting down to the junction of my neck and shoulder. Her brows draw together in puzzlement as she looks back up at me. “No mark?”

I sink my teeth into my lower lip and give a little shake of my head. “Not yet.”