Eight: Charlie

Charlie P.O.V.

I watched Damien out of the corner of my eye as he moved to the line of clothes Paxton had left up overnight to dry.

Paxton was probably the closest to Damien's height, but Damien's thighs and hips were a lot larger and way more muscular than Paxton's.

My jaw dropped as Damien pulled them on, getting the zipper up a few inches but leaving the button undone. The trail of dark hair leading down beneath the fabric made me very happy indeed, and I had to swallow hard to keep from drooling.

His hand slid into the pants, adjusting himself and making my body burn hotter. Could he smell how aroused I was?

My cheeks felt like they were on fire, and I turned away from him, running my hand over my chest to wipe away any perspiration. The less evidence there was of my wild hormones, the better. I had never understood how out -of-control mates would act in public, but I finally understood because I wanted to throw caution to the wind and climb Damien like a tree.

Everything I had ever been taught about composing myself and masking my emotions went right out the window with him around. I felt Damien walk up next to me as I bent down, grabbed the knife, and easily sliced through the meat.

He was too damn close. I knew if I lifted my hand, I could touch him.

I cleared my throat before speaking to save myself from the additional embarrassment of my voice cracking. "Did you bring my dagger this time?"

He sat on the ground next to me, leaning back against the log behind him where I usually sat. I had moved the log back before bringing the deer in to make room for me to work.

It was proper not to sit in a chair higher than the princess, and I felt myself tense. Did he know who I was, or had he just wanted to sit next to me?

He didn't look at me, his eyes glued to the small fire I would have to build up before hanging the pot over it. "Do your men leave you here alone often? ■

My head pulled back at the anger in his tone. "We take turns. We can't all leave the camp at once. Whoever stays behind is responsible for cooking for the day and ensuring no animals or people ransack our things."

He didn't like the answer. His hands clasped together with his forearms resting on his knees.

"I can handle myself," I whispered, suddenly feeling inadequate. Damien didn't need to say it for me to know what was happening in his head. It was the same thing Killian said when he saw me walking around without bodyguards, that I was an easy target, weak compared to most men.

Lycan with my

"I don't doubt that."

wasn't treating me like my brother did. Even my men had taken a while to come around to the idea of me being left on my own. I had to knock them to the dirt several times

spot here and wouldn't ever be

but comfortable between us as I cut up the meat and placed it in the pot with the vegetables and potatoes Diego had, hopefully, purchased in town. His slippery little

carry it around with me, but I had more money in the bank than we could ever require and took care

camp, I sat back down next to Damien. He had been so patient with me, but I felt his stare the entire

thigh against mine a few times, but he would pull away after

whispered, wanting to break the silence but keep the comfort between us. The last thing I

there was a reason you gave me that name before your nickname." His head tipped

rolled off his tongue so beautifully that I wanted to

the rocks

chuckle, and I bit my lip

had grown longer over the

dangerous." You refuse to accept that we are mates or even the possibility of it. But you're here, and you don’t have to be. You chose

was undeniable, and it didn't make sense how he could so easily dismiss it. "I feel drawn to you, Charlotte. More than

and a sick feeling swirled in my gut. I wanted to be happy that he felt a bond with me, but hearing him

confused and curious, and I knew it was because he expected that I had been with other men. Lycans were very intimate creatures; most had been with several different partners before hitting their twenties, let alone finding their mates. Instead of addressing it, he avoided that conversation altogether. We weren't

thigh. Goosebumps followed his

I agreed with

thigh, his fingers curling around to slide between my legs but staying several inches below

it, but I still fell for his trap anyway. I was furious that he had been with other women when I had been waiting for him,

wanted him to know and accept that he belonged to me, and I belonged to him. Other women needed to stay away from

I could think rationally. Damien let his legs slide out in

the only woman you should be touching is me, Damien. 'We' are just a matter of time. I can be patient. But if you

I'm the only one you should be coming to." My hand trailed down his chest, and his body shook. I

his pants made me grow instantly wet and managed to

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