The Alpha Bond 147

e time we pulled into the small hotel parking lot, the tension at had hung heavy over us since the battle in the cave finally began to ease. The neon sign flickered overhead, casting a soft, buzzing glow as we climbed out of the car. I glanced toward Austin, relieved to see that his wound had stopped bleeding. As werewolves, we healed quickly-but seeing him hurt still left a hollow ache in my chest.

"Alright, tough guy," I said, looping my arm around his waist to help him inside. "Let's get you cleaned up before you start showing off your battle scars."

Austin smirked, leaning against me more than he needed to. "I mean if you wanted an excuse to get your hands on me, you didn't have to wait for me to get injured."

I rolled my eyes. "Really? You're injured and still flirting?"

"I'm a multi-tasker," he shot back, flashing that trademark mischievous grin.

Alex snorted from behind us. "Yeah, multi-tasking at being a pain in the ass."

We reached the room, and Isaiah unlocked the door, pushing it open. It was a modest place-two queen beds, a small table by the window, and a flat-screen TV mounted crookedly on the wall. Not exactly luxurious, but it was comfortable enough for a short stay while we recovered.

Lguided Austin to the edge of the bed and knelt in front of him, grabbing the first aid kit we'd brought along. His shirt was already shredded where the shadow creature's claws had struck him, and I carefully peeled it away from his skin. The slashes across his chest were still raw and red, but the bleeding had stopped, and the edges of the cuts were already starting to close.

wall. "That thing really

puffed out his chest, flexing as he winked at me. "Still the most handsome twin, though,

eyes, openingthe first aid kit. "Hold still," I

just wanted an excuse

beat, Stormi pressed a little too hard against the wound with

away from

Seriously?" I said a faint smile

head, clearly amused. "You really walked right into

idiot, this

softened a little, brushing my fingers lightly over the wound. It was already beginning to knit itself back together-by tomorrow, only faint lines

the bed as if

baby," I said, shaking my

worth," he replied, peeking up at me with that boyish grin

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32 Fri Apr

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