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I can hear Liam's voice through the speaker, high-pitched and whiny. "Where are you, bro? I've been trying to reach you all night."
Marcus sighs. "I'm staying with Zoe tonight. There's been a threat, remember?"
"But why you?" Liam's petulance is clear even from across the room. "I could've stayed with her."
"Because I'm the beta, Liam. It's my job to keep everyone safe."
I shift uncomfortably in my chair, feeling like I'm intruding on a private moment. Marcus notices and gives me a reassuring nod.
After he hangs up, I can't help but ask, "Everything okay?"
Marcus runs a hand through his hair. "Yeah, just Liam being Liam. Don't worry about it."
"He sounded upset," I press gently.
Marcus's expression softens slightly. "Liam's my little brother. I'll always look out for him. But right now, keeping you safe is my priority. That's just how it is."
His loyalty is admirable, even if it makes me feel a little conflicted. I nod, not trusting myself to say more, and return to my book. The words blur on the page as my mind wanders, unable to focus on the story. The tension in the air is palpable, and I can feel Marcus's presence acutely, even as he busies himself across the room. After a few minutes of pretending to read, I clear my throat.
"So," I say, trying to sound casual. "About sleeping arrangements..."
Marcus straightens, his expression guarded. "I can take the couch," he says immediately.
I snort. "Have you seen that couch? You'd be folded up like origami." I pause, then add with a smirk, "You know, you could always shift. I've had shifter friends crash here before in their animal forms."
Marcus blinks, looking taken aback. "I... that's not really..."
"What, afraid you'll shed on my carpet?" I tease, enjoying his discomfort. "Or are you one of those wolves who snores in their sleep?"
He frowns, his brow furrowing. "Wolves don't snore."
"Oh really?" I raise an eyebrow. "And you know this from personal experience, do you? Do you record yourself sleeping?"
A hint of a smile tugs at Marcus's lips. "I'll have you know I'm an excellent sleeper in both forms."
"Uh-huh," I say, grinning. "Sure you are, big guy."
For a moment, the tension between us dissipates, replaced by something lighter, almost playful. Then Marcus nods. "I'll be fine on the floor. I've slept in worse conditions."
I roll my eyes. "Of course you have, Mr. Tough Guy. Let me at least get you a blanket and pillow."
As I rummage through my linen closet, I can't help but feel a twinge of guilt. Here's this guy, assigned to protect me, and I'm making him sleep on the floor. But another part of me, the part that's still stinging from his rejection earlier, whispers that he deserves it.
I return with a spare blanket and pillow, tossing them onto the sofa. "There," I say, gesturing vaguely. "Put it on the floor or whatever. I'm going to bed."
Marcus catches my arm as I turn to leave, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through me. "Zoe," he says softly. "Thank you. And... I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't mean to hurt you."
I swallow hard, torn between the urge to lean into his touch and the desire to pull away. "It's fine," I say, my voice coming out more strained than I'd like. "We both got caught up in the moment. It won't happen again."
Something flashes in Marcus's eyes—regret? Longing?—but it's gone before I can be sure. He releases my arm, nodding. "Right. Goodnight, Zoe."
"Goodnight, Marcus," I reply, retreating to my bedroom.
As I close the door behind me, I lean against it, letting out a shaky breath. This is ridiculous. I shouldn't be feeling this way about Marcus. He's Liam's brother, for crying out loud. And he made it clear that nothing can happen between us.
But as I crawl into bed, I can't help but be acutely aware of his presence just beyond my bedroom door. The memory of our kiss replays in my mind, the feel of his lips on mine, the heat of his body pressed against me. I groan, burying my face in my pillow. This is going to be a long night.
In the quiet of my room, I can hear Marcus moving around in the living room, the soft rustle of the blanket as he settles on the floor. Part of me wants to call out to him, to invite him in, to hell with the consequences. But I resist the urge, squeezing my eyes shut and willing sleep to come.
