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“Taste testing.” He smirked, as if that were truly the only reason. “You. Are. Ready.”
“Yes, I’m ready,” I said, repeating him, though my voice trembled in spite of my attempt to sound calm.
I didn’t glance back at Duncan through the window, even though it was his thoughts that were eating me up, eroding my confidence, making me want to back out of the whole thing.
Kicks narrowed his eyes and glanced over my shoulder before focusing all his attention back on me. Suddenly his hands were cradling my face, as if he could somehow gauge the strength of my spirit through touch.
A current seemed to pulse between us, leaving me yearning for a clue to his thoughts. He studied me, his eyes delving deeper than the surface, probing for something unspoken.
He was assessing me. From the moment I’d met this man, it felt like he’d been taking my measure.
“It might be rough, but you’ll get through.” He was still cupping my cheek as he watched me with intent eyes.
“What did you just do?”
“I needed to feel your energy, to understand the strength you possess. You’ll endure.”
“How rough?”
As soon as he tilted his head, as if he were trying to figure out how to break it to me, I knew it was going to be torture.
“From what I’ve heard? It’s akin to having your soul torn from your flesh and then violently thrust back in. Agonizing, but short enough to bear.”
His words didn’t make me want to go through with it any more than I had before, but they stripped away the bulk of the fear. I’d live. Once I did, I’d be stronger for it, and I’d be able to protect Charlie better. That was worth any amount of pain.
I slowly started nodding, building myself up to go out there and get it done.
He dipped his head a little closer to mine. “I’ll be there with you, from beginning to end. If anything seems off, I’ll step in.”
“Why are you doing this? What’s your stake in this?” There had to be something. The one thing I was sure of: Kicks was no one’s white knight.
“How could I let you perish when I’ve already decided you’re going to be part of my pack?” A smile slowly lit his face, and I wasn’t sure if he was teasing or deadly serious.
“Is that so? Do I have a move-in date?” I asked, keeping my tone light but poking to see how serious he might be.
He leaned in closer, his hand on the counter beside me, his presence feeling like it was surrounding me, and all I wanted to do was lean in and leech some of his strength.
“Still working out the finer details.” His eyes dipped lower, to my mouth, and I knew exactly which details he meant.
If I ended up in this man’s pack, I’d end up in his bed as well. There’d be no chance in fighting it if I was with him day after day. Even now, I could feel myself swaying closer.
The sound of the door opening had me jumping back. It hit me that we’d been standing nearly on top of each other in front of the window.
“Is everything all right?” Duncan asked, his voice tight.
“Perfect,” Kicks said with a chilly smile. He strode toward the door, and I followed, my legs feeling unsteady, but not because of the ceremony.
Duncan didn’t look at me until we were back outside.
“Piper, are you ready?” he asked.
“She’s ready,” Kicks answered for me, as if Duncan had no right to address me directly.
“Now you’re her spokesman?” Duncan’s rising ire was palpable.
Kicks directed his attention to me, his tone softer as he said, “Pips, are you ready?”
“Yes. I’m ready,” I said, meeting his gaze with a confidence I didn’t have a few minutes ago.
