* * * *
She moved, a slight nod that rubbed her cheek against my chest. It was a pleasant way to wake up. She lifted her head, and I opened my eyes.
"It's annoying not being able to see you," she said softly as she propped herself up on her elbows to study me.
"If you don't talk, and I can't see your face, how am I ever supposed to figure out what you're thinking?"
She reached out to push my hair back, but I caught her wrist. She wouldn't like what she saw. I doubted the bruises had faded from last night.
"Seriously, Clay, what kind of bribe is it going to take for you to get rid of some of that hair?"
I bared my teeth, hoping my excuse would work this time, too.
"Can't we at least trim it back some?"
Her desire to look at me had me tugging her hand to my chest and laying it flat. I wanted her to see me, not just the outside but inside, too. My heart was hers. All that I was belonged to her.
She watched me with a slightly amused expression. Her tousled hair haloed her head in appealing disarray. Her lips parted, and my gaze drifted there. I could handle a thousand more challenges if only for one kiss.
Barely breathing, I lifted my free hand and tapped my mouth.
"What, you want me to be mute like you?"
She was killing me. I shook my head and reached out, cupping her jaw and lightly running my thumb over her bottom lip. My pulse thundered in my ears.
She froze, then her eyes widened. All trace of amusement fled her expression.
"Whoa!" she said as she flew from the bed, almost falling off it in her haste to put distance between us.
My hand slowly fell to the mattress. She didn't stop backing up until she hit the dresser, and then she clutched it as if she needed the support.
I saw her tremble and frowned. Had I misread our relationship? Did she truly not see me as a potential Mate? I waited. We watched each other. After a minute, she loosened her hold and nervously wiped her hand on her leg. I wished I knew what she was thinking.
As she continued to study me, her expression of fear melted away to one of slow amazement followed by a deep blush, which I found curious. Her amazement vanished and a sudden panicked look took its place. She was shifting through emotions too fast for me to understand. I'd thought the amazement and blush a good thing, but why had it caused her to panic?
Then her gaze drifted to my throat. I wanted to groan and close my eyes. Her reactions were confusing torment. Want me or don't, just decide soon.
She took several slow, deep breaths, wiped her hands on her pajamas again, then, finally she moved. She didn't flee the room, as I'd half-expected, but edged toward the bed. Her teeth caught her lower lip, making it hard for me to breathe.
"I have some questions before we talk about my bribe and your price."
What bribe? What price? I thought back to our conversation-her conversation-and realized she thought I wanted a kiss in exchange for trimming my hair.
She crawled back upon the bed and sat on her heels beside me. "Will you try to answer my questions?"
I waited, unsure of her questions.
"Are you able to physically speak?"
I nodded.
"Are you ever planning on talking to me?"
That question hinted at a long-term future. I smiled wide and nodded again.
"Clay," she said hesitantly, "were you asking for a kiss?"
I'd never wanted anything more. I nodded and reached out to twine my fingers with hers. She let me, and I ran my thumb over the skin of her hand.
"Clay, I can't even see your mouth to know where to kiss. I hope this bargain includes a shave."
My heart stopped. Was that a yes? I didn't move, afraid I was dreaming it.
She pulled her hand from mine so she could set both hands on my shoulders. I felt the slight tremble in her fingertips as she slowly leaned over me. Her nervousness almost blocked the scent of her anticipation. She closed her eyes a moment before her lips settled on me. She hovered there, lightly pressing her mouth against mine. I held still, wanting so much more and afraid to do something to scare her away.
She moved slighting, angling the chaste kiss as she reached up to gently brush her fingers along my face, exploring my forehead, ear, and jaw. I couldn't hold back. I tilted my head and started to nibble at her lips.
Her desire changed to panic, and I cursed myself as she pulled away and opened her eyes. Her shock and gasp made my heart sink.
Was she so afraid of a kiss?
"What happened?"
Her concern confused me.
"I thought werewolves weren't supposed to get hurt like this."
Crap. She'd moved my hair and was staring at my blackened face. Wait. Did that mean she hadn't minded the kiss, then? Before the thought could firmly settle in my mind, she bounded off the bed again.
"A deal's a deal. Go shower and shave. After you're done, we can play charades until I have the story behind the black eye."
Screw the black eye, I wanted her back on the bed.
"That or I call Sam."
I ran my hand through my hair in frustration, then sighed and sat up. The mood was obviously broken.
Swinging my feet over the bed, I turned away from her, ready to go take a cold shower when she came rushing over to me again. I didn't stand. She'd be able to reach my lips easier this way. Only she didn't rush to my front. She reached around me and tugged up my shirt. Somehow, I doubted her actions related to continuing our kiss.
"What happened?" she asked again, sounding really upset this time. She nudged my arm away from my side and leaned closer to inspect the bruises there. I held still, liking it when she ran gentle fingers over the marks.
"This is really scaring me, Clay. I thought werewolves were supposed to be this tough, nearly indestructible, race."
I fought three wolves, one right after the other. How tough did she need me?
"Is this why you were gone last night when I came home?"
She sounded sad and mad at the same time. I didn't think there was any correct answer so I remained silent. As usual.
"Fine."
She turned to leave, obviously angry, but I caught her wrist and gently tugged her to my side. I brought her hand to my mouth and kissed the back of it and then her knuckles, unwilling to let her leave angry. I knew I'd won when she brushed her fingers through my hair.
"I've lost everyone that's ever really mattered to me. I thought caring about a werewolf would be safer," she said softly.
I looked up, my heart breaking for the lonely woman reflected in her gaze. Then I pulled her into my arms. She'd never be lonely again. I wouldn't leave her, no matter what.
Eventually, she pulled away and mumbled something about making breakfast. She fled the room, leaving me to my thoughts as she cooked. I would have joined her, but I knew Rachel was still home.
Gabby cared for me. Her own words. But caring wasn't love. Though I'd happily take any form of affection she'd willingly give, I knew caring wouldn't be enough of a bond to stop the challengers.
Would it be enough to ask her to complete the Claim?