Page 11

Chapter Ten

Stone

The hours passed like minutes. We watched a marathon of classic holiday comedies and ate two rounds of Chinese food. All the while, I couldn’t help but think that I was the luckiest man alive. I had never been so content to sit around on my ass all day.

Looking down at her sleeping form, curled into me, my heart was full.

I didn’t know how or when, but she’d captured my heart and filled it to the brim with joy.

I was the happiest I’d ever been, even while sick, and it was because of her.

I never wanted to lose her. Hell, I didn’t even want to let her go now, and she’d been asleep for half an hour already.

The tickle in my throat worked into a cough. I cringed inside, holding as steady as possible, trying not to jostle her. My throat screamed with irritation. I couldn’t wait for this cold to be gone. I had so much more to look forward to with her when it was.

Gently scooping her into my arms, I stood and carried her to my room.

I’d always liked bigger women, probably because they were nearly non-existent in the were community.

Our metabolism didn’t allow for it. It took an average of a thousand calories merely to shift into our other form and another thousand to turn back.

From a psychology perspective, it was more likely because I wanted someone who was the opposite of my mother. She was nice, but far from nurturing.

I could tell, just in how she was with me today, that Lora wouldn’t be like that.

She accepted every hug, didn’t shy away when I coughed or my snot ran, and, on several occasions, she reminded me to drink more fluids, to ensure I stayed hydrated.

I’m pretty sure she would have done more than that if I let her, but it was bad enough that being sick prevented me from taking her on a proper date.

I definitely owed her one when this crud ran its course.

Shifting her weight, I pulled back the covers and laid her down. She looked like my dream version of Sleeping Beauty: plush, curvy, soft and utterly breathtaking.

Dammit . Covering her full figure, I rushed to the kitchen. Snatching a napkin from the drawer on the island, I blew my nose. Why couldn’t weres be immune like the books made us out to be?

Opening the upper corner cabinet, I grabbed my meds. I hated taking them but I was desperate. Downing my doses with a glass of water, I washed my hands at the same time as the cup and put it away, not bothering to dry it.

Abruptly my bear rose up, roaring at me. He’d been nudging me randomly throughout the day, wanting his freedom.

But I refused to give it to him. Not while she was here. I couldn’t risk it.

That didn’t stop him from trying, repeatedly.

I felt the familiar burn in my muscles as he fought to break free. Gripping the edge of the counter, I rebuffed, growling back at him, dominating the unruly animal until he submitted, if only temporarily.

He felt the same as I did. He wasn’t immune to the aches in my body that came with illness, but, for some reason, he wanted to pester me.

Giving one last warning snarl, I shoved away from the counter and headed back to her. I hadn’t expected her to stay the night, but I damn sure wasn’t about to wake her up. Because it would be cruel. And because I was a selfish prick.

I didn’t want to let her go yet. I wanted her for as long as I could have her. And, after today, I was hoping that would be for eternity.