Page 33 of Gold Sector

Only, a strange thing happens. The expected sensation of dread never comes. Instead, I feel something else entirely.

A hint of unease, perhaps? The subtle churn deep inside?

Except it’s not very unpleasant. It’s… it’s welcome. Warm.Enticing.

“If you prefer, I can keep my pants on,” he tells me. “But most shifters don’t mind nudity. So I just assumed…”

I nod. “It’s… it’s fine. But Doctor Taylor said I’m not allowed to shift.” Something I’m eternally grateful for now because it means I have a reason not to reveal my wolf.

“Oh? Did she say why?” he asks, his hands still on my hips.

“Um, yes. She said it might cause me to go into heat. So she advised me not to shift until I have a plan in place for that.” My cheeks burn with the admission.

Not only is it embarrassing, but it also somewhat links back to the suppressants.

And while Taylor didn’t seem to think it was a big deal, I’m sure this Alpha would disagree. All Alphas would.

“Mmm, and did you discuss potential plans?” His voice lowers an octave with that question, his thumbs suddenly burning me through the thin fabric of my dress.

“We discussed options,” I admit, my voice breathier than intended.

He nods. “Good.” He draws a circle against my hip.

I stare up into his gold eyes. “Why?”

“Because consent matters here.” He tugs on my dress. “Now, will you let me take care of you? Or would you prefer to shower alone?”

“I have a choice?”

A serious expression overcomes his handsome features, and he releases me. “Always.”

“Okay.” I study him for a beat. “I… I want to know what you mean by taking care of me. Show me.”

Because I want to trust him. Even if I can’t have him.

Once he realizes I’m a wolf, he probably won’t want me.

But I want to experience what it’s like to be a desirable Omega. A true Drakonian.

Oros says nothing, just reaches for me again. Except this time he takes hold of my dress and slowly drawsit upward.

It’s intimate.

Unexpected.

Arousing.

It’s particularly erotic because he’s holding my gaze the whole time. At least until the fabric moves over my head. But as he drops the garment to the ground, his focus is still on my face, his golden eyes swirling with heat. “Still okay?” he asks me.

I nod.

“Good. Now go stand under the water. I’ll join you in a moment.”

My feet move on autopilot, my body seeming to bend to his every command.

I’m not bothered by it, though. I rather like the relief I feel being under his control. Like I’m safe to just… exist. To simplybreathe.

My wolf likes him. Perhaps a bit too much. Because there’s no part of me that feels uneasy in his presence. It’s all so natural. Soright.