66
Ember POV
I leave the store, the door swinging shut behind me with a soft creak. The firelight from the festival outside casts long shadows on the street.
Before I can take another step, strong arms wrap around my waist from behind, pulling me back into a solid chest.
"Thank you," Kellan murmurs against my ear, his voice low, warm, rough with affection.
I melt into his arms with a soft sigh, my tension finally slipping away. Stars, I'm hopeless—just a single touch from this man and I'm swooning like some lovesick pup.
"Ease-dropping? Not very dignified of the Alpha Prime," I say, turning in his embrace to face him, arching a brow.
He chuckles, that deep rumble I love, and pulls me tighter against his chest. I can hear the steady thump of his heart under my ear, grounding me.
"I was serious, though," I murmur, voice muffled against his bare chest. "If he hurts my baby again, I will gut him."