His new stepsister His biggest threat (Claire and Elijah) novel Chapter 55

**Betrayal Births by Joseph King**
**Chapter 55**

**Claire’s POV**

“You two are actually managing to exist in the same room without tearing each other apart,” she quipped, a playful lilt dancing in her voice. “I was starting to think that peace was an unattainable dream for you both.”

Elijah shifted uncomfortably, a fleeting tension tightening his jaw, but he chose to remain silent. I could feel the subtle retreat of his wolf, yet it still reached out toward mine, a warm and restless presence nestled deep within my chest. A faint smile broke free on my lips as I glanced at Mom, grateful for her timely intervention. If anyone were to stumble upon the electric moment we had just shared…

“He got hurt,” I said, gesturing toward the bandage that encircled his ribs, resembling a makeshift armor. “I was just lending a hand.”

Mom’s smile widened, her eyes shimmering with maternal pride that made my heart swell. “It’s truly heartwarming to witness the two of you caring for one another,” she remarked, stepping closer to us. “I couldn’t be prouder.”

“I’m fine,” Elijah interjected, his voice low and edged with a barely suppressed growl. He rose slowly, wincing as he moved, his fingers brushing against the bandage. My wolf stirred within me, responding to his discomfort, urging me to close the distance between us.

Mom nodded, her gaze warm yet filled with concern. “You certainly don’t look fine, Elijah. But it’s reassuring to know Claire is keeping an eye on you.” Her attention turned to me, her expression softening. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”

“Yeah,” I replied, my voice quivering slightly. The places where Elijah’s hands had touched me still tingled, and my wolf paced anxiously, her energy pulling at me, even with Mom standing nearby.

With a cheerful demeanor, she made her way toward the kitchen. “I’ll brew some tea. You two must be exhausted after everything that’s happened.”

As she turned to the counter, Elijah’s gaze locked onto mine once more. The air thickened, charged with an electric tension as our wolves circled each other, sensing the invisible thread that bound us together.

He stepped closer, the heat radiating from his body brushing against my skin, and I felt my breath hitch in my throat. His fingers lightly grazed my wrist, a deliberate touch that sent a jolt of electricity racing through my body.

“We’re not done,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, yet it resonated deeply within me, igniting a fire I couldn’t ignore.

I nodded, my throat constricted, the words lodged there as if they were too heavy to voice. My fingers brushed against his chest, feeling the warmth of his skin and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath. His hand found its way to my lower back, pulling me gently against him, his touch firm yet tender. My hands instinctively moved to his neck, my fingers weaving into his hair, drawing forth a soft groan from him—a sound that vibrated through me, prompting my wolf to growl in response.

His lips brushed against my jawline, slow and intentional, trailing down to the corner of my mouth. I tilted my head, my breath becoming uneven, and then his lips found mine again, the kiss deepening, filled with an insatiable hunger that left me breathless.

His hands roamed freely—one gripping my hip, fingers pressing into my skin, while the other slid up my back, pulling me closer still. My wolf howled, a primal pulse of need coursing through me.

It didn’t matter that Mom was merely twenty feet away, blissfully unaware of the moment unfolding between us.

Our wolves had taken complete control, and there was no turning back.

I pressed myself against him, my thighs brushing against his, my fingers tightening in his hair as he let out another low, rough groan, the sound igniting a fire within me.

Then, without warning, the sudden clatter of a teacup hitting the counter shattered the moment. We sprang apart as if caught in a forbidden act, and Elijah ran a hand through his tousled hair, his eyes glowing with a fierce golden hue that sent shivers down my spine.

In an instant, a wave of guilt crashed over me, filling my chest with a heavy weight. What was I doing?

What were we doing?

Oh heavens.

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