The Forgotten Heiress novel Chapter 23

He'd been seconds away from completely claiming her; moving his lips from her ear to her neck, when a horn blaring brought him back to his senses.

He had been about to claim his mate in the middle of the street.

It had been Axel who'd honked, pulling him back from the edge of insanity only to find that his little tigress was purring. The memory of the way she had leaned into him, silently asking for more of his caress had him smiling. He couldn't wait to explore her body in a more private setting.

He couldn't wait to discover all the places in her body that drove her wild.

He hadn't lied when he said that he didn't know how to do the sweet act. When he regained his bearings he'd felt like a fool, and his mind drew up blank every time he tried to come up with something nice to say.

He'd wanted to say something like: "I like you please let me follow you home, I just want to make sure you're safe."

Instead he took her backpack and promised not to peek. He'd seen the pain and humiliation in her eyes before she'd blinked them away and he'd felt so out of his comfort zone that he chose to ignore it.

"Hey, what's wrong?"

Nick looked up at Matt and for a moment wished he could be as carefree as him. Wished he could drop it all and walk away. But he couldn't because he'd made a promise.

Suddenly Nick's phone started ringing. Nick answered it and with every word from the caller they grew weary and tense. "I'll be there." Nick promised before hanging up.

"The council."

Nick nodded even though it wasn't a question. "I have to go." Nick rubbed his eyes with his index finger and thumb wearily. "You're in charge while I'm gone."

Matt nodded and thumped Nick in the back in reassurance. This hadn't been the first time he'd been summoned by the council and every time they'd manage to come up with one excuse after another to keep him with them for months. Because Nick needed their support, he had no other choice but to comply.

"Take care of Jessica. I want the best guards on her at all times. All other shifters are to keep their distance from her, I know they are anxious to be close to her but they will have to wait." Nick gave his orders as he pulled out his suitcase and started packing. His easy mood and camaraderie disappeared. He was no longer just the best friend from moments past but also the Alpha.

For the last couple of months she'd left a false trail, leading anyone interested in Jessica away from her. But that wasn't what filled her with doubt. She'd lost track of how many people she'd dispatched after they caught up to her.

They all thought she was Jessica and none of the came with good intentions.

Wondering how many did not fall for her ruse was what worried her.

The sudden knock at the door surprised her and dread settled in the pit of her stomach before an icy calm settled over her like a blanket. She wasn't expecting company and no one who mattered, knew she was here.

As quiet as can be she picked up her gun, silencer firmly in place, and aimed it at the door.

"Who is it?"