The Alpha novel Chapter 17

Scarlet's POV

Later that night I get home and find Ethan in his home office, completely focused on whatever he is working on. I lightly tap on the open door, alerting him to my presence. His head quickly snaps up and when he sees it's me his face breaks into a grin. "Hey beautiful," he says as he rises from his seat and strolls over to me. He wraps his arms around me and pulls me to him, pressing a sweet kiss to my forehead. "How was your day?"

"It was amazing. Thank you for finally letting me go back to the shelter," I reply as I place my hands on his neck, my thumb lightly stroking his jaw. He grabs my hand and nuzzles into it before turning it to kiss the heel of my palm. My heart flutters inside my chest and I must admit that I really like his affectionate side. My wolf purrs, clearly she likes it too.

"You're welcome. I know it may not have always seemed like it, but I just want you to be happy Scarlet," he insists as he gazes into my eyes, his fingers lightly stroking my back as he continues to hold me as though he never wants to let me go.

I bite my lip shyly as I stare into his stunning blue eyes, debating on how I want to respond. "Well... do you know what would make me happy now?"

His smile widens at my teasing. "I don't... but I look forward to you telling me."

"I think we should play a game."

"A game? What kind of game?"

I grin mischievously back at him. "I saw a pool table in the media room. I was thinking that for every ball I get in the pocket I get to ask you a question about yourself and you have to answer it honestly and vice versa."

The smile he gives me causes warmth to spread through my body like it has been ignited. I can't help but wonder if my feelings for him are because of the mate bond or if I would feel this way about him regardless. There is no denying that he is utterly gorgeous with his perfectly sculpted muscles, tall stature, azure eyes, and dark hair. I would certainly be attracted to him regardless. I don't know how any woman would not be drawn to this Adonis. He's like a work of art. His facial hair that is just slightly more than a five-o'clock shadow gives him a somewhat rugged look but the rest of him is always so put together and intimidating. He has an air of mystery about him that makes you want to be the one to discover all his secrets. But that smile... Goddess, it could melt the Antarctic. It almost seems to make him a totally different person, one who is fun and carefree.