Chapter 16

Carter and I didn’t speak until we got into his truck. The rich leather scent was almost masked by Carter’s masculine one and it instantly made me feel safer and more calm. Carter was breathing heavily, his canines were still poking out of his lip, his eyes still golden. At least the fur sprouting on the back of his neck had ceased but it seemed Carter was on the very edge of losing control.

By pure instinct alone, I grabbed his hand and brought it to my chest, placing it right over my heart as I took deep exaggerated breaths.

“Breathe with me, Carter.” I demonstrated once more. His face stayed forward but he side eyed me and attempted to copy my breathing.

It took several minutes but eventually his body seemed to release its tension. When this happened, Carter closed his eyes and sighed, keeping his hand on my heart.

“You know…” he whispered breathlessly. “If I move my hand down slightly I’ll be grabbing your breast.”

He and I both chuckled, the tension shattering like glass. When