Stolen Kisses
+25 BONUS
(Amber’s POV)
As we exited the Howling River Restaurant, the cool night air felt rifreshing against my self–inflicted scratches Dominic kept a protective arth around my waist, his presence both comforting and imposing
Ryan approached us, his expression a mix of concemtandembarre kmetit “Amber, I’m so sorry about what happened in there. Shannon shouldn’t have
”
I cut him off with a wave of my hand. “Tin not the one who des is an apology, Ryan, Shannon is the one who caused all of this
My gaze drifted past him to where Shannon stood glaring atine, her cheek still red from my slap. Paige lingered behind her, eyes puffy from crying. My heart ached seeing my best friend so uplet
“Actually,” I said, straightening my posture despite the stinging or my face, “I think we should all go to Crescent Hospital together.”
Dominic’s arm tightened around me. “That’s not necessary. I can take you-
“No, I insist,” I said firmly. “Shannon’s injured too, after all.” I flashed a saccharine smile in her direction.
Shannon scotted. “You’re the one who attacked me!”
1 ignored her and turned to Ryan. “Let’s take your car. Dominic can drive, with you in the passenger seat. Paige, Shannon, and will sit in the back
Ryan blinked in confusion. “Why would we
“Because Shannon is hurt, and I’m hurt. I need my best friend’s support, and I have things to discuss with you. “I leaned closer to Ryan, lowering my voice. “Besides, Shannon is clearly a morally deviant person who doesn’t deserve to be in Alpha heir Dominic’s car. And with your fiancée and your so–called lover’s ex–girlfriend in the car, you certainly couldn’t concentrate on driving.
Ryan’s eyes widened, but he nodded slowly. “When you put it that way.
I glanced at Dominic, who looked both amused and impressed by my maneuvering. He gave me a subtle nod of approval
Shannon spat. “Let’s just get this over with.”
Once we were all settled in Ryan’s car–Dominic driving, Ryan beside him, and the three of us women in the back with me strategically placed between Paige and Shannon–I wasted no time launching my attack.
“So, Shannon,” I began sweetly, “did you or did you not show Paige a photo of you and Ryan together at the Wolf Moon Festival?
Shannon’s face contorted with anger. “I did not! You assaulted me for no reason!”
Itapped my chin thoughtfully. “You know, the hallway outside the lining room has security cameras. We could always ask to see the footage…..‘
Shannon’s face paled slightly. 1 had gambled correctly–elther she had tampered with the footage or simply knew it would reveal her lies.
may have shown her something,” Shannon admitted reluctantly. “But it wasn’t what you think ”
“So you admit you lied,” I pressed, feeling Paige stiften beside me.
“Shannon’s shoulders slumped in deleat. “Fine. I’m
I’m sorry, okay? I shouldn’t have done that.”
I smiled, a cold expression that didn’t reach my eyes. “Apology accepted.”
+25 BONUS
The car
fell into an uncomfortable silence. I counted to three hunded in my head–exactly five minutes–before speaking again.
“About that photo,” I said casually, addressing Ryan. “You’re a respected member of the Quinn family, Ryan. You’ve always been brave and outspoken”
I could see his eyes narrow in the rearview mirror.
“So tell me honestly,” I continued. “Were you with Shannon at the Wolf Moon Festival? Did you kiss her passionately as she claimed?
Ryan’s knuckles whitened as he gripped the door handle. Tcould almost see his thoughts racing he had only given Shannon a kiss on the cheek, but denying it might make her lose Lace,
He glanced in the rearview mirror, catching sight of Paige’s let pression. Something in him seemed to harden.
“No,” he said firmly. “I did not kiss Shammon passionately. As I said at the restaurant, I ran into her by coincidence. She asked for a hug because she was feeling lonely. I gave herone and a kiss on the cheek. That’s all.”
Shannon trembled beside me. “Iyan,” she called out, her voice beaking
He didn’t respond, staring straight ahead.
I couldn’t resist twisting the knife. “Oh, I see. So the photo was altered? You know, my Moonlight Photography studio offers excellent retouching services. We could give you a discount, Shannon, since you clearly need professional help with your photo editing skills,”
Shannon’s breathing became ragged with fury, but she remained silent, no doubt aware of Dominic’s presence in the car
For the rest of the drive, I continued my torment, offering Shannon detailed “advice” on photo editing techniques, suggesting filters that could make a friendly kiss look passionate, and recommending software that could blend images seamlessly.
By the time we reached Crescent Hospital, Shannon was practically vibrating with rage. As we exited the car, she finally exploded.
“How in the world can there be people like you?” she hissed. “You are unbelievable! Amber Chase, you’re fucking unbelievable!” I simply smiled, knowing I had thoroughly defeated her. She had severely underestimated me, and now she was paying the price. The hospital examination was brief. The doctor confirmed what already knew–my scratches were superficial and would heal quickly, Shannon’s injuries were even less severe, just a reddened cheek from my slap.
As we prepared to leave, I found myself hesitating. My protective instincts for Paige were still on high alert, and I wasn’t sure wanted to leave her alone with Ryan after everything that had happened.
Dominic noticed my hesitation. “We can drive you both back to your apartment,” he offered, his voice low and reassuring
Before I could respond, Paige stepped forward, her expression resolute. “Twe got this, Amber,” she said firmly. “You’ve done enough for me tonight. I’m going with Ryan”
Her eyes shone with determination. I recognized that look–she was going to confront him, force him to choose between her and Shannon once and for all.
1squeezed her hand. “Call me if you need anything.”
“I will,” she promised.
(Dominic’s POV)
Felix was waiting for us outside the hospital, the car idling smoothly at the curb. I opened the door for Amber, noting how she winced slightly as she slid into the backseat
“Take us to the riverside apartment, I instructed Felix, joining Aber in the back.
Stolen Kisses
+25 BONUS
As we pulled away from the hospital, I studied Amber’s profile in the dim light. The scratches on her face looked angry and red, though I knew they would heal quickly. Her expression was one of satisfaction mixed with exhaustion the aftermath of battle
That was quite a performance,” I remarked quietly.
Amber’s lips curved into a tired smile. “She deserved worse for what she did to Paige.”
I found myself admiring her loyalty. Few werewolves would go to such lengths for a friend, especially when it meant physically harming themselves to sell the deception.
“You’re bleeding again,” I noted, reaching into my pocket for a handkerchief.
She touched her cheek, looking surprised when her fingers came away with fresh blood. “It’s nothing”
Igently pressed the handkerchiet against the deepest scratch. “You shouldn’t have hurt yourself.”
sworth it,” she murmured, her eyelids growing heavy.
Within minutes, she had fallen asleep, her head lolling uncomfortably against the window. Without thinking, I carefully shified her onto my lap, cradling her head against my chest.
Felix’s eyes met mine briefly in the rearview mirror, but he wisely remained silent.
I gazed down at Amber’s sleeping form, taking in the delicate curve of her jaw, the fan of her eyelashes against her cheeks. Even with the scratches marring her skin, she was breathtaking,
Her fierce protection of those she cared about was both admirable and concerning. She seemed to have little regard for her own well–being when defending her friends. I wondered if she would ever direct that same fierce loyalty toward me.
The thought was unexpectedly appealing.
As we approached the riverside apartment, I found myself reluctant to wake her. She looked peaceful, the tension finally drained from her features. Without conscious thought, I lowered my head and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.
Her skin was warm and soft beneath my lips. I moved lower, placing another kiss on her temple, then her cheek, carefully avoiding the scratches.
When my lips hovered above hers, I hesitated. This felt like crossing a line, taking advantage of her vulnerable state. Yet t couldn’t deny the pull I felt toward her, the desire that had been buding since I first carried her from the restaurant.
Giving in to temptation, I closed the distance, pressing my lips gently against hers
(Amber’s POV)
I felt the warmth of Dominic’s lips against mine, though I kept my eyes closed, pretending to remain asleep. I had awakened when he first kissed my forehead, but curiosity about his intentions kept me still.
Now, as he kissed me properly, I fought the urge to respond. He had hinted at strengthening our relationship earlier, but I hadn’t expected him to be so eager, especially with Felix present.
I mentally called him an animal for taking advantage while I was supposedly unconscious. Yet I couldn’t deny the pleasurable wanath spreading through me at his touch
Through my lashes, I saw Felix glance in the rearview mirror. A moment later, the privacy divider slid up with a soft mechanical hum
