Alpha Kane

I wasn’t at all happy about the decision to take Zara back to my place. She was safe with me, but what choice did I have?

How would she explain why she was staying with her Alpha boss instead of her own?

This prospect not only ruined my mood, but also upset me...

LOADED?

I never had to say that word.

But now, seeing her reaction, I realized she wasn’t happy about her return either.

"Changed your mind?" I grabbed her sullen face and said selfishly. "Let’s go back."

She snorted sadly at my words. I could see in her eyes that she wanted it. "I’d like to, but you know I can’t. At least not until my family returns."

She was right, but how could I possibly spend so many days without her oppressive presence?

"Hungry? I’m desperate for some soup. Would you like some?" she asked, turning away and dismissing me. She headed for the kitchen.

The soup was healthy; I would never refuse it.

"We could buy it on the way," I said, not wanting her to cook after a tiring day.

"No, I feel like cooking today."

"Then let me help." I took off my coat, hung it over the back of a chair, and followed her into the kitchen.

She grabbed her apron from the hook and hung it around her waist. She picked up her beautiful hair and pulled it tightly into a bun.

"Do you know how to cook?" she asked, glancing sideways at me as I searched the kitchen for another apron.

"A little, yes."

She opened the drawer, pulled out another apron with bloody strawberries stuck to it, and handed it to me. Of course! I swear she did it on purpose every time.

I silently accepted it and put it on, looking like I was about to film a flirtatious baking scene in a romance novel. Even the strawberries seemed to have shrunk in size compared to my body.

Zara handed me the knife, then stepped back to fully embrace me, resting her chin on her hand, as if deep in thought.

I narrowed my eyes, wondering what she was about to say.

"You look resplendent, like a warrior ready to go to war with fruits and vegetables," she said mischievously and with her usual wink.

I shook my head and wielded the knife like a true champion. "Who should I kill first?"

"Vegetables for the soup." Heading into the kitchen, she began taking out leeks and green onions.

I wasn’t a novice; I’d cooked with my mother many times. So I got to work.

Zara busied herself with preparing the chicken and broth.

"Put on your gloves, Zara. I don’t want your hands to hurt from any spices," I said firmly as she reached for the spice box.

She turned her head toward me, awe etched in her ocean-blue eyes. She smiled slowly, a teasing expression playing across her face.

"Okay." She didn’t even resist, as usual, and grabbed a pair of kitchen gloves from the compartment before putting them on.

The warm light accentuated the curve of her neck, and the urge to wrap my arms around her waist and kiss those perfect curves was irresistible.

My mouth watered more from watching her cook than from the enticing aromas wafting from the kitchen.

We made soup together. She scooped up some broth and let me try it. It wasn’t exactly something I’d eat, but I’d drink even plain spiced water from her hands.

"Delicious," I replied. She nodded with a warm smile, pleased that I liked it. Taking the chopped vegetables, she added them to the broth and stirred slowly.

I put my knife down and leaned against the counter, watching her cook.

Soon she added cornstarch to thicken the soup, then beaten eggs. Sprinkling it with nuts, I made this delicious soup.

"Go wash your hands, and I’ll serve you," she said, reaching for the ladle.

Unable to contain myself any longer, I wrapped my arms around her waist, drawing her beautiful curves close to me. Instead of tensing or pushing me away, her body pressed against mine like molten wax.

Hot and soft.

Pressing my lips to the spot where her neck met her shoulders, I whispered warmly. "Thank you for cooking."

She arched her neck slightly so my lips could cover the entire spot. Her sweet scent was intoxicating, and I didn’t want to move, only to kiss and devour her like this.

"Thank you for coming with me. Now go, or you’ll get cold."

Reluctantly and against my will, I had to let her go and remove my apron before heading to the guest room. The apartment was now quite warm.

Going into the bathroom, I freshened up and took a clean towel from the closet to dry myself.

I left the room and was greeted by the warm aroma of soup. Winter smells always brought back pleasant memories. I approached the table, where Zara was waiting with two bowls of soup.

"I gave Kaysir his share. Let’s begin," she said with such a warm smile that my heart fluttered in my chest.

Sitting down across from her, I took a napkin and spread it across my legs. Taking a soup spoon, I filled it. Smoky threads rose like a stream.

To my surprise, she leaned over and quietly sipped.

She blew on my spoon.

"Like this."

Before she could pull away, I grabbed her chin.

"Not so fast, Blue Rose," I said with a smirk, and excitement sparkled in her sky-blue eyes.

Mischievous, she did it deliberately to tease me. Lifting the spoon, I emptied her mouth, never breaking my provocative gaze.

She didn’t hesitate for a second or pull away. Invading her personal space, I slowly connected my lips with hers and began feeding her the soup.

The best way to eat soup in my life.

***

Zara

First, brandy, now soup, Alpha Kane took it to a whole new level. I won’t lie, but this was exactly the kind of sensation I’d been missing in my life. And with every intimate act, Alpha made me fall deeper in love with him.

The hot soup slowly trickled down my throat, mingling with his taste; it was divine.

"Even better from your lips, Blue Rose." Alpha Kane winked, pulling away slightly and stroking my cheek with his rough thumb.

Every part of me burned, and I wanted to jump into his lap. His inky black eyes, gliding over me, spread heat throughout my body.

I didn’t need soup or warm clothes; his fiery gaze was enough.

’Will he pin us to the table if we simply kiss his desired lips?’ Nova rolled her eyes.

Twisted questions swirled in Nova’s head. ’Don’t. ’Behave.’ I had to remind Nova and suppress the urge.