Chapter 31 Could

• I leaned against his chest as we walked toward the bed. The last two years with Shane had been the best time of my life. He slipped into my room when the sun set and left before it rose. We had a way of doing things and it worked well for us. I wished I could be open with him. I wish I could walk out into the world with him, out into the pack with him holding his hand but that wasn’t in the stars for us. Not yet. It pained me to see him outside of these walls and act as if we were mere acquaintances but at night, he held my body and soul. Shane put me down on the bed and climbed in next to me. He leaned over and blew out the candle. I fought the surge of emotion that threatened to bring tears to my eyes. I wanted so much for us. I wanted, always wanted. It felt like that was all I ever had on my mind. Want. I buried my face into Shane’s chest. I wish I could stay here forever. Shane held me close, as if he were afraid I’d disappear if he didn’t.
• “Is something bothering you?” I asked. Shane tensed but didn’t say anything right away.
• “No,” he whispered.