Chapter 5: The Wedding Quilt and the Dare

Eli, though, insisted on doing things right.

He marched us down to the county office, paperwork in hand, determined to make everything official. He even bought me a bouquet of wildflowers from the roadside stand. Guess that’s romance, country-style.

After a simple wedding at the county office, he led me into a hastily decorated bedroom.

There were streamers taped to the headboard and a single candle flickering on the nightstand. It was nothing like the weddings I’d dreamed of as a girl, but it was ours.

He lifted my veil, his face calm as ever. Then he picked up a quilt and spread it on the floor.

His movements were careful, almost reverent. He smoothed the quilt with practiced hands, making sure every corner was tucked in just right. He took his time.

“I’ll sleep down here. You take the bed.”

His voice was gentle, no hint of resentment. He looked up at me, waiting for my approval.

In a crisp white shirt, he looked even broader.

The fabric stretched across his shoulders, and I couldn’t help but notice the way his muscles flexed as he moved. My breath caught in my throat.

I bit my lip, feeling a flush heat my skin.

I turned away, hoping he wouldn’t notice. My hands fidgeted with the edge of the comforter, nerves buzzing beneath my skin.

Just then, as if on cue, the floating words changed again.

[The side character is clueless—the werewolf still likes her.]

[She ruined things herself, sneaking around and making the werewolf lose interest.]

[A man should be strong! What was she thinking, chasing after some pretty boy?]

[Go for it, girl—your man’s ready and waiting.]

The voices grew louder, egging me on. I squeezed my eyes shut, wishing I could block them out. But their words burrowed under my skin, impossible to ignore.

The suggestive words echoed, leaving me stunned on the bed.

I stared at the ceiling, heart racing. The candle cast shadows on the walls, flickering with every breath I took.

The candle flickered and popped. Eli hugged the quilt, ready to sleep on the floor, fully dressed.

He looked uncomfortable, shoulders hunched, as if he was bracing for something. Didn’t blame him. I could hear the faint sounds of laughter drifting in from the backyard, the scent of barbecue lingering in the air.

Someone was strumming a guitar, and the voices rose in a chorus of old country songs. The world outside felt far away, almost unreal.

[Don’t get any ideas—the werewolf is saving himself for the main girl.]

[Exactly. He’s pure-hearted and only loves one woman.]

The voices were relentless, picking at my insecurities. I clenched my fists, determined not to let them get the better of me.

Unwilling to give up, I knelt down and grabbed his hand, placing it at my collarbone.

My skin tingled where his fingers touched, and I looked up at him, eyes wide and pleading. The air felt charged, like a summer storm about to break.

“Honey, am I pretty?”

The words slipped out before I could stop them. I held my breath, waiting for his reaction.

In the flickering candlelight, my heart pounded.

The shadows danced across his face, highlighting the sharp lines of his jaw. For a second, I forgot to breathe.

Eli was startled by my boldness, his face going red in an instant. Like he’d touched fire, he yanked his hand back so fast he popped a button at my collar.

The sound was loud in the quiet room, and I gasped as cool air brushed against my skin. Eli’s eyes widened, and he looked away, embarrassed.

My pale skin was exposed to the air, and Eli’s face flushed even deeper. I felt stripped bare, nerves buzzing just beneath the surface.

He stammered something unintelligible, cheeks burning. I bit back a smile, enjoying the effect I had on him.

[Stop teasing the werewolf—he really won’t be able to sleep.]

The words made me bolder, and I let my fingers trace the edge of my camisole, daring him to look.

I swallowed, my fingertips brushing over my chest. The man beside me trembled. I could feel the tension radiating off him.

[She’s so thirsty—if you don’t like him, stop stringing him along.]

[Don’t worry, she’s just pretending to be proper. Saving herself for some city pretty boy?]

The accusations stung, but I ignored them. I knew what I wanted, and for once, I wasn’t going to let anyone shame me for it.

The voices grew more and more dissatisfied with me. Their complaints just made me more stubborn.

Their disapproval only fueled my resolve. I met Eli’s gaze, daring him to make the next move.

With desire flooding through me, I steeled myself and let my camisole slip off my shoulders.

The fabric slid down, baring my skin to the cool night air. I shivered, but not from cold.

“Honey, with a wife this pretty, how could you not like me?”

My voice was low, almost a purr. I leaned in, close enough to feel his breath on my cheek.

As the lace fell away, Eli’s gaze darkened.

His pupils dilated, and his jaw clenched. He looked at me like he was starving, and I reveled in the power I held over him.

His Adam’s apple bobbed. The tension between us was electric. I threw myself into his arms.

He caught me easily, his hands strong and steady. I pressed my lips to his neck, feeling his pulse race beneath my touch.

“Honey, kiss me, won’t you?”

The words were a challenge, and I saw the moment he decided to give in. His lips crashed against mine, hungry and desperate.

My fingers lingered on his skin, and his eyes went dark. The heat between us was almost unbearable.

I traced the lines of his muscles, marveling at the strength beneath my hands. He groaned, deep and rough, and I knew I’d finally broken through his reserve.

In a dizzying instant, he pinned me beneath him.

His weight pressed me into the mattress, and I arched beneath him, wanting more. The world narrowed to the heat of his body, the sound of his breath in my ear.

“Are you sure you want this?”

His voice was hoarse, almost pleading. I nodded, pulling him closer, and he didn’t hesitate any longer.