Alpha's Vet

Shivers

Chapter 16 – Shivers

Lara POV

My whole body was alive from that kiss; it felt as if the earth had shifted beneath me. Everything was moving too fast, but my heart refused to listen to my head. This felt right, as though I’d been waiting for him my entire life, even if I’d never met him before. It felt like he was the missing part of my soul. Luckily, he couldn’t read my thoughts—or he would be running for the hills.

The water was starting to get cold, but I didn’t care. I just wanted to stay in this bubble forever. I wanted to freeze this moment in time, hold onto it, let nothing else matter.

Unfortunately, my body disagreed with my heart.

Shivers started running through me. Damn it. I just wanted to stay here a little longer. Why couldn’t my body cooperate? The shaking intensified, and I was certain he must be feeling it too.

Lucas POV

I felt her shiver before she said a word. f**k, she’s freezing. We need to get out. I grabbed her hand, leading us toward the shore, refusing to let go.

By the time we reached solid ground, her small frame was trembling. Lex was irritated, growling in my mind, You’re not protecting our mate. I will keep her warm better! As a wolf shifter, I rarely felt cold—the adrenaline in my veins usually shielded me—but she was different.

I folded her tiny body into my chest. She fit perfectly, fragile and delicate like a caterpillar cocooned in a leaf. I worried I’d crush her if I held her too tightly. What if I fail her? She’s too small to protect herself fully.

I lay her down on the blanket Jacqui had left out. My hands moved over her, warming her with slow, firm strokes. I’d been tense all morning, my body straining with desire since that kiss—and Lex was restless too. The bond between us was tightening; the pull growing stronger with every second.

Within minutes, she relaxed, sinking into sleep.

“She likes sleeping,” Lex murmured.

I chuckled softly. “I’ve noticed. But she hasn’t had much rest in weeks. Roxy said she’s always working, studying… constantly busy. This is probably the longest she’s gone without doing anything. She needs it.”

There’s work I should be doing, meetings and calls, but none of it matters right now. My attention is fully on her. My hands move as if on their own, tracing her neck and shoulders. I want to touch her all over, but I know it’s too soon. She would freak if she woke up to this.

I didn’t realize Lex had slinked behind us until he growled, restless and frustrated. I instantly rolled over her, my body shielding hers.

“Sorry, Alpha. I didn’t mean to interrupt,” muttered the young wolf pup who’d been nearby earlier. My body tensed instantly—if he stepped closer, I wouldn’t stop myself from tearing him apart.

“What?” I growled, every ounce of my Alpha authority in the word. He dropped to his knees immediately.

“Soo…rry, my Alp…Alpha,” he stammered.

“You have thirty seconds to explain yourself, or I’ll rip your throat out,” I barked.

“I… I mean no disrespect, sir. I just… came back for my phone,” he stuttered.

“Get it and go.” My anger wasn’t just at him—it was at myself. If he could sneak up on us, rogues like Roques could have too. They would have died, and my Luna could have been hurt. This is a wake-up call. I need to deal with the rogues—fast.

I couldn’t wake my sleeping beauty. So I did the next best thing: I scooped her up and carried her home.

Eric had moved the fold-up couch into my study. She could stay with me while I worked, safe, nearby. I’ll also arrange a way for her to continue her schooling here—there’s no way I can let her be around a bunch of men who might glance at what’s mine. I growl at the thought. She stirs slightly, probably sensing my tension.

“Shh, my love. Sleep. We’ll talk later,” I whisper, unsure if I’m comforting her or myself.

We reach home in record time. I place her on the couch, covering her with one of my jackets—not just for warmth, but so my scent surrounds her. Everyone will know she belongs to me.

I know soon I’ll have to claim her completely. If I don’t, I might lose control. But for now, I have work to do.