Chapter 34: Raw

Tears flowed down my face before I realized I had even started to cry. I released the broken glass from my death grip. Michael took it from my hand and pulled my hand closer to him. He began pulling the glass from my bleeding palm.

I didn't want to look at his face. I felt stupid for not controlling my emotions. I also felt immense regret for ruining dinner and scaring the others away. "I'm sorry", I said in an uncontrollable sob.

Michael pulled the last piece of glass from my hand and stood. He hugged my body close to his chest. I wrapped my arms around his torso shakily. Why was I always crying around this man? His touch was soft and warm as he rubbed my back slowly.

I felt Michael's influence pushing at my wolf and I. Michael was using his alpha abilities to control what I was feeling. I opened myself up to his connection and calm washed over me like a cold refreshing shower. I sucked in a breath and my tears slowed. If I had not been so stuck inside my head then I could have let Michael in sooner and saved myself from such guilt.

He kneeled down and took my face in his hands. I could now see the fear in his eyes and I felt even worse about my breakdown. He said softly, "Please do not cry Little Wolf". The tears that ceased now threatened to start again but I swallowed hard and forced them away. "I ruined dinner", I said regretfully.

Michael brushed his thumbs under my eyes wiping away the last tears and then leaned in close. "It was just dinner. We have them every night.", he said nonchalantly. I knew he was just trying to make me feel better and it did help. He then continued, "No one is upset with you either, just worried. We all care about you.". I had a hard time believing Eric would even bat an eye if I left forever, but I kept silent. I was unsure of if James cared now too, but my mind was still raw from the breakdown and I kept my thoughts from going in that direction again.

Michaels face was so close to mine and my eyes wandered to his lips. They looked soft and inviting. I bet he was sweet like honey suckles in the middle of summer. My wolf pressed closer begging me to kiss him. He leaned closer as I did and his lips were as soft as velvet when we finally collided. This kiss was not sexual in nature but kind and caring. I could almost feel the affection rolling off of him in waves. This felt pure and innocent, completely different then my experience with James.