Chapter 9: A Thank You, and an Unfinished Night

I couldn’t explain, so I just stammered and muddled through.

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I kissed his lips, his chin, his Adam’s apple.

I wanted to kiss him until he was dizzy with desire and forgot all about my tail.

Caleb really took the bait, hugging me and pulling me tightly into his arms.

Responding even more passionately.

Until twenty minutes later.

"Caleb... that’s enough."

"Enough, my head is spinning."

"Really, that’s enough, I’ve had enough, please stop, okay?"

The tail had disappeared, and my ears were calm again.

I tried to push him away.

I wanted to hurry back to the dorm.

Take a shower, change clothes.

Everything—inside and out.

I was so uncomfortable, so tight, I felt like I was about to explode.

"Um, thank you so much for earlier."

I held my aching chest and bowed to him. I bowed, then cringed—who even bows in real life? I tried to play it off with a sheepish smile, but my face was on fire.

"It’s getting late, I have an early class tomorrow, I’ll head up first."

I finished and was about to slip away.

Caleb grabbed my wrist.

"You’re just going to leave like this?" His voice was low, almost uncertain, like he wasn’t sure if he wanted me to stay or just didn’t know how to let go.

I looked at him in surprise. "Do you need something?"

"You got your pleasure, but I haven’t yet." Caleb’s voice was hoarse, incredibly seductive.

"So what do we do?"

"What do you think?"

I thought seriously.

Mom said that in the first six months after awakening,

we go into heat every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

We need a fixed partner.

I pursed my lips and looked at Caleb.

I couldn’t imagine a more suitable man than him.

"Then, shall we meet again at this time tomorrow?"

Caleb studied me for a moment before nodding. "Okay. Tomorrow night. Don’t be late."

He let go of my wrist, but our hands lingered for a moment too long, fingertips brushing. As I turned to leave, I could still feel the heat from his palm burning into my skin.