ALPHA ZANE

Her back was pressed against my chest, my hands splayed across her stomach, holding her steady. I could feel the warmth of her body through the thin fabric of her dress. Could feel the way she was trembling slightly, whether from fear or something else I couldn't tell.

"Careful," I murmured, my lips close to her ear. "Wouldn't want you to hurt yourself."

She went completely still in my arms. I could feel her heart racing, could hear the way her breathing had quickened. For a long moment, neither of us moved.

Then slowly, very slowly, she turned her head to look at me over her shoulder. Her...