The morning fog still clung to the trees like a veil when Kane stepped outside.
He didn't dress for the cold he never did. A simple black T-shirt and jeans were enough. His body ran hot, his blood always stirred just beneath the surface. He stretched once on the porch, slow and powerful, muscles flexing beneath his skin like coiled steel.
He hadn't stopped thinking about Alice.
Not the kiss.
Not her scent.
Not the way she'd whispered "I wanted it" like it meant more than just one moment.
But even as her image burned in his head, Kane knew something else.
That was only the beginning.
He stepped off the porch and moved toward the edge of the forest. He didn't need to run, but he wanted to. His muscles begged for movement. His instincts were awake now sharpened, restless.
That's when he smelled her.
Not Alice.
This was different stronger. Sharper.
Rosalie.
She stepped out from between the trees like a shadow given form flawless, golden-eyed, proud. Her arms were crossed, but her posture wasn't closed. She was waiting.
"Didn't think I'd see you this early," Kane said, stopping a few feet from her.
Rosalie looked him up and down, slowly. "Didn't think you'd be out here looking like a poster boy for danger."
Kane smirked. "You looking for danger, Rosalie?"
"I'm looking for answers," she replied.
He tilted his head. "To what?"
She stepped closer. "To why I can't stop thinking about someone I don't even trust."
Kane's smirk didn't fade. "Maybe trust isn't the point."
Rosalie narrowed her eyes. "Alice said you kissed her."
"She kissed me," Kane corrected. "I just didn't stop her."
"Why not?"
"Because I didn't want to."
Rosalie stood in front of him now, barely inches between them. "And what would you have done if it was me?"
Kane's gaze darkened just slightly. "Why don't you find out?"
That made her pause.
Not because she was shocked but because she was tempted.
She reached out slowly, letting her fingers trail across his forearm cool skin against searing warmth.
"You're holding back," she whispered. "I can feel it in you. Power like a storm waiting to hit."
Kane leaned down just slightly, his voice low and rough. "And that scares you?"
"No," she said. "It excites me."
Her lips were close now. Not quite touching. Not yet.
"But don't think I'm like Alice," she said. "I won't fall easy."
"I don't want easy," Kane growled.
Then, with a grin, he turned his head slightly and stepped back.
Rosalie blinked.
He didn't kiss her.
He could have.
He wanted to.
But he didn't.
"What are you playing at?" she asked, her voice a little too sharp.
"I'm not playing," Kane said. "I'm choosing."
Rosalie's jaw clenched. "You think we're all just going to wait around while you test the waters?"
"I think you're already doing that."
Silence. Charged. Heavy.
"You're infuriating," she muttered.
Kane chuckled. "You're welcome."
And with that, he turned and walked away leaving Rosalie alone in the woods, her heart pounding louder than she wanted to admit.
This wasn't over.
Not by a long shot.