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  Garren withdrew from her, placing a sweet kiss on her thigh before rising over her. Fire burned in his eyes as he took in her disheveled state. She could feel her body slicked with sweat and her hair a tangled mess about her face, a few strands sticking to the sides of her neck. Her gaze took all of him in, wanting to memorize every detail of the moment. She could hardly ignore the large bulge in his pants and she wondered if now he would demand his own satisfaction, having seen to her needs so thoroughly.

  Instead, he backed away, moving to stand at the foot of the bed. His chin was a shiny testament to her release as her juices were smeared against his skin, and yet he didn’t move to wipe away the evidence of her arousal and subsequent climax. He gave her a slow smile and edged toward the door.

  “I think you’ll be able to sleep now.” His voice was dark and husky and washed over her.

  “And where are you going to sleep?” she asked.

  “Don’t worry about me. You should probably change for bed and close your eyes. It’s getting late and tomorrow will be here before you know it. I have a feeling you’ll need to be well rested.”

  Was that disappointment she felt? She wanted him to sleep elsewhere, didn’t she? So why did she suddenly crave his arms around her, the feel of his hard muscled body lying beside hers? She could ask him to stay, tell him that she still needed him, that her body wasn’t satisfied yet.

  But she held back.

  She might feel wanton, but she wasn’t sure just how brave she was, not now that the moment was over. No longer lost in the throes of passion, her wits were slowly returning to her. Despite her brain telling her it was a good thing he was leaving, her heart was asking for him to stay. She’d never felt anything like she had just moments ago, had never lowered her guard enough for anyone to slip through the walls she’d erected and get close to her—not in the way Garren just had—and she found that she wanted him to do it again.

  “I’ll see you in the morning,” he said as he backed out of the room and shut the door.

  She should have said something, she decided, for now she was alone in a darkened room, in a home that was not her own. And she found that she needed him. She wasn’t sure when it had happened, or how, but somewhere in the few hours they’d known one another, he had become essential to her.

  Not bothering with clothes, Isi slipped under the covers and rolled onto her side to face the window. The stars shone like diamonds in the inky-black sky, the moon casting the room in silvery light. Regardless of the intense orgasm she’d just experienced, she found that she couldn’t do as he’d requested and close her eyes. Sleep would be a far ways off, of that she had little doubt. Her thoughts were too full of the man who’d just left her. The lion her ocelot was starting to crave.

  If being mated to him meant thousands of more orgasms like the one she’d just had, maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing. She could certainly think of worse ways to spend her life than lying beneath the gorgeous predator, being his prey as he laid claim to her body and soul. Maybe it was a good thing he left when he did. She might have done something stupid, like ask him to bite her. Obviously, she wasn’t thinking clearly at the moment. Things would look different in the light of day. Wouldn’t they?

  Chapter Three

  He leaned against the doorframe. His gaze settled on her face, the morning sun caressing her delicate features. She was going to be the death of him. One encounter and he was already hooked… for life. He’d known instantly that she was his mate, but he hadn’t expected to crave her, to need her as much as he needed to breathe.

  Voices carried through the house, his teammates called out to him from downstairs. He couldn’t go. He couldn’t leave her like he’d done before. How he’d possessed the power to walk away after watching her come apart in his arms, he didn’t know. Unbeknownst to her, he’d slept by her side for part of the night. He knew her temper would flare if she ever found out. For whatever reason, she was holding herself back, denying their connection. Garren hoped she wasn’t still on that I’m not good enough rant. He’d never heard of something so ridiculous in his life. Not good enough for her mate? He snorted. If she still felt that way, he’d just have to show her how amazing she was, that she was a goddess in his eyes.

  She moaned in her sleep and rolled over, hiding her face from the sun’s rays. The blankets slipped off her shoulders and fell down to her waist. He’d apparently worn her out last night because she hadn’t bothered to get dressed once he’d left her room—their room. The cool air caressed her, leaving goose bumps in its wake. He watched as her nipples hardened and a slight shiver raked her body.

  Garren pushed away from the door and stealthily crossed the room, trying not to disturb her. He reached for the covers and drew them over her once more. As much as he hated to hide such a beautiful sight, he didn’t want her to catch a chill. He’d have to remember to check the thermostat, maybe warm the place up a few degrees. His mate should be as comfortable as possible, especially during such a trying time in her life.

  There was a loud crash downstairs. Garren tensed as a loud roar filled the house. If he had to guess, he’d say the alpha had just been told of their presence in town, and he didn’t sound the least bit happy about it. He knew, as team leader, he should go down and smooth things over, but he didn’t want to leave Isi unprotected. A glance back at his mate showed that she was waking, her brow furrowed, lips pouty. She stretched her arms over her head. Her toes peeked out from beneath the blankets as she pointed them in a long, lean stretch.

  He smoothed her hair back behind her ear and softly caressed her flushed cheek, watching as her eyes fluttered open. She appeared confused at first and then her eyes widened in recognition. She pushed herself up to lean against the headboard and clutched the sheet to her chest. It was rather adorable considering that he’d not only seen her completely bare, but had had his lips on her in the most intimate of ways the night before.

  “What are you doing in here, Garren?” she asked with a voice husky from sleep.

  “We have company downstairs. Your alpha sounds rather irate.”

  She swung her legs over the edge of the bed and wrapped the sheet around her. “Then I should dress and go speak to him.”

  “Isi, I’d rather you stayed up here. He doesn’t sound like he’s in a good mood.”

  “Alpha Henry is never in a good mood where I’m concerned. I’m used to it. Just give me ten minutes to shower and throw some clothes on and I’ll be ready to meet you downstairs.”

  Garren frowned. “I’m not leaving you up here alone.”

  Isi narrowed her eyes at him. She looked so darn cute when she was upset with him that he couldn’t stop himself from grinning like an idiot. She huffed out a breath and stomped her foot before spinning and storming into the bathroom.

  The door slammed and he shook his head at her temper. It seemed the screaming orgasm he’d given her the night before hadn’t paved his way as well as he’d hoped. He’d just have to get her naked again, and this time he wouldn’t stop until she was begging to be filled with his cock.

  If it weren’t for the McGraw pack alpha downstairs, Garren would be tempted to help sweet Isi with her shower. He closed his eyes and pictured her standing beneath the spray, water cascading down her body, dripping from her plump, dusky nipples. His mouth watered at the mere thought of licking the moisture from her skin, sucking those hardened peaks into his mouth and laving them with his tongue.

  Behind his zipper, his cock began to stir, pressing impatiently against the denim of his jeans. If it weren’t for the wolf downstairs, he’d strip out of his clothes and join her in the watery paradise. He couldn’t think of anything he’d like more than to fuck her against the shower wall then wash her from head to toe and do it all over again. He fisted his hands at his sides and forced himself to stay planted beside the bed. It didn’t matter how much he wanted to go after her, to slam the bathroom door open and take her by surprise.

  The water turned off in the other room and
he braced himself. She hadn’t taken any clothes in there with her, and he wondered if she was just now realizing that. Would she be bold and stride into the room with confidence in her naked state? Or would she try to hide behind a towel? He was hoping for the first option. Although, he wasn’t sure he could keep his hands to himself if she walked into the room completely bare. He’d want to touch and taste every inch of her. That option would definitely lead to a fun-filled morning, but duty called.

  They really did need to make an appearance downstairs if she thought she could help matters with her alpha. Garren could be a real bastard when he needed to, but if his little mate could soothe the alpha in her own way, he’d be foolish not to let her try.

  The bathroom door cracked open and she peered around the edge. “Step out into the hall and close the bedroom door.”

  “I don’t think so, sweetheart. I’ll close the door, but I’m not going anywhere.”

  She frowned, her lips turning down and her brow creasing. “I’m not coming out there until you step outside.”

  “Isi, I’ve seen all of you before, just last night. Or have you forgotten that fact?”

  Her cheeks bloomed with color. “I haven’t forgotten. That doesn’t mean we’re going to repeat the mistake though.”

  “Mistake?” he growled and advanced on her. “Making my mate scream in pleasure was a mistake?”

  “I’m not your mate,” she mumbled.

  “Damn stubborn woman. Yes, you are.” He pushed open the door while simultaneously grabbing her wrist and tugging her out of her hiding place.

  Her blush deepened and she dropped her gaze to the floor as she tugged on her hand, trying to free herself. Her free arm wrapped around her breasts, as if to shield them from his eyes. Bending at the knees, he placed his shoulder against her stomach and hefted her into the air. He walked the few steps to the bed and tumbled her on top of the covers. Isi sprawled on the unmade bed, her arms braced behind her, her legs spread for his viewing pleasure—and look he did.

  As if sensing the direction of his thoughts, she tried to snap her legs closed, but he slid his palms up her thighs and pushed them wide open. Her sex was flushed, either from her shower or from arousal. He breathed deeply, inhaled her delicious scent and decided it was definitely arousal. She might say she didn’t want him, but her body claimed otherwise. Garren jerked her hips to the edge of the bed and fell to his knees before her.

  Her gaze was focused on him, her chest rising and falling with each labored breath. He smirked at her, knowing he had her right where he wanted her. No way would she deny him, not now. She needed him, even if she didn’t want to admit it.

  Pressing his face against her silky-smooth skin, he breathed her in. With a rumbling purr, he licked her slit, his tongue dipping between her dewy lips for a taste. He circled her clit before sucking it into his mouth. The vibration seemed to turn her on and her pussy gushed against his chin. He kept up his oral assault until she was gripping the covers, head tilted back and her legs tensed on either side of him.

  “Yes. Yes, please. More.”

  He flicked the hardened bud rapidly, his tongue tapping repeatedly against the sensitive flesh. She whimpered and tensed even more and he knew she was close, but she just wouldn’t let go. His grip shifted to her thighs and he held her still as he nipped, nibbled and licked her until she came, screaming his name.

  He stood and stripped his shirt over his head, making his dog tags jangle against his chest, then unzipped his pants before she had time to think about what was happening. He didn’t need her second guessing this. If she told him to stop, he would do as she wished. But it would damn near kill him.

  Shoving his jeans down past his hips, he lifted her, her pussy lining up with his cock. While she still rode the tidal wave of pleasure from her orgasm, he sank into her wet heat. She arched her hips, and he filled her completely, groaning in both agony and ecstasy. She felt so tight, so perfect. Her silken walls clamped down on his cock, and he thought he’d come at any moment. Never had anything felt more right than this moment.

  Garren withdrew, pulling almost completely out of her, before pushing back in, his hips meeting hers. She moaned and clutched at his forearms, grinding herself against him. He rotated his hips before repeating the motion. Isi exhaled as he filled her again, her vaginal walls rippling along his length. Sweat beaded his skin as he held back, not wanting to come before she did. He refused to take his pleasure and leave her wanting, even if he was on fire for her.

  He delved deeper within her with each rhythmic push, their movements becoming fast and frantic as her hips met his stroke for stroke. She moved against him with wild abandon as he pounded into her, pushing both of them closer and closer to the edge.

  She murmured nonsensical words, encouraging him to take her harder and faster. Garren’s heart was hammering in his chest and he wasn’t sure how much longer he could last. Needing her to come, he circled her clit with his thumb, stroking her to orgasm.

  She came in a convulsive release, her pussy clenching and releasing his cock as her body trembled beneath him. He abandoned himself to pleasure, erupting inside of her with a roar that shook the walls. His hot seed spilled into her, marking her as his own. Garren felt his teeth lengthen, preparing to claim his mate, but he held back. Something told him it would be a mistake to give in to his animal instincts just then. He wanted her to welcome his bite, not loathe him for taking her choice from her. Not that she really had a choice. They were destined to be together. He just had to wait for her to realize that.

  Panting, he eased his hold on her, hoping he hadn’t bruised her tender flesh. She met his gaze through heavy lidded eyes, her lips parted as she panted. Garren wanted to stay buried inside of her forever, but he slowly withdrew. He was so turned on by her that his cock was still semi-hard, ready to go another round if she would agree to it. But as he watched her, he saw clarity enter her eyes and knew the exact moment she realized what she’d done, what they had done.

  She took a deep breath and let her hands slide down his arms. Already he could feel her withdrawing from him. What would it take to break down her walls, for her to stop fighting him? The only way he could guarantee her safety was by completing their mating bond. Once he bit her, he’d be able to track her anywhere in the world. As long as there was a threat out there, he wouldn’t rest, not when she could be snatched out of his arms at any moment. He didn’t know who was behind her kidnapping, and wasn’t sure just how clever the individual was.

  “This shouldn’t have happened,” she said softly.

  “Yes, it should have. You can’t deny that there’s something between us, Isi. The air practically vibrates when we’re in a room together, and I know you feel the same pull that I do. All I have to do is think about you and my dick gets hard.”

  She bit her lip, as if contemplating his words. Or maybe she just wasn’t sure how to respond to such a blatant statement. Maybe he should’ve left out that part about his dick. He just didn’t want to hold anything back with her. He wanted to share everything with her, including his thoughts and desires.

  “Nothing has changed,” she said. “I’m still not going to let you bite me.”

  “You may not want me to right now, but that doesn’t mean I’ll stop trying to change your mind. Whether you like it or not, I’ll be in this bed every night by your side. And I’m going to love you long and hard as often as I can.”

  “We didn’t use protection. You should’ve at least put on a condom.”

  “When have you ever known a shapeshifter to use birth control with their mate?”

  She gritted her teeth and her jaw tensed. “I’m. Not. Your. Mate.”

  “Still in denial?” He arched a brow.

  “So because I’m not falling at your feet, not falling in line with your plan, it means I’m in denial? Just because you say I’m your mate, doesn’t make it true.”

  “If you weren’t being so damn stubborn, you’d admit that you’re drawn to me. Can’t
you feel that our souls are connected?”

  She shrugged. “What I feel doesn’t matter. My brain tells me I don’t know you and it’s ridiculous to let you bite me just on some gut reaction.”

  “This isn’t just about you being my mate and my wanting to mark you. The threat to your safety is still out there. If something happens, if they manage to abduct you again, I’d be able to find you if I’d claimed you. It may not be very macho of me, but I’m scared of what will happen if you disappear again. What if I can’t find you the next time? What if I’m too late?”

  Her gaze softened. “I understand your need to protect me, but I think claiming me as your mate is going a bit too far.”

  “We’ll talk about it later. Right now, we should get dressed and see what your alpha wants.”

  “I’m not putting on clothes until I’ve taken another shower.”

  He growled at her. “You’re not washing my scent off.”

  Her eyebrows lifted. “Watch me. You have no say in what I do.”

  “Fine. Do what you want, but be quick about it.” Garren wasn’t happy. His beast wasn’t either. They wanted their scent on her, so everyone would know she belonged to them.

  She climbed out of bed and walked into the bathroom, pushing the door closed behind her. If she thought that flimsy piece of wood was going to keep him out, she didn’t know him at all. But then, that proved her whole point, didn’t it? He’d just have to show her what a determined lion could accomplish. Garren heard the shower turn on. With his jaw set, he pushed open the bathroom door. Isi was under the water, oblivious to the fact he’d disregarded her need for privacy.

  Sliding the shower open, he eased under the spray behind her. He gripped her waist and pulled her back against his chest, her delectable ass pressed against his stiffening cock. He’d never had such a quick recovery time before and he knew it was because of how luscious his mate was, how alluring.