Page 28 of Wedding for My Werewolf

The vulnerability in his words caught her off guard, and she shook her head.

“That’s not true,” she said firmly. He turned to look at her, something unreadable in his expression. His hand brushed against hers on the counter, sending warmth racing up her arm. “I saw how they looked at you today. They might disagree with what you’re doing, but they respect you.”

He didn’t respond, searching her face as if trying to find any trace of insincerity.

“Callan pulled you aside because he was concerned, but he treated you like an equal. Even Aidan, who seems to question everything—did you notice how he waited for your reaction before approaching me?” She shook her head. “That’s not weakness, Eric. That’s earning their respect on your own terms.”

“Sometimes it’s hard to see past their expectations.”

“Well, maybe you need an outsider’s perspective.” The words slipped out before she could stop them. She didn’t regret hercandor, but they reminded her of her position. “Will they keep watching us like that? The Pack?”

Eric set his glass down on the counter with a soft clink.

“Yes. They’ll be looking for proof that this is real, especially with my mother raising doubts.” He looked down at her, eyes glowing. “We’ll need to be more… physically affectionate in public.”

Her breath caught as the air between them thickened.

“And in private?”

He didn’t respond immediately, and a tiny flame of disappointment flickered in her chest. Then he leaned down and brushed his lips across hers.

“Anything you want, little bird.”

“What if…” She hesitated, gathering her courage. “What if I wanted to kiss you some more?”

He froze.

“Are you sure?”

“I…” She swallowed hard, then put her hand on his chest, right above his heart. It thumped rapidly beneath her palm, strong and steady. “Yes.”

She rose onto her toes, putting her hands on his shoulders, and pressed her lips to his. He froze again, then slowly returned the kiss, his big hands flexing on her hips. She tilted her head, deepening the kiss, and his tongue teased her bottom lip. The first taste made her head spin. When he pulled her against his chest, her hands slid up into his hair.

The kiss deepened and his arms came around her, lifting her off the floor and onto the table. Her body was aflame with sensation, but his touch was gentle, almost reverent, as his mouth explored hers. He raised his head for a moment, looking down at her face as his fingers skimmed beneath the hem of her shirt.

When he lowered his head again, his fangs grazed her neck and the world tilted. The rough pads of his fingers stroked her hips, her stomach, then higher, skimming the curve of her breast. She bit her lip, muffling a moan, but he stopped anyway.

“Do you like that?” he growled. “Do you like me touching these sweet little breasts?”

Her cheeks flamed, but she nodded.

“You should always tell me what you like. What you want.”

“I—” Her voice trembled and he waited, fingers stroking her gently.

“I want you to touch me more,” she whispered.

“Where?” His breath was hot against her neck, his eyes burning.

“Everywhere.”

She barely had time to breathe before his mouth claimed hers, his big hands covering her breasts, teasing her nipples to taut aching peaks. She was drowning in sensation, every nerve ending singing.

One hand slid down between her legs and her whole body stiffened. She didn’t have time to panic because he immediately drew back, his thumb coming up to caress her jaw.

“Relax,” he murmured.

“Sorry.”

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