Page 36 of Can't Get No Satyrfaction

Triumph roared through him as he smiled at her.

“Then come with me.”

He sent Bront back to the cabin before he led her deeper into the woods. His fears hadn’t completely disappeared but they seemed minor compared to the joy that filled him. She’d agreed to stay. With him.

Need hummed through his veins and he had to keep reminding himself to slow down, to fit his pace to her shorter legs. He fought back the impulse to lift into his arms and carry her. As much as he needed her, he was determined not to rush her.

She gasped in delight when they finally arrived at his favorite place in the forest—a secluded clearing at the base of a cliff, a waterfall tumbling down the rock to land in a small, clear pool.

“It’s so beautiful.”

The ground around the pool was covered with short dense moss but as she whispered her praise, flowers began to spring up amidst the moss and her eyes widened.

“Why does that keep happening?”

“I think the Elderwood approves of this—of us.”

Her eyes went even wider, and then she smiled.

“Maybe it’s trying to tell you that it wants you to be happy too.”

Could she be right? He’d assumed that when the forest had chosen him to be his guardian that it would be a solitary life, but perhaps that had been driven by own fears, not reality.

But could she be happy here too?

“What are you thinking?” she asked softly.

“This isn’t the human world.” He gestured at the surrounding woods. “It’s not… easy. The forest can be dangerous.” He swallowed hard. “I can be dangerous.”

She reached up and brushed her fingertips across his cheek. “I told you I’m not afraid. Not of the forest and most definitely not of you.”

“You should be.” He trapped her hand with his, holding it against his skin. “I’m not… not a good person.”

“Thorn…” Her thumb traced the line of his jaw, sending sparks of heat across his skin. “You’re not as frightening as you think you are.”

“I’ve killed before.” The confession slipped out, unbidden. “And I would kill again if someone tried to hurt you.”

“Thorn, look at me.” She waited until he met her eyes before continuing. “I see you. The real you. And yes, you’re grumpy, and growly, and you can definitely be intimidating… but you’re also kind, and protective, and honorable. You saved my life, andthe life of that little creature earlier. I know you would protect me, whatever it took.”

His throat tightened, emotions he couldn’t name threatening to choke him. No one had ever looked at him the way she did—like he was worth seeing.

“Besides,” she added, “it’s not like I’m perfect either. I’m clumsy, I’m nosy, I’m impulsive… but you still want me here, don’t you?” She arched a brow, daring him to deny it.

He couldn’t. “Yes.”

Her smile softened. “Then stop trying to scare me off with warnings about how dark and dangerous you are. I’m not going anywhere.”

He huffed, but a tiny bubble of something light and hopeful rose in his chest. She believed in him. She saw him, scars and all, and she still chose to stay.

His hand slipped to the back of her neck, pulling her close until their foreheads touched. “You’re a stubborn little thing, aren’t you?” he murmured, his lips a breath away from hers.

She laughed softly. “Maybe. But you like that about me.”

He did. He liked everything about her—her stubbornness, her curiosity, her kindness. And as he claimed her mouth with his, tasting the warmth of her laughter, he knew he was in deep trouble. Because he didn’t just like her. He was falling for her. Hard. In a way that felt distinctly different from the need to claim her as his mate.

And that terrified him more than any snare in the woods. But as her arms wound around his neck, he knew he wouldn’t push heraway again. He’d keep her close, keep her safe… and hope that somehow, it would be enough.

She pulled back, just far enough to look at him. “Make love to me.”

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