Page 45 of Stout Bear

Max chuckled, sitting beside her. He lifted his arm, and Laney naturally curled against his side, her head finding the perfect spot on his shoulder. The fire crackled before them, shadows dancing on the wooden walls.

“This is nice,” she murmured. “Being away from everything.”

“I know,” Max agreed. “Sometimes you need to step back to see things clearly.”

They sipped their drinks, watching the flames. Laney felt a sense of peace she hadn't experienced in a long time. Here, with Max, away from the judgments and expectations of others, she could simply be.

The wind picked up outside, causing the cabin to creak. The sound only enhanced the coziness of their shelter, reminding them of the wilderness beyond their warm haven. Laney set her empty mug on the coffee table, then turned to face Max. Her heart pounded, but not from fear or anxiety. This time, it was anticipation.

“Max,” she said, her voice steady. “I'm ready.”

He set his mug down too, his eyes never leaving hers. “Ready?”

“To be your mate,” she replied. “To let you help me fully realize my inner fox. I don't want to wait anymore.”

Max cupped her face gently. “Are you sure? We have all the time in the world.”

Laney nodded, covering his hand with her own. “I've waited long enough. I want this. I want you.”

The fire cast a golden glow over them as Max took her hand. “I love you,” he whispered.

“I love you too,” Laney replied, closing her eyes. “Help me become whole.”

Chapter

Thirty-Nine

Max’s heartpounded in his chest as he led Laney into the bedroom at the back of the cabin. The bedroom was simply furnished with a queen-sized bed covered in a handmade quilt. He turned to face her, taking in her uncertain smile, the trust in her eyes that humbled him. This was Laney—his mate, his partner, the woman who had captured his heart from the first moment she'd stumbled into his brewery. Now she stood before him, ready to fully accept their bond.

“Are you sure about this?” Max asked, his voice low and gentle.

Laney nodded, stepping closer to him. “I've never been more certain of anything.”

Max cupped her face in his hands, leaning down to press his lips to hers. The kiss began softly as Laney wound her arms around his neck. He could feel her heartbeat quicken, could smell the subtle changes in her scent that signaled her growing desire.

With reverent hands, he reached for the hem of her sweater, slowly drawing it upward. Laney raised her arms, allowing him to pull it over her head. In the soft lamplight, her skinglowed like honey. Max traced his fingers along her collarbone, marveling at her beauty.

“You're so perfect,” he murmured, unhooking her bra and letting it fall away.

Laney blushed but didn't try to cover herself. “I've never felt perfect before.”

“Then I'll spend every day showing you that you are,” Max promised, lowering his head to kiss the curve of her neck, the swell of her breast.

He continued undressing her with patient care, removing her jeans and underwear until she was naked before him. Max dropped to his knees, pressing his lips to her stomach, her hipbones, the tops of her thighs. Her skin was warm and soft beneath his touch, her breathing quickening with each caress.

“Max,” she whispered, fingers threading through his hair.

He looked up at her, seeing the desire darkening her eyes. “Let me worship you, Laney. Let me show you how precious you are.”

Max guided her to the bed, laying her down gently against the pillows. He quickly shed his own clothes, never taking his eyes off her. The bear within him rumbled with need. He joined her on the bed, covering her body with his own.

Their skin touched from chest to toe, the contact sending electricity through him. Max kissed her deeply, his hands exploring the curves and planes of her body. Laney responded eagerly, her own hands tracing patterns across his back and shoulders.

Gradually, Max worked his way down her body, trailing kisses along her neck, across her collarbones, between her breasts.Max’s hands gripped Laney’s hips like he was claiming territory. His claws threatened to break the surface, the primal urge to mark her as his own simmering just beneath his skin.

Her thighs were spread wide, the scent of her arousal—sweet and musky, like a feast for his bear—hit him hard, making his cock throb. He knelt between her legs, ready to worship her with his tongue until she screamed his name.

He leaned in, his breath hot against her slick folds, and inhaled deeply, savoring the intoxicating mix of her natural musk and the tang of her wetness. His bear growled low in his chest, a possessive rumble that vibrated through the room.Mine, it snarled. Laney was his, and he was going to claim her tonight.

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