Page 55 of Brutal Alpha's Forced Mate

“Flattering.”

“Only for you.”

There’s a beat of silence, and the air between us shifts, growing heavier. His gaze drops to my lips, and my heart stutters in my chest.

“Gray—”

“Jaslyn,” he interrupts, “I know we’ve got a lot ahead of us. And I know this isn’t exactly the time or place. But I need you to know… I’m here. For all of it. For you.”

My throat tightens, and for a moment, I don’t know how to respond. But then I reach out, resting my hand on his arm, and the tension in his shoulders eases.

“I know,” I say quietly. “And I’m here, too.”

The moment stretches, and for once, I let myself lean into it, let myself feel the weight of his presence and the quiet promise in his words. Whatever comes next, I know we’ll face it together.

Chapter 19 - Gray

I wake up to two things: the distant chatter of the camp coming to life and Jaslyn curled against me, warm and soft and entirely too tempting. Her breath is steady, her body relaxed, and the last thing I should be thinking about right now is how damn good she feels.

But my body doesn’t get the memo.

My arm is draped around her waist, and her hair tickles my jaw as I shift slightly, trying—and failing—not to make it worse. Morning wood is bad enough, but add in the fact that I can feel the curve of her hip pressed against me, I’m officially screwed.

You’re an alpha. Get a grip. This is not the time.

Except Jaslyn stirs, and when her body brushes against mine, all rational thought goes out the window. My hand tightens reflexively on her waist, and she makes a soft sound, something halfway between a sigh and a hum, that hits me straight in the dick.

She’s awake now, and her body shifts against mine again as she stretches lazily. I’m torn between praying she doesn’t notice and hoping she does.

“Morning,” she grumbles, her voice husky with sleep.

“Morning,” I manage, though it comes out rougher than I intended.

She tilts her head back, and her green eyes catch mine. There’s a hint of mischief there, like she knows exactly what kind of hell I’m in right now. Her lips curve into a small, sleepy smile.

“You okay, Alpha? You look tense.”

Her teasing tone pulls a low growl from me, and I tighten my arm around her just enough to press her back against me. “You know damn well why.”

Her smile widens, but she doesn’t pull away. If anything, she leans into me. Her body fits against mine like she was made for it. My wolf snarls in approval, and I’m suddenly very aware of how easy it would be to forget the world outside this tent entirely.

“I could move,” she offers, though there’s no sincerity in her tone.

“Don’t you dare.”

Her laughter is soft and low, and it sends a shiver down my spine. I’m already losing this battle, and she knows it. Before I can talk myself out of it, I adjust my position, turning her toward me. My hand cups her jaw, and her breath hitches as my thumb brushes over her cheek.

“Jaslyn.” Her name comes out as a warning and a plea all at once.

She doesn’t respond—not with words, anyway. Instead, she leans in and brushes her lips against mine in a kiss that’s soft at first, but it doesn’t stay that way.

The moment her hand slides up to tangle in my hair, the last of my restraint snaps. I pull her closer, deepening the kiss as my other hand finds her waist. Her body presses against mine, and the warmth of her skin under my touch is enough to drive me out of my mind.

She makes another sound—this one softer, needier—and it’s like pouring gasoline on a fire. My lips move to her jaw, her neck, trailing kisses that leave her breathless. Her fingers curl inmy hair, pulling me closer, and I let out a low growl as my teeth graze the sensitive spot just below her ear.

“Gray,” she whispers, her voice shaky but full of need. Her nails rake lightly against my scalp, and I swear I could lose myself in her completely.

My hand slips under the hem of her shirt, brushing over the curve of her hip, and her breath catches.

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