Page 16 of Ignited By My Mate

Charged.

I take a breath and look up at him. “And what if Idowant you to claim me?”

His throat bobs as he swallows, his jaw tightening. “Then I’ll make damn sure it’s the best night of your life.”

We stare at each other.

The air buzzes, and my pulse is loud in my ears.

Harris steps forward slowly, giving me time to pull away.

I don’t.

He brushes a strand of hair from my cheek, then his lips are on mine.

Soft at first. Testing. Then deeper, hungrier, like he’s been holding back fordays.

I melt against him with a sigh, my fingers curling into the front of his shirt. He groans softly, his arm circling my waist, pulling me closer. Everything about him is heat and strength andwant.

When we finally break apart, I’m breathless.

He presses his forehead to mine.

“Goodnight, Lark.”

I can barely speak. “Goodnight, Harris.”

As I close the door behind me, I lean against it and press a hand to my chest.

I don’t know what tomorrow night will bring.

But I’m starting to think that whatever happens… I won’t want to leave.

EIGHT

Harris

The mating heatstarts as a low burn in my chest.

By mid-morning, it’s a full-blown fire.

Every scent is sharper. Every sound grates. My skin feels too tight. My bear is practically vibrating under the surface, pacing like he’s caged, whispering the same word over and over again inside my head.

Mate.

Mate. Mate. Mate. Mate. Mate.

I had a shift at the firehouse this morning, but now I’m at home, counting down the seconds until I can see my girl again.

I chop vegetables for dinner with more force than necessary, the knife hitting the cutting board in loud, even thunks. It helps distract me. A little.

The sun is setting, casting a soft gold glow through the kitchen windows. The cabin smells like garlic and rosemary, and the salmon is nearly done in the oven. I didn’t want to do anything too fancy. Just something comforting. Human.Normal.

Because once the moon rises, everything’s going to change.

I glance at the clock and sag with relief. I can pick up Lark in a few minutes. My bear starts to pace inside me, back and forth, and I grit my teeth.

I frown as I hear the soft knock at my door, wondering who it could be. My friends would call before coming over. Hell, they’re deliberately staying away tonight. They know I’ve finally found my fated mate and want me to have some uninterrupted time with her.

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