Page 12 of The Reaper's Mate

My muscles slowly relax as my orgasm begins to roll away. He grunts once more, our bodies tightly joined, and leans forward.

Supporting himself on his elbows, he kisses my chest, my neck, my cheeks, and then finally presses a sweet thank you to my lips. I’m limp, every bit of energy gone. I’ve never come so hard in my life.

“Perfect mate, my angel.” He smooths the hair from my sweaty forehead and kisses me there. “Perfect.”

“Did you feel it?”

“The claiming?” He stares down into my eyes, then takes my hand and presses it to the mark over his heart. The lines are blazing, almost hot enough to burn. “I felt it the moment I saw you, but there can be no doubt now. You are mine. I am yours.”

I should be afraid of the giant with the impossible eyes. Instead, I work up the energy to wrap my arms around his neck and pull myself back to his delicious lips.

He smiles against me as I run my fingers through his dark hair.

His cock is still inside me when the door explodes inward.

CHAPTER SEVEN

MATHIEU

ICOVER HER SMALLbody with my own. Her shriek of terror pierces my heart, and I silently swear vengeance on whatever creature has caused her fear.

“Mathieu.”

I know the voice. The plume of debris clears, and I get a view of the reaper Gaius.

“What are you doing here?” I rise from the bed, careful to cover my mate with the bedspread lest Gaius get a look. He’ll want her for himself, no doubt, and I’ll be forced to kill him.

“I heard there was a job to be done.” He leans on his scythe and stares at my Annabelle.

“Job?” I pull on my pants. “What job?”

“Word is this little morsel is for the afterlife in—” He glances at his black-robed wrist, his sandy blond hair falling into his face “—less than fifteen minutes. And you don’t seem to be getting the job done.” He glances back to Annabelle. “Look at that aura. Damn. You just fucked the shit out of her, didn’t you?”

He grins and takes a step toward her.No.I snatch my scythe up and stand between him and Annabelle. “Don’t touch her.” I grab my robe and slip it on.

“I just wanted a look.” He arches a brow at me. “And since when do you fuck the mortal merchandise?”

“I’m right here, asshole.” Annabelle sits up and clutches the bedspread to her chest. “Don’t talk about me like I can’t hear you.”

“And a spitfire to boot.” He twirls his scythe so fast it makes a whirring sound. “I like her.”

“She’s mine.” I shoot my hand out and stop his blade. “Leave.”

“No can do, my friend. I have orders.” He shrugs.

“What are you talking about? Orders?” Annabelle scoots to the end of the bed, the blanket still pressed to her, and starts gathering her clothes.

I can’t take another second of Gaius ogling my mate. “Outside. Now!” I grab his arm and shove him in front of me. “Angel, I’ll be just outside talking to Gaius. Stay here.”

She snatches her skirt from the floor. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing for you to worry about. I’ll handle it.” I walk over to her, her aura popping and hissing, and give her a kiss that I wish never had to end.

When I pull back, her eyes are half lidded, and I want nothing more than to crawl back into bed with her. “You’re safe here with me,” I whisper.

She rests her palm over my heart. “I know.”

My pride roars to life at the thought of my mate knowing I will protect her. Instead of taking her again, as it should be, I have to handle Gaius.Fuck.

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