Page 7 of Claimed

“What now?” she asks in a small, timid voice, not making eye contact.

She’s sensing the shifting mood in the air, too.

“Yet another curveball thrown by fate,” I say, advancing.

She’d back up further if she wasn’t already against a concrete wall.

“Huh?” she tries to shrink further.

“I smell your true scent.”

“I figured,” she whispers, like it’s the worst thing in the world.

Her chin trembles.

I shake my head. “Not just that you’re a wolf shifter, I can smell you.You.”

Tiny lines appear over the bridge of her nose.

“Me?”

“Yeah,” I breathe, the toes of my shoes meeting her small, bare feet. “I smell you, your inner wolf. I smell who you really are and more importantly, who you are tome.”

I reach out and she flinches as I fist that hair gently. It’s even silkier than it looks. I use it to tip her head so that she’s looking at my face.

“What’s your name?” I demand, staring deep into her eyes.

Now I don’t just smell her fear, I taste it on my tongue. I taste how wrong it is. My mate shouldn’t fear me.

Fuck, she’s not just pretty. She’s beautiful. The depth in her brandy-colored eyes has me in a chokehold.

“I can’t tell you anything,” she says and fuck, but her mouth is luscious, too.

“You need to tell me,” I manage, jeans feeling snugger in the crotch. So snug, they just might split.

“Why?” she asks, eyes pivoting away from my face.

“Because you’re mine.”

“I’m…” The frown lines deepen, and her eyes connect with mine again.

I can’t wait to press my body against hers, to touch her naked flesh. To sink inside, watching her eyes as I do. To give her the mate mark, give her my knot, my seed. Fuck, my cock is so painfully hard.

“You’re meant to be mine. And that’s what you’re about to become. So that said, it’s important you tell me everything. Now.”

I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her tight to me.Yes.This.

“I’m Greyson Blackwood,” I say. “I’ll be your protector, the one you’ll fall asleep with and wake up to for the rest of your days.”

Her eyes flash with shock.

“I’ll give you pups, shelter, feed, and care for you. I’ll also make sure I make you feel good all over every single day for the rest of your life. Tell me your name.”

Her mouth drops open, but she doesn’t say anything.

I continue, “Me and our pack will be your circle, we’ll love you and make sure you have a good life. You’ll love us and contribute to making sure we’re all having a good life, too. This is a large pack, but every member matters.”

Her large eyes grow even wider.