Page 148 of Labor of Love

His scent, some floral blend that made me think of summers in the park, had me smiling so wide my cheeks hurt. I pressed a kiss to the top of his head, thankful that he’d somehow managed to find me.

“What’s your name?” I whispered, careful not to break the moment.

He sighed. “I’m Clynt. What’s yours?”

“Maklihn. Your name is beautiful, though I long to call you mate. Is that ok?”

His nod came quickly. “I… I think I like it better. Anyone could call me by my given name. Only you can say I’m your fated mate.”

Pulling back, I rested my hands on the curve of his neck where it met his shoulders, The position was territorial at best. It was where my mark would go just as soon as we discussed how he got here and when he could move into my house.

Fated pairings always moved rapidly. I’d wondered how they simply knew things would work out, but having experienced the pull, I now understood.

There would be no power on this earth strong enough to keep him from me. I’d captured his scent. He wasmine.

“Mate, I’d like to discuss a few things. Would you like to come sit?” I motioned to the stool I kept on the other side of the counter.

He followed my lead, climbing up on the seat, then folding his hands in his lap. The way he watched me had my heart racing like never before. It was as if he trusted me. I wanted to ensure that trust remained no matter what came next.

“What did you want to know?”

I stuffed my hands in my pockets. If they’d remained loose, I’d wind up pulling him into my arms again.

“Everything,” I answered honestly.

He smiled, then bit his lip. The sight sent a shiver down my spine. It was enough to remind me how ridiculous my reply had been.

“I mean — mostly, I’d like to know how you wound up here. Since I’ve lived here a long time, I know you’re new. Did you move here or are you visiting?”

“Visiting. My cousin Judy invited me to stay with her.” He frowned then, like the reminder didn’t please him.

“Judy? Wait, Judy, who’s married to Kris, Judy?”

He grinned. “The one and only. You know them then?

I laughed at the irony of it all. “Yeah, I know them. Kris was here yesterday buying —”

“My presents! That’s why the blanket smelled so perfect. It was you!”

“You tell me. Do I smell the same?” I stepped into his space. His legs spread to give me room.

I held still as his nose ran up the column of my throat. It was the most erotic thing I’d ever felt, and we were both fully dressed.

Getting him naked was now a priority.

His pupils were blown when he leaned back. “Oh, yeah. That’s definitely the scent that had me coming harder than I ever have.”

Oh, shit.

Yeah, naked and knotted were a must.

4

CLYNT

My mate stared at me with a hungry gaze.

I knew my words were forward, even for a fated pair. There was no stopping them though. It was like his scent cut off my brain to mouth filter. Everything I was thinking came right out.

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