Page 54 of Alien Huntsman

She wound her arms around his neck, trying to pull him closer despite her weakened state. His body pressed against hers, and she felt the rumble of a growl vibrating through his chest. His fangs grazed her bottom lip, and she gasped, her body responding eagerly to his touch.

The sound of someone pointedly clearing their throat broke them apart.

“That’s quite enough of that,” Agatha said firmly from the doorway, hands on her hips. “The girl nearly died yesterday. You’ll have plenty of time for that sort of thing when she’s properly recovered.”

Heat flooded her cheeks as Korrin reluctantly pulled away, though his hand remained firmly clasped around hers.

“Sorry, Agatha,” she murmured, not feeling sorry at all.

Agatha’s stern expression softened slightly as she looked between them. “You’ll need to wait until she’s stronger beforeany claiming happens, boy. I won’t have you risking her health, no matter how eager you both are.”

Two days later,Tessa hummed contentedly as she stirred the pot of soup simmering on the wood stove. Her strength had returned quickly under Agatha’s watchful care—a combination of the old woman’s herbal remedies and Korrin’s relentless attention. The last traces of weakness had finally faded, leaving her feeling more alive than she had in years.

The door swung open, and Korrin stepped inside, a brace of rabbits slung over his shoulder. His eyes immediately swept the cabin, narrowing when he found her alone.

“Where’s Agatha?” he growled, dropping his catch on the table.

She gave him a teasing grin. “She left about an hour ago. Said I’m all better now.”

His nostrils flared as he stalked toward her, his eyes flashing gold. “All better?”

“Mmm-hmm.” She tilted her head and deliberately ran a finger down the curve of her neck. “Which means…”

He froze mid-step, his expression shifting from irritation to something far more intense. The air between them seemed to crackle with electricity as understanding dawned in his eyes.

“Are you certain?” he asked, his voice dropping to that deep rumble that always sent shivers down her spine.

She nodded, her heart racing as she closed the distance between them.

“Agatha said I’m completely recovered. She even gave me her blessing before she left.” She reached up, tracing the strong line of his jaw with her fingertips. “I’m ready, Korrin. I want to be your mate. Today.”

A shudder ran through his powerful body as he caught her hand in his, pressing a kiss to her palm. His eyes never left hers, burning with an intensity that took her breath away.

“Do you understand what that means?” he asked. “Once I claim you, there’s no going back. You’ll be mine, and I’ll be yours. Forever.”

His words sent a thrill of anticipation through her.

“Forever,” she repeated, winding her arms around his neck. “That sounds perfect to me.”

His hands slid to her waist, tugging her flush against him. Her breath caught as she felt the hard length of his arousal pressed against her hip.

“Are you certain, little baker?” he murmured, his voice rumbling through her chest. “I’ve waited so long for you. I can wait longer, if that’s what you need.”

“I don’t want to wait any longer.” She tugged his head down until his forehead rested against hers, her fingers tangling in his thick, dark hair. “Make me yours, Korrin. Please.”

He needed no further urging. With a low growl, his lips crashed into hers, searing and demanding. She opened to him, welcoming the possessive thrust of his tongue. His hands tightened around her waist, lifting her easily as he deepened the kiss. Her feet left the floor, and she clung to him, dizzy with desire.

When he finally broke the kiss, they were both breathing hard. She felt light-headed, her body thrumming with need.

“Bed,” he rasped, his voice thick with lust.

“Bed,” she agreed, tightening her arms around his neck.

He carried her to the bed, his mouth never leaving hers. Her legs wrapped around his waist, and she gasped as his erection pressed against her through their clothing. Arousal flared through her, hot and urgent, and she rocked her hips, desperate for more friction.

“Eager, little baker?” he teased, his lips brushing against the sensitive skin of her neck.

“Please, Korrin,” she breathed, her fingers tugging at his shirt.

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