Page 57 of Alien Huntsman

Her scent changed subtly, warming with hints of desire that made his nostrils flare. His claws extended slightly in response, and he curled his fingers to keep from grabbing her.

“Can she?” he asked, voice dropping to a rumble.

Her eyes darkened, and she shifted closer, trailing her fingers down his chest. “Mmm. Right now, I’m only interested in you.”

The open hunger in her eyes threatened his control, and he growled softly, his hand sliding down to squeeze her luscious little ass. “Is that so?”

“Very much so,” she whispered, leaning up to brush her lips against his. “Unless you have other plans for the morning?”

The teasing lilt in her voice was his undoing. He swept her up against him, claiming her mouth in a kiss that left no doubt about his own desires. His mate. His miracle. His everything.

A considerable time later, he held her against his chest, his fingers tracing lazy patterns along her bare back. Morning sunlight streamed through the cabin windows, bathing her skin in golden warmth. Her breathing had deepened into sleep, her body still flushed from their lovemaking.

He couldn’t stop looking at her—this small, fierce human who had somehow claimed every part of him. The mating mark on her shoulder was still fresh, the imprint of his teeth a permanent symbol of their bond. His beast rumbled with satisfaction at the sight of it.

She shifted in her sleep, nestling closer to him. Even asleep, she sought him out and the trust in that simple movement humbled him. For so long, he’d been alone, convinced that solitude was his fate. Now he couldn’t imagine returning to that emptiness.

He tucked a stray curl behind her ear, his touch gentle enough not to wake her. She needed this rest before they faced what was coming. Despite everything, she’d once hoped for the woman’s love—a hope that had been crushed again and again. Confronting Lenora wouldn’t be easy for her, but he knew she needed to face her stepmother herself, to close that chapter of her life on her own terms.

.

His jaw tightened. He would have gladly handled Lenora himself, the same way he’d dealt with Edgar. A quick, silent end in the darkness. Instead he would stand beside his mate, ready to protect but allowing her the strength of her ownconfrontation. It was a different kind of protection than his beast wanted to provide, but he had to balance those instincts with what she truly needed.

For now, though, he would let her have this moment of peace. Let her gather her strength in the safety of his arms. The world, with all its dangers and complications, could wait a little longer.

CHAPTER 23

Tessa’s pulse started to speed up as they approached the village outskirts. She tightened her grip on Korrin’s hand, drawing strength from his solid presence beside her. The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the familiar path, one she’d walked countless times before—but never with a Vultor mate at her side.

“Are you certain about this?” he asked quietly as he scanned the village ahead, muscles tense and ready.

“Yes,” she said, more firmly than she felt. “It’s time.”

As they passed the first cluster of houses, she braced herself for fearful stares or hostile whispers. Instead, Mrs. Peterson, hanging laundry in her yard, spotted her and broke into a wide smile.

“Tessa! Thank the stars you’re alright!” The older woman hurried over, wiping her hands on her apron. Her eyes flickered briefly to Korrin, but her gaze was more curious than hostile. “We’ve been worried sick about you, dear.”

“I’m fine, Mrs. Peterson. Better than fine, actually. This is my mate, Korrin.”

He darted her a quick look, but Mrs. Peterson only beamed at her.

“Agatha told us. About time, I say. A pretty young thing like you shouldn’t be alone.”

They continued toward the village square, where the morning market was in full swing. Despite Mrs. Peterson’s friendliness, Korrin’s alertness didn’t ease, and he loomed next to her like a protective shadow. Despite that, several villagers called out greetings.

“Welcome back, Tessa!” Mr. Finch waved from his vegetable stall.

“We’ve missed your bread something terrible,” called someone else.

“That new baker Lenora hired couldn’t rise a loaf if his life depended on it,” grumbled old Mr. Warner, making several nearby villagers laugh.

Willem emerged from behind his fruit stall and hurried over. Ignoring Korrin’s warning growl, he hugged her.

“Agatha told us you were all right but I’m delighted to see for myself.” He stepped back and grinned up at a frowning Korrin. “I told you she noticed you.”

To her surprise, her mate nodded at the old man.

“Come by later,” Willem urged before they continued on their way.

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