Page 34 of Tender Wild

“My turn.” He took the towel, stepping behind Miguel to dry broad shoulders, tracing each scar with careful attention. Miguel stood still, allowing himself to be pampered—a concession that seemed significant.

“These tell stories,” Jared murmured, fingers tracing a particularly jagged mark across Miguel’s shoulder blade.

“Not good ones.”

“Still yours.” The towel followed the curve of Miguel’s spine, absorbing moisture as it went. “Still part of you.”

Miguel turned, capturing Jared’s wrist. For a moment, they stood facing each other, naked and vulnerable in the harsh bathroom light. Then Miguel pressed his lips to the inside of Jared’s wrist, where his pulse jumped beneath thin skin.

“Come on.” Miguel took his hand, leading him toward the bed. The sheets looked clean and cool, a welcome sight after the heat of the shower. “You need rest.”

Despite Jared’s exhaustion, sleep was the last thing on his mind.

“Not sure I’m tired yet.” Jared reached up before Miguel could pull away, grabbing his wrist and tugging him forward with surprising strength. Miguel tumbled onto the bed, a startled laugh escaping his throat as their bodies collided.

“Careful, cariño,” Miguel warned, bracing himself above Jared. “You’re still—”

“Still what?” Jared challenged, arching up to capture Miguel’s mouth. The kiss turned hungry instantly, teeth grazing his lower lip. Although Miguel’s lip was busted, he didn’t complain. In fact, he was the one who turned it hungry.

Miguel’s weight settled more fully against him, not crushing but present and solid, anchoring him to this moment, to this bed, to reality. His mate’s hands found Jared’s wrists, pinning them gently beside his head. The position should have frightened him after being restrained by the hyena, but instead, it felt like safety.

“Still injured.” A soft growl rumbled from Miguel’s throat, vibrating against Jared’s lips.

Jared laughed, the sound bright and clear until their cocks brushed against each other. The laugh transformed into a deep groan that turned into a purr.

“Does my kitty need to get fucked?” Miguel asked, voice rough against Jared’s ear.

Heat flooded Jared’s face even as desire pooled in his belly. “Yes,” he breathed, arching up to meet Miguel’s body. “God, yes.”

Jared didn’t care how desperate he sounded. After tonight—after fighting and killing and nearly dying—he needed to feel alive, needed to feel Miguel claiming him completely.

Miguel’s eyes flickered with amber fire, pupils narrowing to slits as his wolf pushed forward. A soft growl resonated against Jared’s chest, vibrating through both their bodies.

Miguel moved like a storm in slow motion—intentional, heavy, his eyes never leaving Jared’s. When he straddled Jared’s thighs, the towel was gone like it had never existed. Jared’s breath hitched.

“You’re dangerous,” Jared whispered, voice thick.

Miguel dipped his head until their mouths nearly touched. “You’re the one purring, kitty.”

Jared’s breath caught at the possessive edge in Miguel’s voice. Their bodies aligned perfectly, hard muscle against lean strength. His fingers tangled in Miguel’s damp hair, tugging him closer for another kiss.

Miguel’s smile turned predatory, teeth grazing the sensitive spot beneath Jared’s ear. His mouth curved into a wicked smile against his neck. “Say it again.”

“Need you to fuck me,” Jared repeated, heat blooming across his face at the raw honesty in his voice. “Please.”

Miguel’s teeth scraped against the sensitive juncture where neck met shoulder, not hard enough to break skin but enough to make Jared gasp. “Anything for you, mi solecito.”

Heat flooded Jared’s face, pooling low in his belly at the possessive words.

Miguel’s hands traced the contours of Jared’s hips, thumbs pressing into the hollows there. “Turn over for me,” he commanded softly.

Jared complied, rolling onto his stomach. The sheets felt cool against his heated skin, a contrast to the warmth radiating from Miguel above him. Gentle fingers traced the line of his spine, following each vertebra down to the curve of his ass.

“Wait,” Jared said, turning his head to glance back. “I want to see your face.”

Miguel’s expression softened. He helped Jared roll onto his back, their gazes locking as Miguel settled between his thighs. “Better?”

“Much.” Jared’s breath caught as Miguel slid his hands beneath his thighs, lifting them slightly to align their bodies. Every point of contact between them radiated heat that chased away the chill of the room.

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