Page 45 of Pack to the Wall

"Fate," he said simply, his thumbs drawing circles on her hips. "Like I said, the mate bond doesn't make mistakes."

Zev's expression suddenly intensified, his eyes darkening as they locked on hers. The breeze ruffled his thick wavy hair, and Chrissy felt her heart racing against her ribs. Something shifted in his gaze—a vulnerability that seemed almost shy despite his commanding presence.

"Chrissy," he said, his voice slightly rough with emotion. "Would you be willing to accept my mate mark tonight?"

The question hung between them, profound in its simplicity. Chrissy knew what this meant—a permanent bond, a declaration to his pack and the entire supernatural world that she belonged with him. Forever.

To her own surprise, she didn't hesitate. Not even for a heartbeat.

"Yes," she breathed, certainty filling her like sunshine. "Yes, more than anything. I've never been more certain about anything."

The look that transformed his face was pure Alpha possession—primal, intense, and utterly male. Satisfaction and excitement flashed across his features as his hands tightened on her hips.

"Mine," he growled, lifting her off the ground in one fluid motion.

Chrissy laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck as he carried her bridal-style toward his villa. The white fabric of her sundress fluttered against his arms, and she could feel the energy humming through his body—a barely contained wildness that thrilled her. His muscles tensed under her touch as he strode purposefully down the path.

"Somebody's eager," she teased, tracing her finger along his jawline.

Zev looked down at her, his eyes reflecting the last golden rays of the setting sun. "You have no idea how long I've waited for this moment."

When they reached his villa, he kicked the door open with a smooth motion that made Chrissy's stomach flip with anticipation. The door slammed behind them with an equally forceful kick, and then he was carrying her up the stairs to his bedroom, taking them two at a time.

Inside his bedroom, Zev set her down gently on her feet, his hands framing her face.

"How do you want this?" he asked, his voice thick with desire. "Do you want to take control, or do you want me to?"

Chrissy felt a flash of boldness surge through her at the possibility of taking control again. After spending so much time having her choices stripped away and people controlling her, being given this power felt like a gift.

But tonight, for this life-changing experience, she wanted something different entirely.

"You," she said, surprising herself with the steadiness of her voice. "I want you to take control. Show me how much you want to mark me and make me yours forever."

His eyes flashed, something wild and barely restrained flickering behind them. Without a word, his hands found the straps of her white sundress, sliding them down her shoulders. The fabric pooled at her feet, leaving her in just her lace bra and panties.

"Beautiful," he murmured, his gaze traveling over every inch of her exposed skin.

Chrissy stood before him without shame, her curves on full display. She'd spent a year being told her body needed to be shaped, contained, covered or exposed according to others' demands. But Zev's appreciation was different—reverent and honest.

He unhooked her bra with practiced ease, then knelt to slide her panties down her legs. When she stood completely naked before him, he stepped back to remove his own clothes, never taking his eyes off her.

Chrissy's breath caught as his muscular body was revealed. Tanned skin stretched over hard muscle, his chest broad and powerful, narrowing to lean hips. Every inch of him was perfection—powerful, primal, and utterly alpha male.

"Come here," he commanded softly, reaching for her.

She went to him willingly, a shiver running through her as his warm hands touched her bare skin. He laid her on the bed and began a slow, deliberate exploration of her body with his lips and tongue.

"I'm going to worship every inch of you before I mark you," he promised, his breath hot against her collarbone. "By the time I'm done, you'll never doubt who you belong to."

Chrissy's breath hitched as Zev's warm hands slid down her body, his touch igniting a fire that burned hotter with every second. She lay beneath him, her skin tingling as his lips traced a path from her collarbone to the curve of her breast. His tongue flicked over her hardened nipple, and she arched into him, a soft moan escaping her lips.

"You're perfect," he murmured, his voice rough with desire. "Every inch of you."

She shivered, not from cold but from the intensity of his heated gaze. His hands moved lower, skimming over her hips, her thighs, until he reached her knees. He pressed a kiss to the inside of each one, his breath warm against her skin, and she felt a thrill of anticipation shoot through her.

"Zev," she said softly, her voice trembling. "I'm ready. I want this. I want you."

He looked up at her, his blue eyes dark with need. "Are you sure? Once I start, I won't stop. I'm going to claim you fully, Chrissy."

---