Page 69 of A Wolf's Wound
I have some idea, but I can’t tell him that because I can no longer speak.He’s already brought his mouth back down, and as soon as my panties are on the floor, his lips are there.Fuck, who taught him how to do this?Uncharacteristic jealousy wars with nearly blinding desire.He works my clit so well I barely feel his fingers hook inside me.
My stomach tightens, I’m so close.Frantically, I twist my fingers into his hair and pull him up until his mouth is back on mine.Our kiss is wild, teeth and half-open mouths.We’re both too far gone for technique.
“Please, please, please,” I chant, my hands going to his belt.“Pl—”
The slide of leather against fabric echoes in the kitchen, and then I hear his pants unzip.Two seconds later, he’s inside me.
My mouth stretches open in a silent scream, and Ryder’s hand shakes against my hip.He pulls me closer slowly, but the restraint is taking a toll.Our foreheads are pressed together, and his strangled groan rumbles against my jaw.
“You good?”His voice is deeper than I’ve heard it before.Raspy.
I nod.
“Thank fuck.”
He tries to move slowly at first, but I can’t stand it.I don’t have much room to maneuver between him and the kitchen counter, but I writhe until he picks me up with a shout.God, he’s strong.All I can do is cling to his neck and hold on for the ride.
It feels like I’m flying, like I’m in space.And the tightness in my stomach explodes into waves of nearly blinding pleasure as he thrusts once and then twice before his entire body goes stiff against mine.
Ryder staggers back against the counter, his jeans still caught around his ankles.He looks stunned.
I don’t know what I am.I feel like I’ve just been caught in some sort of whirlwind.I’m surrounded by broken plates and crumpled clothes.What the hell do you even say after something like this?
Ryder pulls out, leaving me feeling empty.The counter presses against my back, but I don’t move.I don’t think I can.I can’t feel my legs.
Ryder scrubs a hand over his face and levels a serious look at me that sends my heart thudding.But then he says the last thing I expect.
“How do you feel about mates?”
Chapter 39
Ryder
“Howdoyoufeelabout mates?”
If I hadn’t fucked all my brain cells out, I might have waited a bit before asking her.But she looks so beautiful, all dark eyelashes and creamy skin.Her lips are still swollen because of mine, and she’s smiling, and I never want to stop touching her.
I’ve never been a cuddler—usually I just roll over and count the hours until I can leave.But now I see the appeal.I want to keep her close beside me all night and into the morning.
I want to keep her, period.
This is what I want.
Usually, after hooking up with a girl, all I can think of are excuses.Hell, I usually have them ready beforehand.I’ve never taken a girl home before I thoroughly explained that I have to work early in the morning or I have an appointment or I have a trip out of town.Usually, all I can think of are reasons to leave.
Now, all I can think of are reasons to stay.She’s beautiful and smart, and even her stubborn streak makes me smile.She’s got a natural talent for judo, her chicken was perfectly seasoned, and I even like her damned raccoon that’s scrounging around for a late-night snack beneath our feet.She’s not that impressed with pack life, but that doesn’t seem so insurmountable, not when we’re so good together.
But as soon as I say the word “mates,” the smile falls from her lips.She freezes.Slapping her would have gone over better, I think.
Her small hands reach for my chest.For a stupid, foolish moment, I tilt my chin down to kiss her.Instinct.She pushes me back.
“Right.”I clear my throat, pretending there isn’t a giant black hole inside my gut, rapidly devouring every positive emotion I’ve ever felt.
I can’t say she didn’t warn me.Can I?She’s been clear about what she wants in life, and it’s not a wolf shifter.Hannah barely tolerates working for the pack.
She looks miserable, like she’s going to apologize or cry or do something else I can’t stand.I take a few steps back and look anywhere but at her.
Her underwear is on the floor beside a piece of chicken, her shirt is flung over a chair, and Shadow is sitting on her jeans, blissfully unaware of the tension in the room as he sucks on a slice of cucumber.
