Page 49 of The Hunger
He crushed me to his chest, a chuckle sending shock waves through my hunger.
“There’s my girl.”
“This can’t be right,” I murmured.
He pulled back to look at me.
“Why?”
“Werewolves mate for life. They don’t share their mates. And I’m not the one-person-for-life kind.”
“Aren’t you? Was I sitting in Adira’s sex room of pain with someone else?”
“I can’t do this. I can’t be your mate. I’ve been kissed twice in my life. I can’t do—”
“Hey, I’m not asking you to do anything you’re not ready to do. I know we’re not there yet. Let’s start with something simpler and more important.” He cocked his boyish grin on me. “I’d like you to feed from me while you’re awake. And if you feel like licking my chest again, I’m completely okay with that.”
Denial that any of this was real warred with disbelief that I’d licked him in my sleep. Disbelief won.
“I licked you?”
His grin widened.
“In the cabin. Feeding you is always enjoyable, but it’s much more fun when I can hold you while you’re doing it.”
“When did the feedings start? How did it happen?”
“It started after I found out that Mrs. Quill was no longer feeding you. The first time was in the cabin. When I felt how hungry you were—” He shook his head. “I knew I wouldn’t be able to talk you into staying over, so I found a druid with knowledge and magic strong enough to create a counter spell to open warded windows. I thought I’d need to climb up to you, but you sensed me standing outside and fed long-distance.”
My mouth dropped open.
“You were the one opening my window?” I demanded, thinking of all the bull I’d had to put up with because of it.
“In my defense, I never thought the little flitter would keep coming back to bother you. I thought for sure a new girl would distract him.” He inhaled deeply. “Let’s talk about something less upsetting. Whose parents should we share the good news with first? Yours or mine?”
“You’re impossible.”
“I disagree. I’m full of possibilities.” He grinned at me. Rather than let him lead me into another tangent discussion, I remained focused.
“We already tried telling them we’re together. It’s not going to work.”
“We’re not telling them we’re together, my little anteater. We’re—”
“Anteater?”
“You like to use your tongue.”
My eyes went black. “Knock it off, Fenris.”
He wiggled his eyebrows at me.
“As I was saying, we’re not together. We’re destined to be mates. There’s a big difference. Once I admit to my dad that I scented you years ago and have been holding back, our lives will be our own again, and we can take things at whatever pace you want.”
“So, no one knows?”
“It didn’t feel right telling anyone before you knew. Plus, I didn’t want anyone to pressure you.”
“I thought…what about your mate run?”
