Page 140 of The Hunger
“Will you send me off with a kiss?”
I slowly shook my head. Before his disappointment grew, I gave him something better. I threaded my fingers through his hair and wrapped my legs around his waist.
“I won’t send you off,” I said softly. “That’ll feel too much like a goodbye. And that’s not what we’re saying. I’ll kiss you with a promise of more to come the next time I see you.”
A low growl echoed from his chest, and I met his hungry kiss with one of my own. Our tongues danced, dipping and swirling, teasing and tempting each other.
He broke away and stared down at me, shaking the bed with his needful tremors.
“Every time you kiss me like this, you need to feed, Eliana.”
“Sometimes, I just want to love you.”
“And I crave feeling you all around me. In me. Using me. Needing me.”
I pulled him down for more, and this time I fed hard enough that he tore Jenna’s bedding. The sound of ripping material brought me back to reality. I withdrew to lick his nose and trail kisses along his jaw. He shivered and shuddered around me as he closed his eyes and fought for control while basking in the contact.
“What are you going to be like when I finally run for you?” I asked.
“Not helping,” he said through clenched teeth.
“Maybe you’ll be the one to run for me.”
He opened his eyes, which were more wolf than man.
“I’ll be in the woods, running my tail off in less than two hours. I won’t hide from you. Say the word, and I’ll be yours. I’ll run. I’ll chase. I’ll do whatever you want.”
“Your desperation is showing.”
He groaned and set his forehead against mine.
“It’s been showing for days.”
“I know. I kind of like it.”
“Tease.” He hugged me harder before moving to roll off of me. I reluctantly let him go. He tugged me to my feet, wrapping his arms around me again. I could feel his need crawling just below the surface as he inhaled near my ear.
“You know you can make me yours whenever you want,” he said softly. “I’m ready whenever you are.”
I turned my head and kissed him sweetly.
“I know you are. I’m sorry you have to run again.”
His signature smile tugged his lips.
“I’ll run as many times as needed to prove I’m yours. See you soon.”
He licked my nose, opened the door, and disappeared before my eyes. A minute later, Jenna peeked into her room while chewing half a cookie.
“Everything okay?” she asked after she swallowed. “I heard the front door open.”
“It’s fine.”
She inhaled deeply, her grin widening as she hurriedly closed the door. I had no doubt what she was smelling and also was trying to keep from her family.
“Thank you,” I said softly.
“No, thank you. For being nice. For keeping me company. I’m not nervous like I’d normally be.”
