Page 55 of The Hunger
“Come on, chipmunk. Show me how it’s done.”
My hunger clawed at me, and I scrambled two healthy steps away from Fenris.
“That’s exactly what’s scaring me. I don't know what this”—I waved a hand between us—“means anymore.”
He tensed. “I don’t understand.”
“Feeding from you. I was so hurt and frustrated with you when you admitted you were keeping secrets, but now that I know?” I shook my head. “It makes sense why I fed so easily from you in my sleep. All the food and none of the guilt or worry. Can’t we go back to that?”
He studied me for a moment.
“We can, but you know feeding once a day isn’t enough, Eliana. Not anymore. I can feel your hunger, and you fed a few hours ago. Why don't you tell me why you don’t want to feed while you're awake? You know you can’t hurt me.”
I snorted.
“I know I can. But not the way I used to think.”
“I’m starting to wish we’d met at the hot springs.”
I almost laughed because I understood why. I was frustrating him. I could feel it boiling inside of him. Reaching out, I set my hand on his cheek. He leaned into it and breathed deeply.
“Stealing my frustration won’t stop me from feeling it again the minute you let go,” he said, turning so his mouth brushed the palm of my hand. Need ignited in my middle, and I took some of his sexual energy without meaning to.
He gently grabbed my wrist, holding me in place as his words tickled my skin.
“Please, Eliana. Eat. Then we’ll talk about why you think you’re going to hurt me.”
“I know where feeding is going to lead. I’m not ignorant of what being your mate means. You’ve already warned me that you’re running out of patience. That was one of your warnings that meant something else, right?”
He kissed my palm and released my hand.
“You’re running out of patience to claim me, right? You said that we’d take things slow, but slow won’t be an option for long if I keep feeding on you. And I also know that you’re not going to let me go hungry like I’ve been doing. You’re a pusher, Fenris. You're going to push at my boundaries until we're mated because that's what my feedings are going to drive you to do.” I took a huge breath. “And that's why I'm freaking out. My life will never be my own.”
Fenris’s pain radiated from him, and his warm brown gaze begged for understanding.
“Eliana, I've waited four years. A few more weeks? Another month? Another year? It's not going to make a difference to me. I'll wait as long as you need.
“But while I’m waiting, I’m going to need you to continue doing those two things, as you promised. Don’t avoid me. I’ve waited so long just to be next to you without you taking off in the opposite direction. Now that I’ve had it, I can’t go back. Time without you makes it a lot harder to be patient for all the rest. Do you understand what I’m saying? I need to be with you, Eliana. And I’m going to continue to selfishly claim my two hugs a day.”
My heart did a crazy beat as my imagination painted the picture of us spending all day, every day, together. I loved Fenris time. And I loved his hugs. Everything he was saying made me itch to crawl onto his lap and cuddle. I couldn’t decide if that was a dangerous thing or not, though. My hunger twisted inside of me, demanding I give in to the urge.
“And the second thing?” I asked, needing to hear him say it again.
“I need you to eat. You’re not saving either of us by denying yourself. Just like you could feel my frustration, I can feel your hunger. And it tears me up knowing that you’re holding back because of me.”
The worry and anguish underlying his lust supported the truth of his statement.
“I thought the second thing was going to be ‘don't run,’” I teased.
He quirked a grin at me. “I’m done telling you not to run. Instead, I’ll be the one whispering in your ear. ‘Do it. Make me howl.’”
A shiver of need raced through me, and for the first time, I felt it echoed back at me from Fenris. He inhaled deeply, and a knowing boyish grin tugged at his lips.
“I can feel what you want. Are you going to give me my daily dose of affection, or am I going to have to come to you?” he asked. “Yep, I'm still the same needy wolf who demands hugs. If you want to throw some petting in, I'm okay with that too.”
“I think I'll pass on the petting for now.”
“One of these days, you're going to give me what I want.”
