Page 17 of The Brooding Alpha's Mate
“You are my mate. You would know if I was lying.”
Cocking his head, he regarded me like I only showed up in that second. “You’re right. I’d forgotten about that.”
With my unspoken permission, I watched as my bear finished off the rest of the food. Scraped the plates clean.
My mate ate a lot. I hadn’t cooked for anyone because I wanted to in a long time. It was time to start. He was so handsome.
Again, I focused on his lips. As he ate. As he licked them. While he took a sip of coffee. Lots of cream. Noted.
They called to me.
It would be so easy. I could raise up, probably on my knees because of the height difference. Press my lips to his. End this silent torture.
Discover what my mate tasted like.
“Did you need something, omega?” He turned to me.
Yes. I needed a few things. His lips on mine. Him inside me. His mating mark. That short list ruled my thoughts.
My bravery waned. I lost my gumption. “No. I…I can get the dishes.”
Chicken shit, Colson. You are spineless.I spoke harshly to myself. My wolf didn’t like it one bit.
“Let’s do them together. I don’t want you to hurt yourself.”
“Sounds good.”
Instead of washing up the dishes inside, the cabin had an outside sink with a built-in drain. Alex had thought to bringeverything. Either that or the cabin was stocked in case someone needed to stay here.
More questions I would ask. I lifted the skillet and twisted to put it in the sink, when a slicing pain ripped through my shoulder. Damn Dean and his fucking claws. They were his favorite weapon. He loved to dig them in and make his points. I had scars everywhere.
Once we mated, if we mated, I hoped my alpha didn’t find them disgusting.
“To bed with you, omega. You’re hurting.”
“I’m fine. It’s…” I was shut up by the stern look Alex gave me. “I’m not fine. My shoulder hurts. But we’re not done.”
“It’s okay. I’ll finish up.”
I sighed. I feared if I went inside by myself that Alex would leave me, figuring out I wasn’t worth the trouble.
“I’ll be in right after you, mate. I promise.”
Would be a great time to seal it with a kiss, but neither of us made the move.
Disappointment filled my body. “Thank you.”
I walked slowly to the door and slumped into bed thinking I wouldn’t be able to sleep. A nap felt like luxurious living. Laziness, even.
My eyes began to close almost the second my head hit the pillow. Soon after, I faintly remembered Alex getting into the bed. His warmth enveloped me, and my body released all the tension it had been holding onto.
Chapter Ten
Alex
I was helpless to help my mate. Healing took its own course no matter how fast I wanted him to. He winced and grunted in pain more than a few times in his sleep and then more after breakfast.
His nap lasted more than two hours. By the time he woke up, it was after noon. He needed all the rest he could get, but our mating was so new.
