Page 93 of Marked By Moonlight
“You’re still up for doing the marking ceremony? Even if you haven’t learned to shift yet?”
I nod. “Yes.” My eyes blaze as I look at him. And for the first time, I don’t doubt that I’ll survive the marking. Ambrose will ensure I survive, and I’m strong enough to endure it.
“Stop looking at me like that, or I’m never letting you leave,” he warns.
I run my tongue across my bottom lip and watch him nearly come undone. The only thing that stops him is Emeric opening the door.
I freeze, standing completely naked next to the bed, but Emeric doesn’t so much as look in my direction. And Ambrose doesn’t seem bothered that another man is in the same room as us while I’m naked.
It’s so strange to me, but I guess I have to get used to it.
“Tell me everything,”Rowena says when I’ve finally showered and dressed. We’re walking away from Ambrose’s house, and Rowena has promised to introduce me to everyone, but right now, it’s me who has to spill.
I blush, and my entire body heats with thoughts of what we did. But I have no idea what to share with her, especially considering how she and Ambrose used to date.
“Oh my gods, look at you! The only part of you that isn’t red is your hair.”
My cheeks redden even more as we walk. “I’m just not sure I can talk to you about any of this.”
“Now I really need to know. How was it? Was it the best sex you ever had? Did you feel the mating bond practically cement between you? Was it rough? Did you shift? He didn’t hurt you, did he? Because if he did, I’m going to kick his—”
“He didn’t hurt me! It was…” I don’t know how to finish my sentence. It was everything I ever imagined. The connection. The intensity. The orgasms. The gentle way he held me. The magic spurring inside me, telling me my wolf was there; she was just waiting for the perfect moment. She wasn’t about to ruin my first sexual experience with my mate by making an appearance yet. But she’s ready. When I need her, she’s ready.
“You love him.”
“What?” The pink in my cheeks whitens, and my eyes bulge.
“You love him. I can tell. It’s written all over your face.”
“I do not. I barely even know him.”
She frowns. “Why are you upset about falling for him? He’s your mate. It helps things if you two love each other. I’m pretty sure he loves you, too, even if he hasn’t said it out loud. And if he didn’t before, it seems like the sex cemented the feeling.”
My heart races. She can’t be talking about Ambrose falling in love with me. But it confirms that he never told her his curse. I’m the only one who knows.
“It’s just…”How do I get her to stop with all the love talk?
“Wait…” she halts to a stop, grabs my shoulders, and faces me, staring me down like she can read my mind.
“That was your first time with anyone, wasn’t it?”
The blush returns, and I can’t look her in the eyes as I answer, “Yes.”
“Oh, gods. I’m so sorry. I should have prepared you. Ambrose can be—”
“Please don’t finish that sentence.” I don’t want to think about her and Ambrose together.
“Sorry, I just know that—”
“Nope, I don’t want to hear it.” I scan the dirt roads and houses, looking for anyone who can save me from this conversation, but the streets are eerily quiet.
“It’s just that—”
“Rowena, stop! I really can’t hear about it.”
She sighs and bites her lip, trying to hold back whatever she was about to say. I need something to distract her.
“Is it strange that no one else seems to be out right now?” It’s the middle of the afternoon.
