Page 76 of Spellbound & Speechless
“Gods…” He presses his lips to mine with fervor, smiling against my mouth.
My anger melts, my fingers tangle into his hair, and I find it easy to return his passion with my desire. I shove my tongue into his mouth, claiming him with my kiss, before yanking on his hair to pull him back.
He’s laughing again, positively exhilarated.
“What is wrong with you?Goddess.” I’m seconds from begging him to speak plainly. “I still don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Do you...” His breath comes out in harsh pants. “Aspen, this is important.”
My heart races. “Okay?”
“Do you know what a mating bond is?”
“Well… well, yes.” I freeze. “You already asked, and you told me about it… and like I said last time, I heard about it. Witches have something similar?—”
“But do you know what it feels like?”
I swallow thickly, shaking my head.
“You can feel everything they feel. When they’re upset or worried, you know it. When they’re happy, it feels likeyou’rehappy. You can’t stop thinking about them. All you want to do is keep them safe. Every move you make, every word you say, becomes about them.”
My heart pounds in my ears, loud enough for him to hear it. “What does this have to do withme?”
“You’re my mate.” His eyes bore into mine. “Don’t you feel it?’
An understanding clicks into place. There’s somethingin the way he looks at me that makes me trust him and understand everything.
The first day we met, the tug at my chest, the urge to talk to him.
The lovers card fell from the deck secretly, only for my eyes to see.
He protected me, time and time again.
How it felt to have sex with him. It was better than with anyone else—and I’ve had some good sex. Not like with him. It felt like our emotions, hearts, and minds were merging.
And, oh, it always seems like he can read my mind. He showed up to save me when no one else was around. Was it truly a coincidence, or was it magic?
My breaths emerge in nervous, soft, shallow pants. His emotions become mine. It’s true. All true. The bond is open. I can feel him even now. Uncertainty, worry, and hope all mix. None belong to me. It’s all him.
“My mate,” I whisper.
They’re the last words I say before I fling myself at Mac, kissing him with the hunger of a wolf.
His voice echoes in my mind.
My mate… my mate…
Chapter 27
Mac
Apparently,witch mating ritualsaredifferent. When wolves choose a mate, it’s done. It’s energetic. The moment Aspen chooses me, the bond strengthens, roaring, and it is impossible to turn away from her.
I want to respect her mating rituals, even if they seem more complicated. Even if she needs more. I’ll give it to her.
The next night, she leads me to the creaking attic.
“What are these for?” I ask, carrying pink ropes and apples.
