Page 98 of Demon's Mate
Harper’s tender expression broke into a yawn. “Sorry.Killed the moment.” They both laughed. “Will you stay with me while I sleep?”
Ash ran a hand through Harper’s hair. “Of course I’m staying. You couldn’t get rid of me if you tried, sweet.”
“Good. I need you with me.” Harper held him tight for a long moment before whispering, “I don’t want to wait to mate. I get why you do, but after today, I don’t want anything coming between us.”
“Neither do I.” Ash’s heart was so full his chest twinged. “But I want you to rest first. Put this day behind you. Then I’ll claim you as my mate.”
Harper sucked in a breath. “Please, Ash. I want to be yours.”
Ash laid a gentle kiss on Harper’s lips. “You are mine. The bond is already coming together. So take a nap, knowing our connection draws you closer to me every second.”
Harper returned Ash’s kiss. “Okay.”
Ash undressed him, shoes first, then shirt and pants. “Just so you know, we aren’t mating here. We need a lot more privacy than this.” He glanced at the door, the sounds of Ollie moving around only slightly muffled.
Harper’s cheeks bloomed with color and his scent intensified. “True.”
Ash pulled off his own pants and climbed into the bed, holding the covers back for Harper. His mate slid in and curled against his side.
“I’ve never felt as safe as I do with you,” Harper whispered. “It shouldn’t be possible to feel at home or secure after today, but I do.”
Ash hummed, nuzzling into Harper. “I feel it too. You know, I think my time living in the mountains felt so good because they smelled like you. I just didn’t know it.” Ash laid a kiss on the top of Harper’s head. “I didn’t realize how lonely Iwas until I met you. You changed my world, and I’m here to change yours.”
Harper sleptthe rest of the day and night. Ash dozed, mainly keeping an eye on his mate, waiting. When Harper finally opened his eyes, heat crackled between them.
Harper pressed his lips to Ash’s chest, wiggling against him. “I’m ready.”
Ash’s heart fluttered. “Hold that thought, flower.”
They dressed quickly, and soon, Ash had them up on the roof.
He scooped Harper up, carrying him bridal style. “Come with me, mate. It’s time to claim what’s mine.”
Harper moaned and buried his face against Ash’s neck.
Ash took off and flew toward Dante’s house, his pulse thrumming to the beat of his wings. The fresh air filled with the scent of Harper’s bluebells. His sweet mate.
Mine. Ash laughed at the possessive voice in his head. How had he ever doubted it?
He landed on Dante’s deck and set Harper on his feet.
Harper glanced over his shoulder toward the house. “Is Dante here?”
Ash gripped Harper’s chin and turned him to face him. “No, he messaged to say he was out for the day. We have the place to ourselves.”
Harper’s cheeks pinkened. “Then mate me, Ash. Fuck me and make me yours forever.”
Ash growled and crushed Harper into a kiss. He almost took Harper right there, bending him over the rail and spreading him wide, but he didn’t want this to be over in a rush.
“Come with me.” Ash tugged Harper’s hand and led himinside, all the way to his bedroom. When Harper made for the bed, Ash pulled him in the opposite direction. “In here.”
He guided Harper into the bathroom and turned on the luxurious waterfall shower, big enough to accommodate a winged demon.
Harper grinned. “Ooh, I’ve never had shower sex.”
Ash chuckled. “Strip.”
Harper’s clothes practically disappeared. Ash got himself naked and followed Harper into the shower.
