Page 58 of Campfires & Canines
“I’m pretty happy right now,” I say in a breathy whisper. He hasn’t even touched me and I might implode.
“Can I kiss you?” he asks.
Nodding, I reach for him, unable to restrain myself. His cotton shirt is worn soft. I glide my palms upwards over his pecs to hook around his neck and thread into his hair.
Adoration fizzes through my veins. He is protective and passionate. He didn’t hesitate to claim me in front of everyone, making this huge commitment to keep me safe.
I tip my chin up. Achingly slow, he bows his head. His cheek brushing mine is like fire. And by the time his lips finally meet mine, I’m desperate.
His touch is explosive. I press my body into him, my soft curves against his lean muscles. His hands grip my waist, fingers splayed to feel more of my stomach and hips. and his tongue slips into my mouth.
I break the kiss off with a small gasp, trying to get enough oxygen to slow the pulse pounding in my ears.
"Are you nervous?" He whispers in my ear.
"No," I lie, shivering.
"Really?" A wicked grin lights up his features and I'm overwhelmed by how handsome he is. It’s quite unfair.
To show him how confident I am, I slip my hands under the edge of his t-shirt, against his bare skin. He’s blazing hot to my touch. I tug him tighter against me.
"Are you sure you want this? There's no undoing it." Each word is precise as if he wants to leave no room for misunderstanding.
I swallow. "I'm very sure.”
He searches my face, concern softening his mouth into that pout I love. I can’t help but rise on my toes and kiss him. His handsrun up my back and tangle into my hair. I suck in that full bottom lip and gently nip it. He groans, and need sparks through me.
“You shouldn’t,” he murmurs against the crook of my jaw. “You should have left.”
I tip my head to give him more access, and he rewards me with a rumbly growl while he nibbles the soft spot right below my ear.
“Don’t tell me what I should want,” I grind out.
I can’t explain it, but from the first time we met, it’s been this inevitable, unavoidable slide towards utter devotion. The threats from the other packs may have sped up the timeline, but I have no doubt we would have ended up here in the end. I know it in my bones.
“You’re stuck with me now,” he replies.
Irritated, I wrinkle my nose at him. He chuckles like I’m some adorable puppy. “I want to be stuck with you,” I growl, shoving him backward to emphasize my point. He allows me to push him onto his sofa, dragging me down with him.
I straddle him, my hair falling around us. He lays back, admiration all over his face as I lean over him.
“This is my home. I couldn’t bear leaving now. I’ve never felt like I belonged anywhere, and then I met you and the pack.” Tears prick my eyes. “When Heath told me to leave, I felt like my heart was being cut out.”
He cradles my face, his thumbs wiping away a tear that escaped. He listens with rapt attention, making no move to interrupt me.
“You were in the center of it. I can’t imagine this place without you. And I can’t stand the thought of my life without you in it. Even if I left, I’d want you with me.”
I press a hand against his chest. His heart beats steadily against my palm. “Are we completely ready to be mates and make that commitment? Probably not. But I have no doubt it’s where we are headed. I couldn’t keep my hands off of you.
“I should be worried aboutyou. You’re the one tying yourself to me,” I say, my voice raw.
He sighs. “I never stood a chance.” His fingers thread through my hair.
Tugging me down against his chest, he wraps me securely with both arms. When he speaks, I feel the vibrations in my ribcage. “I’ve heard pack members talk about meeting their mate. We don’t date often, because when we finally fall for someone, that’s it. It’s like something clicks into place, or a bond that becomes unbreakable before you even realize what’s happening.”
“Do you feel like that?” I’m scared to ask, but I have to know. What if I’m depriving him of a true mate?
“Couldn’t you tell?” I sit up, trying to read his expression. “I was obsessed with you from the first moment. I stayed outside your cabin at night.” His eyes crinkle, amusement curving his beautiful mouth.
