Page 62 of Moonlight and Mischief
She gathers the fabric of her dress in both hands and pulls it over her head in one smooth motion. The world could have stopped spinning and I wouldn’t have noticed.
My hands graze over her ribs and lightly skim the swell of her breasts. She leans forward, one hand on my chest, pushing herself into my hands.
“If you made me come that hard with your fingers, I’m a little scared of what you can do with your cock.” Her voice is husky.
This girl is unbelievable.
My fingers dig into her skin. It takes two steadying breaths before I can speak. “That’s the thing,” I say, wincing at her parted lips and vulnerable expression. “I don’t want to dothatuntil I’m claiming my mate.”
Swallowing, Marigold’s face falls. “That makes sense.” She rolls off me and stretches out, arms crossed over her bare breasts. A blush colors her cheeks.
“Where are you going?” I murmur, brushing her hair over her shoulder to expose that glorious bare skin. Her mouth curves into a hopeful smile.
She runs a hand down my side, thumb stroking my abs. Leaning in, I kiss her sweet mouth, putting all my longing and devotion into my slow, deliberate movements. We kiss and let our hands rove, until shelays her head down on my pillow and nestles under my chin. It feels incredible to wrap my arms around her and feel her breathing even out. She’s addicting, and I have noguarantee she’s mine.
13. Confessions and Investigations
MARIGOLD
Slate knocks on our door the next morning. Jasper invites him in. “What’s up? Do we have a change of plans for the day?”
Shaking his head, Slate turns toward me. “Actually, I was hoping Marigold would visit the Raven Pack with Elm today. Scope things out and get a feel for what’s going on up there.”
Jasper’s words about the Raven Pack and Ironcrest echo in my thoughts. “Sure, sounds like a plan.”
Slate leaves me with a nod. When I return to the table, Jasper tugs me into his lap and kisses mesoundly.
“I need to go,” I say.
“No,” Jasper argues between kisses peppered down my throat.
Sighing, I sink into him. “A long run will give me time to think about us.” He hums in response, his hold loosening so I can pull back. I give him one more lingering kiss and force myself to walk away.
My dad is waiting for me, sitting on a bench in the big steel training building. “Hey, Dad.” He gives me a hug.
“Ready to see Heron and Breeze?” he asks, referring to my maternal grandparents.
“Let’s go,” I say, opening the door to my dad’s faded green pickup truck. Once we’re on the road, I ask, “So, what are we looking for exactly?”
“Mainly a temperature check. Is Nyx still the reclusive Alpha we all love, or is she possibly leading raids? Is there any sign of Granite Ridge or Ironcrest pushing in?” he says grimly.
“Alright, that sounds manageable.”
“So what’s new with you, kiddo?” he asks with a smile. Our last family dinner was dominated by Cobalt’s stories of his recent adventures, and Indigo sharing about the new healing techniques he’s learned during his apprenticeship with our grandmother, Sable.
“Had a fun game night with everyone last night. Oh and I went into town with Jasper and checked out the coffee shop there. It was cool.”
“Just you and Jasper?” he says.
“Yeah,” I say, trying to sound casual. My dad nods. Would he approve of me and Jasper? Silence stretches between us and I finally give in to the impulseto ask. “So, after working with him a while, what do you think of him?”
“Jasper?” His lips thin while he considers. “He’s talented, that’s for sure. Seems loyal, but it’s only been a few months. Considering his parents, I don’t think I’ll trust him until it’s been a few years.”
That’s not ideal.
“He’s gotten really close with all my friends. I don’t think he had friends or supportive leaders in Granite Ridge. He seems happy, so I don’t think we need to worry about his loyalty,” I argue.
“That makes sense.” His tone ends the discussion.
