Page 36 of Bonded By Christmas
“She was anxious, but overall, she was okay. Her biggest concern seemed to be ensuring you didn’t end up punished for your part in things.” He chuckles softly. “Although, I think we might have hell to pay tomorrow when she’s no longer in triage mode.”
I grimace.
It’s a possibility, but I don’t see Lacey holding a grudge for long. I see her being more confused than anything. She’ll probably ask a fair number of questions, but she’s owed the basics.
She’s always had the utmost patience with me, even when I grunted and growled and could barely form words. When anyone else would have looked at me as little more than an animal, she was understanding. It’s one of the first things that sparked my obsession with her.
“I have a few gifts in the closet to distract her if it comes down to it,” Wilder whispers. “You might want to dig around tomorrow and find a pet store or a shelter… I think a kitten would help. Although, fuck. No part of me wants to deal with litter boxes around the house. Do you think we could talk her into a puppy? The?—”
I grunt, cutting him off. “She wants a kitten. She’s getting a damn kitten.”
And that’s the end of that.
Chapter Sixteen
Grim
By the time my eyes pop open the next morning, Wilder is missing from the other side of the bed. Lacey rolled over in her sleep, meaning she’s on her side facing me with her nose cuddled up to my pec.
I’m usually fond of sleeping on my back, but I’m in the same position I was last night. I bet my system wanted to stay as close to her as possible even as I slept.
Scooting down the mattress, I ignore how annoying it is when my feet pop out the bottom of the blanket and hang off the end of the bed. Once I’m face-to-face with Lacey, I lick the scratch on her nose and move to lap at the scrape on her cheek. The one on her temple is a little too far out of reach, but I’ll get after that one later.
“Grim,” the little omega whispers, running her hand over my chest. “I’m so glad you’re okay. You should have woken me up when you got in.”
“Nah, you needed your rest.” I weave my hand into her hair and gently massage her scalp. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine. I’m more worried about you. Did you tidy up all the loose ends?” She stretches closer to my ear. “Are they dead? Disposed of? Like, they won’t be a problem?”
I bark a laugh.
She’s so goddamn cute.
“Are you sure you really want to know?” I ask as she settles back against the mattress. “How about you just take my word for it when I tell you Callum and I were very thorough. We have nothing to worry about.”
“Okay, good,” she murmurs, scooting even closer. Her hand lands on my shoulder, giving me a shove.
I quirk an eyebrow but release her hair and roll onto my back. The little bundle of trouble follows me, climbing right onto my chest. She digs her fingers into my beard, and her hair falls around me as she dips her face close to mine. “Thank you for saving me. I don’t even care how you ended up there. I’m just really grateful that you were.”
She kisses me, and a growl rattles from my chest as our lips meet. She twists her fingers in my beard, guiding me where she wants me. It’s hot as fuck, but my instincts scream to trap her under me. I fight against the urge and let her lead the kiss.
My hand falls to her back while I bring the other to cradle her skull. She grinds over my lower stomach, but I wish she’d shimmy a few inches lower.
She swirls her tongue around mine, nipping at my lip. That sweet white gardenia and pear scent of hers bursts in the air, but I’m more distracted by her desire that filters through the bond.
Electricity zips through my system at the realization. It’s not pity or her need to save me from my addled mind; Lacey wantsme. She’s attractedto me.
I’ve ached for her for so fucking long, and the connection we now share makes everything more intimate.
I’d really love to flip her over and bury my face in her pussy. I wouldn’t be satisfied until my entire beard smelled like her delectable cunt, but my mind says I’m moving too fast.
Is there such a thing when we’re bonded for life?
There is if you don’t want to ruin the beginning of your relationship.
You only get one chance to court her the right way. Don’t fuck it up by being a rabid asshole who rushes through all the romantic parts.
Lacey whimpers, pulling back to breathe. Her eyes are hazy as they meet mine, and she plants one hand on my shoulder while the other cradles my cheek with her fingers buried in my beard.
