Page 84 of His True Mate
“Now,” she said.
My teeth elongated and my mouth watered. I wanted her so bad. I needed to make her mine. But I also knew she wasn’t herself. She was drunk and I knew from experience that alcohol could make a person feel invincible and determined to do things they would never do sober.
This was too important.
I couldn’t risk any regrets.
Winnie leaned down and licked a spot on my neck. It sent a shiver down my spine.
“That’s where I’m going to mark you. I don’t want it to blend in with your tattoo, so I’m going to do it on this side for everyone to see.”
I leaned down and kissed the spot I hoped to one day mark too. I sucked hard on it, knowing it would leave a hickey, but I refused to sink my teeth into her no matter how badly I wanted to.
I gave the spot one last kiss and pulled away.
Tears welled up in Winnie’s eyes.
“Why?”
“Because I want you to be sober and ready to make that kind of commitment when the time comes.”
“But I am ready.”
“You’ve had a lot to drink tonight, Winnie.”
“Not enough to not know how badly rejection hurts.”
I cringed hating knowing that I was upsetting here. I held her closely unable to look into her eyes any longer and see the hurt there.
“But I’m staying,” she whispered. “I want to stay. I want to be with you.”
I grinned and kissed her forehead.
“If you still feel that way in the morning, I’ll proudly make you mine forever.”
She nodded and I could feel her determination wane.
A few minutes later we hadn’t moved, but she was becoming heavier in my arms as she leaned against me. Then I heard her soft snoring and couldn’t help but smile.
I carried her to bed, wondering if she’d even remember this moment in the morning. I had to hope she meant every word, that she wanted to stay, that she wanted me.
*****
Winnie awoke with a moan, naked in our bed.
I tried not to smile and handed her a bottle of water.
“Drink up. You’re dehydrated. I can give you some headache medicine if you want,” I said softly.
It had been a while, but I knew what a hangover felt like, especially a wine induced hangover. For some reason those were always the worst.
She groaned.
“No meds. I never take that shit.”
“Good, because I don’t either and would have to go out and buy something.”
She turned and glared at me.
