Page 51 of Overcoming the Beta

“Hey!” Kelsey shouts as the front door flies open. “When you two are done, there’s cheesecake in here.” Kelsey says through a mouthful of food while holding a plate with a giant slice of cheesecake on it. Kate breaks the kiss and snaps her head to her brother.

“I’m going to kill him,” she says in a monotone voice. She pushes me back and lunges for Kelsey, grabbing his fork and cheesecake from his hands. Kate takes a large bite. “Mine now, asshole,” she says through a mouthful of cheesecake before walking away.

“Kelsey, my man,” I grab his arm with one hand and the back of his neck with the other, and follow Kate inside the house. “Remind me to pay you the same favor one day.” I laugh.

“I’m not getting my cheesecake back, am I?” Kelsey frowns.

“Nope, afraid not. You have managed to irritate the shit out of your sister tonight. I’d sleep with one eye open if I were you.” We both laugh.

Chapter twenty-six

Yours in Every Way

**June 2001**

Kate

Walkingthroughthefrontdoor of the cottage, I see candles lit throughout the living room and a rose pedal path. My heart skips a beat at the sight. I smile from ear to ear as I follow the path. It leads down the hall to our bedroom, then continues into the master bathroom. My excitement grows as I see hundreds of red rose pedals on the bed surrounded by the flickering light of candles. I stop in the doorway and stare. It’s so beautiful and romantic. My heart skips a beat thinking how amazing Ian is for doing all this. I’m mesmerized by the sight. I’ve only seen things like this in movies and would have never thought in a million years that a romantic gesture like this would be my reality.

I continue on the rose pedal path to the bathroom where I find Ian sitting on the edge of the garden tub holding a single stemmed red rose.

“Hello, my angel,” he stands and slowly walks towards me with a sultry look on his face. He’s wearing jeans and a long sleeve black button-up shirt. My breath hitches as I watch him stalk towards me. He’s so sexy. His shirt is open, exposing his chest. I can’t believe he’s really mine.

“Ian, what is all of this?” I look around at the flickering light of dozens of candles lining the bathtub and sink. Ian stands just inches in front of me, his intoxicating fresh scent fills my nose. He brings the rose to his nose, then offers it to me.

“Do you like it?” I take the rose and he closes the small space that divides us.

“I love it,” I wrap my arms around his neck, “What’s the occasion?” I bite my lower lip and breathe in his essence.

“I figured you might be a little tired from all the hubbub of the graduation ceremony and dinner, that you might need some… relaxing. This seems like the best way to start.” He wraps his arms around my waist and brings me in for a kiss. The kiss is sweet and gentle, but full of love and passion. I love the way my body molds and fits into his so perfectly. Everything he does makes me feel so special. I’m sad when he breaks the kiss. “I drew a bubble bath for you.” He holds my hand and guides me to the tub.

“Are you joining me?” I wrap my hands around his large bicep and rest my head on his shoulder.

“If that is what you want,” He looks down at me and smiles. I love the way he looks at me. With just his smile, he makes me feel like I’m floating on a cloud.

“That’s what I want.” I step back and undress.

“Your wish is my command, angel.” Ian follows my lead and undresses. I watch as he removes his clothes, piece by piece.

I pay special attention when he pulls his jeans off and his member proudly leaps forward. Every time I see it, I’m completely mesmerized, and can’t take my eyes off it. I can almost feel it inside me, filling me and bringing me so much pleasure. I lick my lips and wonder what it tastes like… what it would feel like in my mouth. Ian tastes and devours me daily, but I’ve never returned the favor. Tonight, that changes. I want to know what every inch of him tastes like.

“You can’t look at me like that, angel, or we won’t make it to the tub.” He gently grabs my chin, directing my face up to his.

“Would that be so bad?” I smile, biting my bottom lip, then look away. I’m partially embarrassed about being so forward with him. Every day we spend together, I want him more and more. Even though my appetite for him is insatiable, I usually wait for him to take the lead.

“Don’t tempt me, angel.” He growls. His voice is lower and deeper in tone and his eyes are black with lust. He looks like a predator ready to pounce on its prey. The way he looks at me takes the air from my lungs and makes my core wet.

Sitting in the tub with my back resting against Ian’s chest while he strokes my skin with a washcloth, I’m the most relaxed I’ve been in my entire life. I’m not too sure if it’s the fruity smelling bubbles, the hot water on my skin, or that I’m in the arms of the man I love more than life itself. All my dreams came true a few months back and I couldn’t be happier.

Since Ian has been home with me, I’ve only felt the pain in my chest three times, once in the clinic and two other times shortly after he came back. But nothing in over a month now. I guess Dr. Patrice was right, the strain on the mate bond was making me feel sick. All of my symptoms are also gone, except for a guilty feeling I get from time to time. I think that’s from him spending so much time with me, isolating himself from Zane and Kelsey. I don’t want to cause trouble in their friendship.

“Mmmm, that feels good.” I move my head to the side as Ian trails kisses up and down my neck, settling on my marking spot. That area is so sensitive to his touch. He massages my breasts with both hands while sucking on my neck.

“This is where you’ll wear my mark… when you’re ready, of course.” He continues teasing my skin with his lips and teeth. I can’t get enough of him.

“Why haven’t you marked me already?” I moan softly.

“I want to make sure you’re ready. Marking each other will solidify the mate bond. It’s what will connect our two souls into one.” He moves one hand from my breast down to my nub. I throw my head back and moan as his fingers rub circles.

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