Page 60 of Tolerated By the Sigma (Mate Hunt 7)

“Are you going to stab me and bury my body in the woods?” I checked.

“Mmhm. Now that I’ve fucked you so many times that we’re practically the same person, I’m definitely ready to bury you.”

I snorted, and his chuckle made my lips curve up higher.

As much fun as the climax had been when the worst of the need had worn off, there had also been plenty of down time. And during that down time, there had been plenty of talking. Ryder and I had traded stories, learning to understand each other in the process.

The more I got to know the man fate had decided needed a second chance, the more I agreed with her. Or him. Or it. Whatever fate was, I understood it.

Ryder was a really, really good man. Despite his roughness, and insecurities, he was strong and kind and caring. And when he loved someone, he really, really loved them.

And I wasn’t sure whether or not he was in love with me, but I was sure as fuck in love with him. And regardless of whether his feelings matched mine, I knew that he would do whatever it took to protect me, no matter the situation.

We showered together and got dressed, and he explained why he wanted to go out to the forest. Kai, one of the feral pack guys, was Ryder’s tattoo artist, and my man was still set on getting matching ink. I was on board, though he had to reassure me about two dozen times that Kai followed all health and safety protocols despite living in the forest and all.

“Are we going wolf and running there?” I checked, sliding up onto the counter and French-braiding my hair while Ryder threw a couple of omelets together.

“Nah. My wolf will probably throw a fit about it, but I want to have my truck there so I can take you to dinner afterward. This is a real, human date, remember?” He flashed me a teasing grin.

Now that things were settled between us, he was so much more relaxed—and so much happier.

I loved it.

“We should probably shift tonight and let our wolves run for a bit,” I remarked, tying a band around the end of my braid. “Mine’s chill, but we don’t want yours to lose his chill. And Oscar probably misses me.”

“I’m sure he does, but I’m glad he’s calmed down.” Ryder’s hand rested on my thigh while he continued cooking, having three pans going at once. “I haven’t felt this much like myself in… ever.”

“I’ll take full credit for that, thanks.” I grabbed the plate he’d set on the counter, and rested it on my thighs. “So where do you want my tattoo? Here?” I tapped my collarbone.

“Inside your wrist, so I can see it more often.” He caught my hand, turning it so he could press his lips to the sensitive skin there.

We ateand then headed out to Ryder’s truck. It was in the driveway, and I didn’t know who had brought it over, but I assumed it was someone from his pack. Our pack.

I’d get used to that eventually, I thought.

Honestly, with our wolves being sigmas, it was kind of fitting that we were a bit on the outside of a number of different packs. I definitely wasn’t an alpha, or beta, or anything else… just me.

I propped my feet up on the dash, Ryder’s hand resting on my thigh as I stared at my phone, typing out a quick message to the girls in the pack to let them know that we had finally emerged from the house I had lovingly calledOur Sex Dungeon.

They shot a few celebration gifs back, and when I glanced up a few minutes later, I frowned when I saw where we were. “This isn’t the way to the forest, Ry.”

“I know.” He parked in front of a store that I recognized, but had never been inside.

I blinked at it, and then at him.

He flashed me a grin. “If I’m making you get a tattoo, I’d better uphold that promise to wear a ring.”

My face reddened. “You don’t have to.”

“I never said I did.” He opened his door and headed around the truck, and I grabbed my crossbody-bag off the floor as he tugged my door open. “Do you want to try on a few rings while we’re here?”

I lifted an eyebrow toward him. “You in a hurry to marry me or something?”

“I’ve already got you forever. Why not make it official?” He lifted an eyebrow back at me, and damn, that was hot.

Both his commitment, and justhim.

His hand caught mine, and his fingers slid between mine, stretching them and holding my hand in a way that made me feel secure.

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