Chapter 142
Chapter 142
76 – Ryker
Until now, I never really cared. I probably shouldn’t care. Yet, deep down, I can’t help but feel a flicker of insecurity over the way she asked that question. It’s a bad habit of mine—misreading her intentions. Unlike Bennet, and now Danny, I haven’t mastered the art of understanding her emotions. I just watch her, caught in the moment, her eyes fixed on me with something I can’t quite place. Is it wonder? Or maybe confusion? Disbelief? I’m not sure. But one thing is clear: I can’t stop touching her. My fingers keep threading through her hair, brushing her cheek, tracing her arms, lingering on the small patch of bare skin at her waist where her shirt has slipped up.
I saved myself for my mate. That’s the one thing my wolf and I agreed on without question. We held back everything—the binding, the closeness—just for her. And I don’t regret it. I can’t. That kiss was the most incredible experience I’ve ever had. More thrilling than my first shift, even more intense than my first kill in a fight. This woman in my arms has awakened something inside me I never thought possible. My heart pounds wildly, and the electric charge between us hums like a live wire. All I can do is stare at her.
I know she’s looking for more explanation, but there isn’t one to give. No one else was ever going to get this part of me. So I just take her in the way her blonde hair is tousled, mostly pulled loose from its ponytail. She never wears much makeup, but now her eyes are rimmed with smudged black liner. Her cheeks are flushed pink, and her lips so soft and inviting are swollen from the kiss. But it’s her eyes, those crystal blue eyes, that have me completely mesmerized. Somehow, they shine even brighter now. I shouldn’t have waited this long. I should have done this the very first night she arrived. I feel like the broken pieces inside me are finally starting to mend. I feel stronger, more alive. Just one kiss, and I’m hooked-completely addicted. “Ryker?” Her voice pulls me back, and I blink, focusing on her words. “Were you planning on keeping me here all day?” she asks, a teasing smile playing on her lips.
I grin and ask, “What if I said yes? What would you do then p>
Without missing a beat, a fiery spark ignites in her eyes. “Then I’d tell you that kiss isn’t the only first you’re giving up today.” She presses her lips to mine again-light as a feather-and damn, if it doesn’t hit me with the same intensity as the deep, possessive kiss we just shared.
I groan softly. “I can’t. Not yet.” Taking a steady breath, I pull back and gently lower her to her feet.
She stays close, grinding against me as she moves, her body pressing into mine. I might have just made things a thousand times harder for myself. I know what she tastes like now, what those soft, tempting lips feel like against mine-and it could very well be my undoing.
But she doesn’t argue, which is new. Either she understands, or she’s planning to catch me off guard when I least expect it. Both seem equally likely. My fiery mate knows exactly what she wants in the bedroom. When I first realized that, I was as pissed off as my wolf. But after a heart-to-heart with my dad, I understood she’s human-this is all new to her, too. I believe this will work in my favor. In fact, it already has.
I pull her close again, breathing in the mix of honey and spice that clings to her, mingled with the earthy scent of the forest, dirt, and sweat from the training grounds. She smells irresistible. But I resist the urge and kiss her softly on the forehead. “I just need some time. Can you give me that? Please p>
What I don’t say is that I’m terrified of what might happen if we go further too soon. I’m not sure I could stop my wolf from marking her. I’ve heard stories about passionate markings—they can be brutal and painful for both mates. We’re not supposed to hurt each other, and I’ve never heard of anyone doing so intentionally. But unmarked mates can become aggressive during sex, and the wolf’s instinct to mark can spiral out of control, tearing skin, muscles, even breaking bones. I’m already scared of hurting her just by marking her—I don’t need raging hormones to make it worse.
She cups my cheeks again, meeting my gaze with steady eyes. “I can give you time —but it can’t be forever.” Then she laughs, a light, genuine laugh, and adds, “Now I need to go take a shower and deal with these female blue balls.” She turns and walks away, still laughing. Latest content publıshed on ~net
“Can I listen?” I call after her.
“Not unless you plan to join me.” She winks over her shoulder, and I swear she adds a little extra sway to her step. Damn my life.
We both manage to shower and get dressed for the day without any further distractions. I take her into my office to meet with Josh and discuss the next phase of our building project. I have no idea what role I’ll have her play, but I can’t seem to stay more than a few feet away from her right now.
“There you are, Bossman,” Josh says, not even looking up from a file. “I thought maybe we lost you to the land of the laid, considering your Luna actually seems to like you now p>