“Me too.” He dragged his fingers though his hair, tousling the thick mass. His biceps bunched and rippled. His torso looked like some talented god had carved it, lovingly crafting each line to perfection. In reality, he was a hardworking, half-breed werewolf. A man. A man who wanted and needed her. A man who loved her. In the end, that was the only thing that mattered.
She took a deep breath and slowly released it. This was the moment of truth. What did she really want? Whatever decision she made, there was no going back. If she was going to leave, she’d have to do it tomorrow. Hanging on if she had no intention of staying was just wrong. It was too hard on all of them. And if she was staying, she needed to commit to Sage. Time wasn’t going to change how she felt about him.
Rina walked around to the side of the bed, climbed onto the mattress and positioned herself on her hands and knees. The bed shifted as Sage turned to watch. “Rina?”
She looked over her shoulder at the man who’d captured her heart and smiled. “Claim me. Make me yours.”
At first, Sage was sure he must have misunderstood Rina. Then he thought maybe he was dreaming. He’d worried he’d been pushing her far too much too soon, and he’d talked himself into backing off for a bit, giving her some room.
Now here she was naked in his bed and offering herself to him. Even more than that, she was offering to mate with him.
His chest swelled until it hurt. “Be sure, Rina.” It was painful to ask, but he needed to be sure this was what she truly wanted. “It can’t be undone.” He rubbed the tiny mark that remained on his neck from her claiming. Unlike her bite, his wouldn’t fade. Or at least he hoped it wouldn’t.
“What if it doesn’t work?” He hated to bring it up, but the fact was he was a half-breed.
She turned and scooted over to kneel beside him. “We’ll know it’s there.” She lifted his hand and placed it over her heart. “It will work here, where it matters most.”
He snaked his hand around to the back of her head and dragged her close. He covered her mouth with his and tasted her eagerness when she slipped her tongue past his lips.
He groaned and pulled her onto his lap. Hands on her cheeks, he held her gently as he devoured her. She was the light in his darkness, the only one who could fill the empty spot inside him.
She wrapped her hands around his wrists and simply held on until they finally parted. She blinked several times and gasped for air. “Wow.”
Her response made him smile. “Yeah, wow.” He rubbed his nose against hers in a playful gesture, then buried his face in her hair and inhaled her scent. She smelled like honey and oatmeal from her soap. Underlying it was the scent of her warm skin and the sweet perfume of her arousal.
“I love you, Rina.” It was important to him that she truly understood how much she meant to him.
“I know.” She dropped a light kiss on his lips, crawled off his lap, and positioned herself on her hands and knees in the center of the bed. She turned her head and smiled at him. “I love you too.”
Sage ripped open the front of his jeans. There wasn’t time to take them off. Rina’s admission had brought his wolf nature to the fore. He might not be able to shift, but in this it seemed he was all wolf.
Rina was his mate, and he had to claim her. Now.
His cock throbbed and his balls were so heavy they ached. He wanted to just mount her and fuck her. He settled between her spread thighs. The long, slender line of her spine and her neck were bare.
He placed his hand in the center of her back. It was large and dark against her pale skin. Slow down, the voice in his head cautioned. He had to take his time. There was no need to take her like a marauding Viking.
He wanted to make this right, make it special for her.
He was panting hard with the effort it was taking to hold back. He leaned down, covered her smaller body with his, and lightly kissed her shoulder. She shuddered and her entire body seemed to sink into the mattress.
She’d been as tense as him and trying not to show it.
He licked and nipped at the sensitive skin at her nape. He ran a hand down her side and then around to her front so he could cup her breast. Firm and full, it filled his palm. He massaged it, enjoying Rina’s whimpers of pleasure when he finally thumbed her nipple.
She reached behind and grabbed his hip, urging him to take her.
Sage slid his erection between her thighs. The hot, moist folds of her pussy felt like heaven as he rubbed against them. He didn’t enter her. Not yet. A part of him wanted the moment to last, even as he feared it would be over all too soon. He teased her clit with the head of his cock, stroking back and forth.
She moaned and bucked her hips. Sage felt his eyes almost cross and knew it was time. Rina was so aroused there was barely any resistance when he positioned himself and pushed. Her slick channel rippled around him as he thrust to the hilt.
She arched her back and gripped the sheets with her hands. He clamped his hands around her hips and slowly started to thrust.
They’d made love before, but it had never felt this emotional. There was intention this time beyond just giving each other pleasure. They were joining their lives together. Even if Sage wasn’t able to mark her like a full-blooded werewolf could, they were making the commitment.
She’d never thought she’d find a man she could commit to, not after the betrayal of her pack. And she’d certainly never believed it would be to a half-breed, not given the way she’d been raised.
But Sage was perfect for her.
Her skin still tingled where he’d touched and kissed her entire back. Her breast still ached from his touch. Now they were joined as intimately as a man and woman could be. She was in a vulnerable position, one she’d put herself in. It showed both of them just how much she trusted him.
Sage withdrew his erection until only the tip remained. Then he slowly pushed back in. He did that over and over until she thought she might go mad. Rina retaliated by squeezing her inner muscles tightly.
He groaned and began to thrust faster. Yes. That was what she needed. Heat built inside her as he drove harder and deeper.
“Now,” she demanded. She wanted his bite, needed it to come.
Sage growled, and she felt his hot breath on the back of her neck. He dragged his teeth over her vulnerable nape and stopped just where her shoulder and neck met. There was a sharp bite of pain when his teeth broke the skin.
Rina cried out as Sage’s lovemaking grew fast and furious, almost animalistic. She loved it. She bucked against him, wanting him with everything inside her. Tension coiled and heat built until she thought if she didn’t come she’d burst into flames.
He withdrew his teeth from her neck and licked her skin. He’d truly claimed her. That sent her over the edge. The orgasm struck her like a bolt of lightning. She cried out his name as the entire world exploded with pleasure. She shivered and shook, her body spasming.
She heard him yell and felt the hot pulses as he came inside her. He wrapped his arms around her and laid his head against her shoulder as his big body shuddered. His cock swelled at the base, locking him inside her.
Rina collapsed onto the mattress with him on top of her, covering her like a large, heavy blanket. She sucked much needed air into her lungs. Eyes closed, she drank in every sound, smell, and sensation. She felt different, more sure of herself and her place in the world.
She and Sage belonged together.
Sage knew he had to be crushing Rina, knew he had to move. He finally found the strength to heave himself to the side. His dick was still too swollen for him to attempt to pull out. Not that he wanted to. He wouldn’t mind staying buried in her sweet warmth forever.
He rested one hand against her chest and felt her heart racing against his palm. He was no better. He kissed her shoulder and studied the mark he’d put on her neck. It was still there.
Against all
odds, at the very second he’d started to mark her, to claim her as his, his fangs had grown, and this time it hadn’t been just his imagination at work. He’d felt the punch of them as they’d lengthened and penetrated her skin and the muscle beneath. It hadn’t lasted beyond a few seconds, but it had been long enough for him to mark her.
He didn’t know how such a thing was possible.
Pride filled him as he lapped at the mating mark. It was already healed, but the scar would remain. Everyone would know she was mated and that she was his.
He wanted to beat his chest and howl. He wanted to run to each house and tell everyone what he’d done. Yeah, probably better not to do that. Everyone would know soon enough.
“What are you thinking?” she asked. “I thought you’d be exhausted, but you’re practically vibrating with energy.”
“The mark is there,” he told her.
She laughed. “Proud of yourself, are you?”
He withdrew and turned her so she was facing him. “No, I’m proud that you picked me. That you allowed me to claim you.”
“Oh, Sage.” She kissed his chin and his jaw before finally getting to his lips. This kiss was no less passionate but lacked the frantic need of their earlier ones.
“How do you feel?” He brushed his fingers over the mark on her neck.
“Better than I thought I would.” Rina touched the mating mark and their fingers touched. “I feel whole.”
That was the best way of explaining how he felt. “Me too.”
“What happened? I thought I felt fangs.”
Sage shrugged. “I’m not really sure.” She looked relaxed and sated, her green eyes practically glowing with pleasure. “They grew, but only for a few seconds. Just long enough for me to claim you.”
“Whatever the reason, I’m glad.” She studied him and then frowned. “Not that it would have mattered if it hadn’t happened,” she assured him.
“I know, but it’s better that it did.” He kissed her forehead. “Now everyone knows we belong together.”
“I’m scared.” Her soft admission made him ache for her.
“I know, but we can get through anything together.” He turned onto his back and pulled her on top of him so she was sprawled across him with her head on his shoulder. “You don’t need to worry about anything. You need to relax and take the time to figure out what you might like to do. There’s no rush and no pressure. I can support us.”
“I want to do my part.”
“You will and you are. You’ve given me a reason to look forward to the future.” He threaded his fingers through her soft, silky hair. “You need to decide what kind of house you want.”
“House?” She raised her head and stared down at him. The change in position pressed his erection firmly against her stomach.
He tried to ignore his arousal and answer her question. “I have land, and now I have a reason to build a home. With everyone helping, we can have one up within two or three months once you decide.”
“I never thought I’d have my own home. I don’t care what it’s like as long as we’re together.”
The last lingering shred of doubt slipped away. Rina was as fully committed to their relationship as he was. “I have some plans. It’s a simple two bedroom with an open kitchen and dining area. Much like Anny and Armand’s place. You just need to tweak the finishes if you like the layout.” He ran his thumb over her cheek. “I figure the second bedroom can be an office or workspace or whatever.”
“And if we have kids?”
His cock jerked at the mere thought. “If we’re ever that blessed, we can add on. And if it doesn’t happen, I’m still the luckiest man in the world.” Children weren’t a given considering he was a half-breed, but he had a feeling that wouldn’t matter between him and Rina.
“I love you.” She reached down and guided his cock into her body.
He gripped her hips and held her still. “I love you too.” Then he proceeded to rock them both over the edge and into oblivion once again.
* * * * *
Reece lay naked on top of his bed with his hands stacked behind his head. His cock was painfully full and throbbing. Being so connected to his twin wasn’t always a good thing.
He was happy for Sage and Rina. They both deserved happiness.
If he was lucky, his brother would never know what he’d done. It had taken so much effort he’d feared he might pass out. His wolf had fought him all the way too, but he’d managed to connect with Sage at the critical moment of claiming long enough to allow the fangs from Reece’s wolf to manifest in his brother.
Yeah, not doing that again.
It had felt as though his very soul was being ripped from his body. Even a few seconds had been the most painful experience he’d ever had.
His wolf whimpered inside him and he sent waves of reassurance. He loved his wolf and couldn’t imagine how Sage felt not having one. That was why he’d risked everything for his brother.
He didn’t want to go back to Chicago. He hated living in the city—all the noise and people and pollution. His werewolf senses were always overloaded, and not in a good way. The lights were too bright, the sounds too loud, and the smells overwhelming.
As much as he wanted to stay in Salvation, some instinct was driving him back. And he always listened to his instincts.
Reece rolled off the bed and walked to the patio door. The night was quiet, but he knew at least one of the men were out patrolling.
He stepped onto the deck and embraced the change. His wolf wiggled with happiness and quietly padded down the steps and headed toward the woods. Once he went back to the city, he wouldn’t be able to shift for a while. Better to take advantage of the freedom while he still had it.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Sage was asleep. Rina was snuggled up on top of him, and every time she tried to move away from him, he wrapped his arms more firmly around her.
She knew it would be a while before he accepted they were mated and she wasn’t going anywhere. Home. She’d finally found a home.
Sage was all the wolf she’d ever need. He was a wolf in his heart, and he’d found his way into hers. They were so lucky to have found one another.
She sniffed the air and knew that Reece had just passed by. She wondered what he was doing out so late. Maybe he was patrolling. Maybe he was restless.
She knew the brothers were close and only hoped that their mating didn’t come between Sage and Reece. She’d have to make certain that didn’t happen.
Thinking about brothers made her wonder where Mikhail was. He’d been quiet at supper, but that wasn’t unusual. She had no idea what he’d think of her mating. She hoped he’d be happy for her and Sage.
Like with Reece, she’d have to make Mikhail understand he was still an important part of her life.
“Why aren’t you asleep?”
All her thinking had obviously disturbed Sage. “No reason. Go back to sleep.”
He nuzzled her neck and kissed her mating mark before sitting up in bed. He glanced at the bedside clock. “It’s almost dawn. Do you want to get up?”
What she really wanted to do was run, but she wasn’t sure how Sage would feel about it.
He leaned against the headboard with the thin sheet pooled around his waist, exposing all that muscled chest and tight abs. He yawned and scratched his chest. It occurred to her that she’d be able to look at him like this for the rest of her life.
The sheet began to twitch the longer she stared at him. She glanced from his lap to his face.
He shrugged. “What do you expect when you’re staring at me like you’re starving and I’m a T-bone steak.”
She reached out and tugged on a lock of his hair. “Think you’re all that, do you?” It was fun to tease him.
He nodded. “Oh, yeah. And you only have yourself to blame.” He gen
tly ran his fingers over her mating mark.
As much as she hated to break the mood, this was an issue they had to settle. Better sooner than later. “I want to run.” She chewed on her bottom lip, worried how he might react.
Sage dropped a quick kiss on her lips and tossed back the sheet. Rina was treated to a first-class view of his butt as he stood and grabbed his jeans from the floor. It was almost a shame he had to put them on. He sat back down on the mattress and pulled on his sneakers. The muscles in his back flexed, and she was tempted to throw her arms around him and topple him back into bed.
But she really wanted to run.
He rose from the bed and held out his hand. “Come run with me, Rina.”
She took his hand and followed him out onto the deck. The air was slightly cooler than it had been earlier, but it was still warm. It caressed her skin like a lover’s touch. The sun would be up within the hour.
“Shift for me. Show me your wolf.” Sage took a step back and watched.
Rina embraced her wolf and let the change overtake her. It was as natural to her as breathing, and it made her sad to think that Sage would never experience this sensation. But she couldn’t dwell on that. Neither of them could. All they could do was accept what was and appreciate the love they shared.
Fur pushed out from beneath her skin. Her limbs contorted and her jaw and forehead reshaped. She stood in her wolf form, tall and proud.
“You are lovely.”
Sage didn’t seem upset or sad. Instead, he seemed proud and happy. He ran his hand over her head and muzzle. “I love that your fur has the same hints of red that your hair does.” He rubbed her thick fur coat. “Beautiful.”
She gave a happy yip and trotted down the stairs. Sage followed close behind. She glanced back over her shoulder, wondering if she should lead. He smiled and gave a little nod. “Go on. I’ll be right behind you.”
Rina took him at his word. She turned and started running.
Freedom. There was such a sense of wild abandon as she raced through the woods. She ducked under fallen logs and around bushes. She weaved in and out of trees for the sheer joy of it.
Wolf in his Heart (Salvation Pack) Page 27
