“Let’s get back to your original conversation.” Cole levels his shoulders. “What do you want?”
“Since 9th grade”—I suck in a ragged breath—“you.”
“Are you sure about that?” Cole’s voice has a deep, husky tone to it.
“Yeah.” Spelling my guts, a task that makes me feel inadequate, does nothing to quill the increasing nervous energy buzzing. “But I don’t want . . .”
I avoid his gaze.
“Finish the sentence.” He tips my chin until his eyes meet mine. “Tell me what you don’t want.”
I tap his belt. “I don’t want to be a preverbal notch.”
“Ouch.” He sighs. “Is that what think of me? That I go through the opposite sex for the sport of conquest?”
A hit of anger, or what I think is anger, swirls around him.
“Let’s be honest. You’re attractive. Sex appeal oozes from your pours. “My shoulders slump, and I sink into the back of the couch. “Plus, you have a reputation.”
“I see.” Hand on his chin, he strokes his jaw. “Tell me what you think you know.”
“That you sample a new flavor each week, or so everyone says.” I swallow hard. “I like you, a lot, always have. But Cole, I’m not looking for a hookup—or a booty call.”
“You want commitment.”
“Yeah. It’s not a want, it’s what I need.”
“And what do you know about that?”
“Only what Sadie told me about her and Ethan. How wolves claim or mark . . .”
“I’ve never marked anyone before because I didn’t want to.” He tucks a lock of hair behind my ear. “And Ava, I’ve always been honest with the females, the lovers I’ve had because I didn’t want to lead anyone on.”
“You know what”—I withdraw, and make a move to flee the couch cushion—“forget I said anything.” God, how stupid am I?
“Whoa. Not so fast.” He takes a hold of my wrist, interrupting my retreat. “We’re not finished here yet.”
My eyes water, and I blink back the moisture.
“As I was saying”—Cole coaxes me to sit, then kneels. His abdomen press against my shaking knees. “I’ve never marked anyone because I didn’t have the desire to.” He cups my chin, stroking my cheek. “Until now.”
He eases his frame between my knees and laces his fingers around my half ponytail.
“My beast and I wanted you the moment we laid eyes on you at the bar.” Pulling my head back, he claims my lips.
The kiss is soft, tender at first, then his mouth moves over mine with an urgent need.
He leaves a trail of kisses along my jawline. “I want you if you’ll have me.”
Tension drains from my shoulders, and I lean into his frame. “Okay.”
Pressing my mouth to his, my lips part, granting him access, and his tongue plunges inside my mouth. It darts back and forth, dancing around mine.
Breathless, I break the kiss then rises.
“Do it,” I say, barely above a whisper. “Mark me.”
“Ava.” Cole stands. “Are you sure you know what you’re asking me to do? You’ve only been a lycan for a short period of time.”
“Yes. I do. I understand exactly what I’m asking of you.” I hold his unwavering gaze. “Don’t you want me?” An uneasiness swirls in my stomach.
What if he really doesn’t want me?
Cole ushers a low, throaty growl. “I want to mark you more than you know.”
“Then what’s the problem? You’re lupine . . . I’m lycan. We’re both supers, right?”
“Yes, we are.” He cups my chin. “Make sure this is what you want because if we cross the threshold of this doorway, the wolf in me is going to take you, possess you. And the minute that happens, I’m going to mark you as mine.”
“So, do it.” I chew on my inner lip. “What are you waiting for?”
He draws me into his arms, claiming my lips once more.
When the kiss ends, I pull the T-shirt over my head. Sucking in a deep breath, I breathe in the irresistible scent of his arousal, an aroma I could get used to.
Easing onto the couch, I lay down.
The cushions shift under his weight, and he draws me into his arms.
His lips move over my chin, down my neck, and then they glide across my chest, following the cut of the bra over my breasts.
I slide a hand to the clasp to unhook it, and a wave of nervous energy makes me tremble.
“I’m not sure about—what I should—”
“You don’t have to remove it.” He slides the strap off my shoulder. “I can mark you with it on.”
Cole presses his lips to the nook of my neck, and a wave of goose bumps erupt across my body.
“Mmm . . .” Butterflies flutter in my belly, bouncing around. “That’s nice.” My breath, quick and steady, makes me feel hungry for air.
Chapter 11
Cole Cotter
WRAPPING MY ARMS AROUND HER, I press my lips to hers.
She’s sweet, delectable. She parts her lips, yielding, and I plunge his tongue into the honey recesses of her mouth.
When I break the kiss, she draws in a breath of air then exhales with a soft sigh.
“Ready?” My eyes lock with hers.
She nods in response. Her rosy-full lips call to me.
“Don’t tense up. I don’t want to hurt you.” Studying her face, I wait for the tension in her body to dissipate.
The wolf within struggles for release, but I push him back down, because I want to take my time, ensure this is what Ava truly wants.
“You won’t.” The corners of her lips curl upward, and a smile dances across her lips that brightens her eyes. “I trust you.”
“Say it,” I growl the word. “Tell me you’re mine.”
“Mmm . . .” she moans. “I’m yours heart, body, and soul.”
I arch back and bare my canines.
Mine. The beast within zeros in on a freckle to the side of her bra.
A wolfish grin spreads across my mouth, and I sink the tip of my fang into her yielding flesh.
She cries out, but only for a second.
I lick the small wound, and she wraps her arms around my neck.
My mouth finds hers, and I kiss her, nibbling on her lips. Drawing her on top of me, I cradle her to my chest.
“Mine,” I whisper in her ear.
Ava nods. “And you’re mine.” She yawns then drifts off to sleep in my arms.
The wolf inside me, no longer restless, sleeps content because Ava belongs to me just as I now belongs to her.
Hugging her close, I relishes the warmth of her body against mine.
I almost her. I shudder at the thought.
Those responsible will pay for what they did. And if anyone else tries to hurt her ever again, I’ll rip them limb from limb because no one will ever come between me and my future mate.
About the Author
Michelle L. De La Garza is an American Freelance Writer and Poet, who lives with her husband and children in Texas. She writes sweet New Adult and Young Adult Fiction under her real name, Michelle L. De La Garza and writes steamy Adult Fiction/PNR/Science Fiction/Fantasy under pen name April A. Luna.
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