“He could have, but he’s probably the reason she can’t be found. He probably gave her enough money to disappear forever. I don’t blame her, I only wish she took me with her.” A wistful breath puffs past his lips. “I used to feel like something was missing without her, but now I have my own family.”
Cole stands to clear the table.
“Let me help tidy up.” I get up too. “You cooked. It’s the least I can do.”
He pauses with his bowl in his hand, his mouth a harsh line, telling he doesn’t want my assistance. I just purse my lips and glare back at him until he smirks.
“Okay, but just put it all in the dishwasher,” he relents. A dishwasher is a luxury I’m not used to. “We could hang out and watch a movie? I’m sorry if you were expecting more.”
“Not at all!” I hope I sound reassuring. “Honestly, I’m more of a homebody anyway.”
After cleaning, we migrate to the sofa where Cole lets me pick the movie. I decide to push him out of his comfort zone by choosing a romance. It’s a cheesy one with a predictable plot about an omega who fights her attraction to a pack. Cole rolls his eyes through most of it, declaring it unrealistic and picking apart the plot while we drink more wine. When the movie reaches its crescendo, the point where the pack finally comes to bond, the atmosphere in the room intensifies.
With Cole’s arm casually draped over the back of the sofa, I become hyperaware of how close we are. The temperature in the room seems to rise as we watch the actors on the screen and the main characters teeth grazing the love interests neck.
“Would you like a bond mark?” I ask, feeling braver thanks to the wine I had.
Bonding happens when an alpha bites an omega. It’s common practice for an omega’s bond mark to be on display, to ward off rival alphas. Many alphas also choose to have their omega bite them in return, as a symbolic gesture of their commitment. Some prefer to leave their marks in private places, where no one can see—especially alphas who are afraid of looking, “omega whipped”—but many like to wear them somewhere more prominent for the entire world to see.
“Yes, and if you decide to bite me, I’ll wear that mark proudly.” It’s hard not to squirm when his smoldering gaze drops to my mouth. “I’d want everyone to know that I’m yours. And we’ll only bond, if and when, you’re ready. You bite first. Always.”
“You’d want me to…?” I swallow past the thick lump obstructing my airway. “Bite first? I thought that because an alpha’s bite sealed the bond, you’d want to go first.”
“You’re in control, little omega.” Cole links our fingers. “Always.”
Our eyes meet and he leans in, pausing for my permission before our lips brush, the movie still playing in the background. This is different from our last kiss, when we were swept away in a moment of heat. His probing lips are slow and sensual, filled with a thousand promises. It’s been amazing, spending time getting to know each other better, but as our kiss deepens, my body craves more.
I clamber onto his lap rather clumsily, my foot knocking over my glass of precariously balanced red wine off the sofa arm.
“Shit!” I gasp, watching it spill all over the white rug. “That’s gonna stain!”
Cole’s a clean freak. Is he going to be mad?
“Fuck the carpet.” Cole throws me back onto the cushions then climbs on top of me. He smirks when the heady smell of my perfume fills the room.
“Is all that sweet slick for me, little omega?” His raspy voice sends trembles racing through me.
I clutch onto him, thrilling at the way his rippling muscles flex as his lips slide down my neck, leaving small kisses in their wake. I sigh as his teeth gently rake over my skin, just like the actor in the movie did.
“Yes,” I moan, gyrating my hips into him. “All for you.”
My whole body tenses as his massive erection presses against my stomach. Wow. He’s even bigger than I remember.
He pulls back, balancing on his muscular elbows. “Do you trust me, Faye?”
“Yes, it’s just… “ I moisten my lips. “I don’t have much experience. The first time I had sex was during heat with you guys.”
“We’ll take it slow.” His kind tone is reassuring. “I’ve got you. If you want me to stop at any time, tell me. I want you to let meknow what you like and what you don’t. I’m going to spend the evening worshipping you.”
When I nod, Cole’s hand slides under my tee and over my bra. I follow his lead, tentatively trailing my hands across his rippling back then across his broad shoulders while staring into each other’s eyes. Unlike when I was in heat, when my body begged for knots, I take my time, caressing every deep groove of his muscles. With the need simmering in my veins building, I tug at the hem of his T-shirt until he gets the hint and pulls it over his head. My fingers immediately gravitate to the wolf head tattoo on his right bicep, just like the one on the banner above his bed and on the patch he gave me. He didn’t strike me as an ink guy, but it’s insanely hot.
“What do you think?” he asks. “All the guys are going to get matching ones.”
“I love it.”
His mouth descends on mine again. By his tender touch and soft kisses, I can tell that he’s holding back, and I love him for that. He wants to make sure I’m comfortable before we go further.
“You look so hot in my shirt.” His fingers slither up my thigh. “I want you to cover it in slick for me, okay?”
