Julien might be an Alpha, but he’s my fated mate, my perfect match…maybe even myhome, something I haven’t had in far too long, if ever. Something like a sob escapes from my mouth, the sound a combination of relief and joy, and I let myself relax into his hold with the release.
Julien wraps his arms around me, encircling me with warmth and a feeling of belonging I’ve never had before, not with the only other shifter to ever show an interest in me and certainly not with my old pack. I rest my head on his chest, listening to the steady sound of his heartbeat. This all might come back to bite me in the ass, but I don’t think I can give him up.
Julien leans down, nuzzling at my cheek, and I lift my chin and turn my head so our lips meet. He takes full advantage of the invitation, kissing me aggressively and sliding his tongue into my mouth to tangle with mine. Without breaking the kiss, Julien presses his hands against my lower back. I scoot forward, wrapping my legs around his waist. My entire body is on fire, my cock like steel in my sweats as it meets Julien’s answering hardness, and all I want to do is drag my mate to the floor and let him claim every part of me.
He thrusts into the cradle of my legs as he slides his fingers past my waistband to skim across the top of my ass. I almost come just from that, a moan vibrating in my chest. Julien pulls back, then rests his forehead on against mine, his breath brushing across my face as he continues stroking his fingers against my skin.
“Tell me you’re mine,” he says, the words half-growled.
“I’m yours,” I pant, then press forward, trying to reclaim his lips. Before I can connect, there’s a light knock at the door and someone clears their throat from outside.
“Um, it sounds like you guys have worked things out,” says Remy. “So congratulations and all, but we need to go. Do you think you can finish this later?”
I chuckle and Julien grins at me, his dark blue eyes sparking with humor.
“Sure,” I call out, heat filling my cheeks. “Just a minute.”
I hop off the sink and Julien pulls me close, rubbing his nose over my neck, scenting me, as I wrap my arms around his waist. I’m still not entirely sure about all this and I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve this, but if he’s willing to put up with me, I’m not letting him go.
Someone bangs on the door.
“Boss, we gotta move,” says a different voice—Dante, I think. “A couple cars just pulled up outside and I don’t think they’re friendly.”
Twelve
Keir
DespitetheurgencyinDante’s voice, Julien doesn’t release me right away. Instead, he tightens his arms and runs his nose over my neck as if memorizing my scent. Which he probably is.
If I weren’t so turned on right now, I’d probably find the scenting thing a little weird. I’ve known I was gay since I was twelve, but given the circumstances with my old pack and spending the last four years avoiding shifters… I’ve never actually been in a real relationship with another shifter.
I don’t know what’s normal and what’s not.
As if sensing my discomfort with the whole snuffling thing, Julien releases me, then gently cups my chin and tilts my face until my gaze meets his. I’m sure I look kiss drunk, my lips puffy and my hair mussed, but Julien doesn’t seem to mind. In fact, whatever he sees on my face makes his eyes darken with desire even more. His mouth curls into a self-satisfied grin before he presses his lips to mine in another brief kiss.
“Promise you won’t run,” he says, leaning back to meet my eyes again.
“I won’t,” I say almost reflexively.
He cocks a brow.
“Fine, Ipromise,” I say and, surprisingly, I think I mean it even though my cynical side is still trying to protest.
“Thank you,” he says, his face softening as he places his hand on the side of my face.
I shoot him a shy grin, my cheeks heating as I adjust myself in my sweats then shift the money to rest against the small of my back so it’s not adding to the awkward bulge in front. This whole fated mates thing is completely overwhelming and not just because I’m practically drooling at the idea of getting naked with him after I’ve known him less than twelve hours.
And the idea of him claiming me? Yes, please.
But there’s more than desire between us. I can feel it. This isn’t ‘love at first sight’—I’m way too jaded to claim that—but the possibility of something deeper is definitely there, even if I can’t quite put a name to it.
The corner of Julien’s mouth quirks up, and he brushes his thumb over my cheek. He throws his arm over my shoulders and tucks me into his side before striding over to the door and opening it. Dante’s standing on the other side, glowering in Julien’s direction.
“Bout time,” he says, crossing his arms over his chest.
Julien flashes his teeth. “Watch the attitude.”
“No attitude.” Dante sighs and tilts his chin to bare his neck. “It isn’t safe here, and it’s putting me on edge.”
