Matthew traced the curve of Alan’s spine with a touch that Alan was pretty sure was electric.He trusted Matthew not to hurt him, and the sensation was thrilling.It made Alan’s skin prickle and his breath falter.
“Is this okay?My—my ability?”Matthew murmured.“I can try to stop it, but I promise I won’t hurt you.”
“It’s perfect,” Alan promised.
Matthew’s lips curved into a slow smile.His hand moved to the nape of Alan’s neck, fingers tangling in the short strands of hair there.“Do you trust me?”
Alan didn’t hesitate.“Yes.”He almost couldn’t believe it, but he did.
The word was barely out of his mouth before Matthew’s lips were on his again.The humming of their bond was a steady thrum that seemed to vibrate through every fiber of Alan’s body.It was as if Matthew’s very essence was seeping into him, filling the spaces he hadn’t even realized were empty.
Alan’s breath hitched—not from fear, but from the intensity of the moment.He’d read about people bonding many times, but he couldn’t have imagined it would be like this.The words hadn’t done it justice.
It feltright, like this was where he was always meant to be.Maybe it was too soon to fall in love and to bond, but Alan was starting to realize that maybe falling in love didn’t have a schedule.Maybe love never came too soon.
“Make me yours,” Alan whispered.He wouldn’t change his mind.He knew what he wanted—Matthew, and for their bond to be complete.
Matthew’s eyes flashed with something Alan didn’t recognize.He leaned in, his lips brushing against Alan’s neck.“This might hurt,” he warned.“But I’ll make it good for you.I promise.”
Alan nodded.He could feel the tension in Matthew’s body and the way he was holding himself back, and it made him want more.“I trust you,” he repeated, his voice steady even though he felt like he was about to explode.
Matthew’s lips pressed against Alan’s neck again, this time lingering for longer than a kiss.Then, without warning, Alan felt the sharp sting of teeth breaking skin.He gasped, his fingers digging into Matthew’s shoulders as pain and pleasure became one in a way he’d never experienced.The bond between them surged, leaving Alan reeling.It wasn’t complete yet, but he was sure that he could feel Matthew’s hunger, his need, but also his affection.It was too much, but also not enough.Alan needed their bond to be complete.
When Matthew pulled back, his lips were stained with blood.He didn’t say anything—he didn’t need to.Instead, he tilted his head to the side, exposing his own neck.He reached up, and Alan’s eyes widened when he saw his shifted finger.The claw was out of place, but it didn’t stay there for long, just long enough for Matthew to cut into his neck.
Blood beaded around it.Alan couldn’t look away, but he also couldn’t move.This was it.After he did this, he and Matthew would be bonded forever.
“Your turn,” Matthew said.
From his expression, Alan knew he wasn’t going to push, and that was what convinced him.Yes, it might be early, but it didn’t matter.
Alan hesitated for only another moment before leaning in.The scent of Matthew’s skin and his blood filled his nose.He pressed his lips to the spot where Matthew’s blood stained his skin and tentatively licked it with the tip of his tongue.
The taste of blood flooded his mouth, coppery and familiar yet not.The more he swallowed, the more he could feel the bond with Matthew.It was like being wrapped in a warm embrace and at the same time, like he had electricity running over his skin.It left him gasping for air, and he let go, swallowing one last mouthful as the bond finally felt complete.He could feel Matthew everywhere now, not just in his mind but in his very soul.He could feel Matthew’s lust and his affection, his worry and resignation.
Alan’s lips tingled and his head spun when he met Matthew’s gaze.His mate’s gaze was soft now, filled with a warmth that made Alan’s chest ache.“How do you feel?”Matthew asked.
Alan took a moment to answer, letting the sensations wash over him.Not all of them were his, and it was slightly confusing, but he knew he’d get used to it.“Whole,” he said finally.
Matthew smiled, a slow, satisfied curve of his lips that made Alan’s stomach flip.“Good,” he murmured, pulling Alan into another kiss.This one was slower, more tender, but no less intense.It was a promise that tasted like blood—the blood they’d shared to fulfill their bond.
They started moving again.Alan’s pleasure was amplified by Matthew’s in a way that made it hard to understand who was feeling what.It didn’t matter because right now, they both wanted the same thing.
Alan touched every inch of Matthew’s body he could reach.He could feel the strength in Matthew’s thighs as they pressed against his, the way they flexed with every movement.He could feel Matthew’s arms around him, keeping him in place as they rutted together, both chasing a pleasure they now fully shared.
Matthew’s hands slid lower, gripping Alan’s thighs so hard he’d probably leave bruises.Good.
“You’re mine now,” Matthew murmured against Alan’s lips.“And I’m yours.”
Alan didn’t need to respond—the bond between them said it all.But as they moved together and toppled over the edge in a loop of pleasure and love, their breaths mingling as they kissed, he couldn’t help but whisper the word anyway.“Yours.”
* * * *
MATTHEW FELT BETTERnow that he and Alan had bonded, and it wasn’t only because of the incredible orgasm they’d shared.He liked feeling Alan in the back of his mind.He liked knowing that his mate was safe.He might not be for much longer, but as soon as something happened, Matthew would know, and he would step in.
This was what the bond with Alan gave him.It wasn’t the only reason he’d wanted to bond, but it was definitely one of them, and he suspected the same went for Alan.Alan wanted Matthew, but he also wanted to be protected.He would have been anyway, but it was different to be protected by your bonded mate.
Unfortunately for them, they couldn’t linger in bed.Alan had a meeting to go to, and before then, they had to meet everyone at Rikar’s house.They’d make the point of the situation, go over any new information they might have, and get Alan as ready as he could before the meeting.
