I tried to get up, get out of bed, but when I lifted a hand away from her waist, she whimpered in her sleep, and every single animal instinct I possessed snapped its teeth at me.
I lowered my hand immediately, curling my palm back over the soft dip of her hip, and she went quiet again.
Goddess help me.
Her lips parted on a small breath and then... as if to undo me completely, she whispered in her sleep, "Master..."
Everything inside me stilled.
I'd already bitten her, claimed her.
And it seemed that the little flower had her own claim on me. One I wasn't willing to fight anymore.
I sank down beside her before I could talk myself out of it. My weight dipped the mattress, and she instinctively rolled toward me, burying her face against my chest like she belonged there.
And maybe she did.
Her eyelashes flutteredagainst my skin first. Then her fingers brushed along the lines of my ribs.
When my eyes finally opened, I found her staring up at me, her expression soft and hazy.
She took in my face slowly, her gaze roaming across my features like a soft caress before her hand reached up so her fingers could follow the same path.
Then her thumb brushed the base of one horn.
She immediately pulled away when I flinched at the soft touch, opening her mouth to say something, but before she could get a word out I grabbed her hand and brought it back so she could continue her exploration.
We stayed that way for a long time as she explored my horns and face.
"Did last night really happen?"
Her words were soft, her tone careful and measured.
I didn't like it in the current setting.
I didn't want her to be careful with me. Not now that I've made my choice.
"Yes," I said, my voice rougher than I intended.
Her eyes searched mine as if she was trying to unravel a mystery.
"You... bit me?"
I exhaled slowly, pressing my forehead to hers. "I did." There was no point in pretending otherwise. "You are mine. You agreed. So I claimed you. You begged me to let the beast out, Jolie."
Her mouth fell open as she let out a ragged breath. But the expression on her face wasn't fear.
It was hunger.
Acceptance.
Dear goddess... she really was perfect for me.
She shifted, sliding her fingers down my jaw, into my neck, before moving back to her own so she could graze the edge of the mark I'd left on her. When she spoke again, her voice dropped into a whisper.
"What does it mean, Master?"
The way she asked that... soft and worshipful.
