She hesitated. If she rolled over, he would see Lloyd’s mark, the mark that had brought her into his world and the world of shape shifters.
Male shape shifters marked their females by biting them during sex, breaking the skin with their animal teeth, leaving a lasting scar. Every mated couple went through this ritual. It was one of the things that set them apart from humans. Connor would know this, but she wasn’t sure how he would react to seeing Lloyd’s bite mark.
“Turn over.”
She did, and he situated himself behind her, between her legs. Massaging her muscles, he worked his way up her thighs toward her bottom.
“You have the sexiest ass, lady.”
She didn’t respond. She’d never realized he’d spent time thinking about her ass, but clearly he had.
He kneaded her buttocks, humming in approval, and slid his hands up her back and over her ribs. He moved her hair over her shoulder, and his hands stopped moving.
He’d seen the mark on the back of her right shoulder.
Elaine heard Connor swallow.
Shifter men were possessive by nature. Just like their animal counterparts, they didn’t like other beasts encroaching on their territory. Lloyd’s mark would be a constant reminder to Connor that he wasn’t the first. Would he feel as if he was the one encroaching?
She rolled onto her back so she could see him. Every line in his face seemed tighter. For the first time ever, he looked envious, and she wanted to make him feel better.
“You saw the mark.”
“Yeah.” His voice had lost its warmth.
“I can’t help that it’s there, Connor. It’ll always be there.”
“I know.”
“If we end up in bed again, you’ll see it again.”
“Iknow.” When his words came out harsh, he shook his head in silent apology. His gaze crinkled in sorrow, he brushed his fingers through her hair, tidying the messy strands. “I’m sorry. Lloyd was your mate, the father of your children. Of course you’d be wearing his mark. I always knew it. I’m pretty sure I’ve even spotted it under the edges of your shirts before. I just never realized how it would make me feel to see it like this.”
She sat up. “How do you feel?”
“I don’t know.” He threw up a hand and let it drop to his lap. “Jealous. Angry. Goddamn pissed off that I didn’t meet you first.”
“Even if you had met me first, who’s to say we would have connected on that level? Who’s to say we would have recognized each other as mates years ago?”
“I get it, Elaine, I do. Believe me, I’ve had time to think about this little scenario. It’s all I think about right now. I’ve just never felt so much like a traitor.”
“You’re not a traitor.”
“Oh, no? What would you call it?”
“I don’t have a name for what’s happening to us. It’s all so new, and in some ways, it terrifies me.” A flutter sounded in her chest. He turned away. She was losing him. “I suppose you’ll want to go back to your cabin.”
His head whipped around. “What?”
“You’re angry.”
“Not at you. Hell, not even at Lloyd. He marked you like any self-respecting shifter male would have.” He inspected her shoulder. “In fact, he did a damn fine job. I’m just fucking pissed at this situation. I hate that we even have to have this goddamn discussion. Why can’t it be easy for us, Elaine? Every time I think I cross a threshold with you, I want to celebrate, but the guilt is killing me.”
He stood and began to pace, so Elaine said nothing. If he needed to vent, she’d let him vent. God only knew he’d done the same for her countless times.
The timing was unfortunate but she wouldn’t criticize.
He walked back and forth, scratching the back of his neck. He still wore the condom, even though his penis was at half-mast. Still impressive even while slightly deflated, she had to admit.
