“This was... it was really nice,” Seb said, his voice low. “Thank you for inviting me.”
Clara’s returning smile was soft and genuine. “I’m glad you came. It’s been good getting to know you a little more, Seb.”
“Likewise.”
They stood there for a moment, caught in a bubble of mutual understanding and growing affection. Seb knew there were still secrets between them, unanswered questions abouttheir mission and each other. He was still curious about why some of Clara’s work was confidential, but he was sure that if he needed to know, it would be revealed eventually. And if he didn’t, then he’d be content with not knowing, with trusting her. Even his bear had been blissfully quiet in his mind, the animal content and comfortable in the company of its mate. It no longer believed her to be lying. Seb counted that as a win, and another step towards them cementing the mate bond.
“Have you got room for dessert?” Clara asked.
Seb let out a hearty chuckle. “Now you’re speaking my language.”
An amused smile split her lips. “Sweet tooth?”
“The sweetest.”
Seb followed her into the kitchen and started loading the empty plates and utensils into the dishwasher.
“If you’re looking for a way to score brownie points, you just found one,” she joked.
Seb chuckled in reply. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
She pulled a large glass bowl out of the refrigerator filled with the most delicious looking chocolate mousse then placed it on the countertop proudly. Seb leaned down to smell it then let out a groan of pleasure.
“It tastes as good as it looks,” Clara said. “Here.”
She grabbed a dessert spoon from a drawer then filled it with the fluffy goodness and lifted it to Seb’s mouth. He opened his lips eagerly then closed them around the spoon, letting out another low groan as the sweet, indulgent taste registered.
Clara’s gaze stayed rooted to his mouth and she unconsciously licked her lips. The growl that left Seb’s mouth that time had nothing to do with the dessert and everything to do with the sudden burst of desire that he felt for his mate.
His mind raced, his body responding to the surge of desire. He looked into Clara’s eyes, searching for any sign that she feltthe same way. Her pupils dilated, a subtle flicker of heat passing between them. It was all the encouragement Seb needed.
He took a step closer, their bodies now almost touching. Seb could hear his heart pounding in his chest as he reached out, cupping Clara’s face in his hands.
At first, their lips met in a soft kiss, that tested the waters, but it didn’t take long for the kiss to deepen, their passion igniting like a wildfire. Clara’s fingers tangled in Seb’s hair, pulling him closer, as their tongues danced together in a frenzy of desire.
Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in each other. The world outside faded away, leaving only the two of them in their own private universe of sensation and longing. Every touch, every caress sent shivers down Seb’s spine, igniting a burning hunger within him.
The kitchen became a backdrop to their growing need. The hum of the dishwasher was drowned out by their shared moans and sighs. Seb’s bear roared inside him, reveling in the connection they were forming.
They broke apart momentarily, gasping for breath but unable to keep their hands off each other. Seb pressed his forehead against Clara’s, both of them panting heavily.
“We should...we should take this to the bedroom,” Seb managed to say.
Clara nodded. “Right,” she whispered, her voice barely audible above the pounding of her heart.
Together, they walked hand-in-hand towards her bedroom. Seb’s bear sensed the change in atmosphere, the shift from the mundane to the intimate. It stirred restlessly within him, eager for more.
Claim mate?it asked hopefully.
Clara closed the door gently behind them, and Seb swept her up into his arms, carrying her to the bed. As they lay down, their bodies pressed together, the world around them seemedto fade further away. Seb’s heart felt lighter than ever before, his connection to Clara growing stronger with each passing moment. Their lips met in a hungry kiss, as though they had been waiting forever for this moment. Seb’s fingers gently traced the curve of Clara’s back, while she ran her hands through his hair.
Time seemed to stand still as they kissed, and they lost themselves in each other’s touch. This was more than just physical pleasure—it was the culmination of everything they’d gone through, from their initial mistrust to the feelings of trust and affection that were slowly growing between them.
As they lay entwined, Seb couldn’t help but marvel at how right this felt, how this connection to Clara seemed to complete him in ways he never imagined possible. He knew that these feelings were real and that they were meant for each other, and hoped that this would clear up any lingering doubts Clara may have had about embracing their bond.
They undressed quickly then lay down together again and the feel of Clara’s silky soft skin against his made him growl with delight. He kissed his way down her neck until he reached one of her breasts. The nipple stood firm and erect, and he captured it between his lips, flicking it gently with his tongue. Clara let out a soft moan, her hands finding their way to his hair, caressing it lovingly then tugging gently on the ends.
He continued his exploration, kissing down to her stomach, and dipping his tongue into her belly button before moving lower. He could feel the heat of her desire emanating from her core. He kissed his way down her inner thigh, then stopped, looking up at her. Their eyes met, and hers were filled with desire and longing.
