“Good.” Leyden closed his eyes. “Now sleep. I’ll set an alarm.”
“What if I don’t want to sleep yet?” Connor’s fingers traced patterns on Leyden’s chest. “What if I want to talk?”
“Then we talk.”
“What if I want to kiss some more?”
Leyden cracked one eye open. “Then you’re a menace who’s trying to kill me.”
Connor grinned, unrepentant. “Just checking my options.”
“Your options include sleeping, talking, or giving me a heart attack.” Leyden caught Connor’s wandering hand and brought it to his lips. “Choose wisely.”
“Fine.” Connor snuggled closer. “Sleep first. Then food. Then maybe more kissing later.”
“That works.” Leyden pressed another kiss to Connor’s hair. “Rest, sweetheart.”
Connor’s breathing gradually evened out, his body going lax against Leyden’s. Through their bond, Leyden felt his mate’s contentment—warm and steady and real.
Leyden stared at the ceiling, Connor’s weight a perfect pressure against his side. His wolf rumbled in satisfaction.Mate. Safe. Happy. Theirs.
He tightened his arm around Connor and let his eyes drift shut.
The pack could wait.
Chapter Twenty-Two
That kiss started something. Connor was aware of that from the moment he woke up the next day. It was as if he couldn’t stop thinking about it - the heat of Leyden’s mouth, the slide of his tongue, the way Connor’s entire body had lit up with something he couldn’t name.
Interest. Want. The beginning of something.
He’d pulled back too fast, nervous and uncertain. But lying next to his mate, watching Leyden sleep, Connor found himself wanting to try again.
Actually wanting it.
Connor studied his mate’s face in the morning light. Strong jaw covered in stubble. Dark lashes fanned against his cheeks. Those perfect lips slightly parted.
Connor’s stomach did it’s odd flippy flutter.
He wanted to kiss Leyden. Not because he should, not because mates were supposed to kiss. Because the memory of yesterday made his skin feel tight and his chest feel warm and his mouth feel empty.
Leyden’s eyes opened, pale gray eyes meeting Connor’s stare.
“Morning,” Leyden’s voice came out rough with sleep.
“Morning.” Connor didn’t move away. Stayed right there, close enough to feel Leyden’s breath on his face.
Leyden smiled. “You’re staring.”
“I’m thinking.”
“About?”
“Kissing you.”
Leyden went very still. “Yeah?”
“I liked it yesterday. The kissing.” Connor traced the line of Leyden’s jaw with one finger. “I want to try again.”
