The long grass is ankle deep and the sunlight is only hitting one tree, making it look like something from a magical land.
I let go of Falcon’s hand to go toward it, intent on touching the bark.
It’s just a tree, but it feels special in that moment.
“It’s glowing,” I murmur, glancing at Falcon, wondering if he sees it the same way I do.
He’s smiling. “It was. Now, you are.”
“I am?” I ask, realizing my face and hands feel warm.
I’m no longer thinking about the trees or how enclosed we are when he takes a step toward me.
All I can think about is how much I like being this close to him.
When he leans in and kisses me, it feels like I’m dreaming.
This is way too incredible to be real.
The pinch of pain when I run my tongue into his mouth is enough to shatter the illusion and wake me back up, even if my whole body is heating up, and I’m starting to feel an intense throbbing inside my underwear.
He backs up and looks at me in concern. “My teeth … Are you okay?”
“I’m all good,” I murmur. “I think my tongue might have bled a little.”
I can taste it, the metallic tang of blood. It’s not strong, but I did cut my tongue on his teeth.
“I’m so sorry. I can’t seem to get these damn teeth under control.”
“It’s okay,” I assure him, only frowning when I realize it may not be okay. “That doesn’t count, right? As a mating mark?”
The panic that fills me is short lived, completely diffused by his confident expression.
“No. A mating mark has to be made with intent. That was accidental.”
I let out a breath, and he gives me a wry smile.
“You’re not ready for that. I can tell.”
I’m not sure what to say, so I say nothing.
He kisses me again softly, then gazes into my eyes.
“We can head back now, or I could … take care of something you need first.”
He leans in and kisses my throat, softly, and the throbbing in my panties gets more intense.
It would be so easy to ask him to mark me and claim me right here and now.
Instead, I ask, “What do I need, Falcon?”
He looks back at me. “A release. Your body is screaming at me for that. I can ignore it, if that’s what you want? Or I could touch you … to help you feel good.”
Oh my God.He wants to touch me.
Why does that sound so good?
“If you’re not ready …” he starts, looking as if he’s about to back off.
