I can barely see as Kady drops down onto me. I bury my face in Kady’s neck, rendered dizzy on her smell. The scent glands behind her ears smell most strongly of her perfume, and she rubs her scent onto my cheek to mark me.
My entire body feels like it’s floating on a cloud, feeling only her as the rest of the room fades away.
The sounds of pleasure coming from Kady vibrate over my shuddering knots before reverberating through my entire body, keeping me suspended in a blissful high that I never want to come down from.
I clamp my mouth shut, resisting the overpowering urge to bite her, and slowly turn my face away from her. She notices the minute motion, looking at me with saucer-like eyes. “Is something wrong?”
“No, little fighter.” I brush a loose strand of hair from her face. “My teeth are just a little achy while I’m locked in place.”
It would be so easy to make her mine forever. All it would take is one bite, but when—not if—she bonds with me, I want everything to be perfect.
“You have nothing to worry about,” I add quickly. “I’d never bite without consent.”
She relaxes, a smile playing on her pouty lips. “I know you wouldn’t.”
She lies on top of me, our bodies pressed together. Does this mean…? An amazing feeling sweeps through me that’s possibly even better than the orgasm. Does this mean she trusts me?
I’m not sure how long we lie together, locked in place. We talk about nothing and everything at the same time, mainly breathing in each other’s air, each other’s scents.
“I could stay like this forever,” I groan. “But we better head back to get you some food before your date with Calder. He’ll kill me if you’re late.”
My knot deflates a little, just enough to enable me to slide out of her and bring me back to reality. As soon as we sit up, I hear the faint jingle of keys in the lock downstairs.
Kady freezes. “What was that?”
“Hale?” Mom’s voice floats up the stairs seconds later. “Are you in here?”
What on earth is she doing here? She shouldn’t be here!
“Is that…?” Kady’s mouth goes slack, her expression so horrified that it’d be comical in a different situation. “Your mom?
THIRTY-ONE
Kady
Hale jumps out of bed, taking half the blankets with him, like he’s taken an adrenaline shot to the butt. I scamper up, desperately looking around for my clothes until I remember they’re in the bathroom across the landing.
“Hale?” Hale’s Mom’s voice floats up the stairs. “Hello?”
“You told me your parents wouldn’t be around,” I whisper-hiss.
“I didn’t think they would be!” His eyes are apologetic as he wraps a sheet around his waist. “Wait here.”
When he dashes out, I press my cheek against the door to listen.
“Pearl said that you were all back for the weekend, and I saw your truck when I drove back from town.” I can hear what sounds like excitement in Hale’s Mom’s voice. “Is she here?” I wince at her tone, which now sounds more curious. Before letting him answer, she continues, “I wish I’d known you were coming. I’ve been meaning to straighten up a few things before the next guest arrives.”
“Mom, this isn’t a good time.” It sounds like he’s talking through gritted teeth.
“Honey, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. I remember what it’s like to be in college.” Now I seriously want to die of shame. “Why don’t you both come up to the house for dinner? I’m sure you’ve both worked up an appetite?—”
Kill me now.
“We probably should be getting back to the cabin, Mom,” Hale interrupts her.
“You’re never too busy for your dear old mom. Come on, I’ll even cook your favorite.” She doesn’t seem willing to let it go. “And your dad would like to speak to you. Something about work. You know what he’s like. I’d really like it if you could have a word with him while you’re here too. He needs to slow down. You don’t have to stay long.” Her casual, lighthearted tone seems to take on a new heaviness. “I’m worried about him.”
“I’m not promising anything, but I’ll see, okay?” Hale sighs.
