When she rises, it’s plastered to her skull and shoulders in amber rivulets, catching the reflection of the waning moon.
Mate.
Patience.
“What do I call you?” She wipes the cascading droplets from her arms and moves towards the shore. “I never knew my monster’s name until after he was dead.”
The way she says it is flat, unbothered.
Yet a wave of arousal perfumes the air.
Jealousy tints my reply. “Lash.”
I have never mused over her name before now. “And you?”
“Like you care.” Her blue eyes flash as she scoops up her fruit pile.
Shaking off the loose water, I leap to the dry earth next to her. “I do. I want you as mine. Show me how to earn your trust.”
Her brows furrow and she tilts her head. “Jenny,” she finally mutters around a mouthful of succulent plum.
Another shiver works through her and she hugs her knees to her chest.
My fur is nearly dry, the water cooked out by my body heat.
“Jenny.” The word flows around my canines in an exhale. “Let me.” Slinking to all fours, I curl around her huddled form.
At first she stays in a tight ball, but then slowly relaxes and burrows into the warmth of my side.
She lets out a sigh signaling her surrender, then pushes my arm to cover her.
A low rumble vibrates from my chest as I pull her closer.
Human words can’t express this irrational urge to melt into her.
I’ve never felt this drive to covet another.
Own.
Protect.
I don’t want totakeher any more.
I want her to give.
Chapter 15 - Jenny
My dreams are gettingmuddy.
What used to be the clear image of my monster has morphed into the cinnamon tipped ears ofLash.
It has to be the fucking hormones. Every time he fills me, my body gets more addicted.
Bonded would be the better word.
Yet as I wake, snuggled against his massive body, it’s getting harder to resist the need that floods my belly.
This damn virus. It’s worse than a drug. Like some sort of curse, it changes what’s in me at the basest level.
